Penn Herb Wellness Guide

Depression Cake

Depression Cake: Main Image

Quick Facts

Servings: 9
Cook Time: 50 min.
Named for the period in history when eggs and sugar were scarce, this cake is very light. It is excellent for after-school snacks or served with tea.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup raisins
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 Tbs canola oil
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup white flour
  • 1 cup whole wheat cake flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground nutmeg

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 325F (162.7C). Place raisins and water in a saucepan and cook over medium heat until water is reduced to about one cup (240mL). Set aside to cool. Cream sugar and oil by beating vigorously. Add raisins and liquid. Beat together until the mixture is smooth. Add flours, baking soda, and spices, and mix well. Bake in a lightly oiled 9-inch square (23x23cm) pan for 3040 minutes.
  • Makes 9 servings.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 282
  Calories from Fat 31 (11%)
(5%)Total Fat 4g
(2%)Saturated Fat 0g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 2g
(0%)Cholesterol 0mg
(9%)Sodium 223mg
(7%)Potassium 255mg
Total Carbohydrate 61g
(6%)Dietary Fiber 2g
Sugars 35g
Sugar Alcohols 0g
(7%)Protein 3g
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Nutrition facts are calculated by a food expert using nutritional values provided by the USDA for common products used as recipe ingredients. Actual nutritional values may differ depending on the amounts or products used and can be affected by cooking methods.

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The information presented here is for informational purposes only and was created by a team of USregistered dietitians and food experts. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements, making dietary changes, or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.