Spiced Cake with Golden Raisins

Despite the multiple cuisines that I have access to, Indian is still the hands down favorite. Come Friday, our dinner choices default to Mylai Masala or Saravana Bhavan. So when it comes to cakes and baking, why not give it an Indian twist?

I baked this cake with a number of spices including Coriander, Cayenne Pepper & Cinnamon, and glazed with Honey on top. The combination was different and quite addictive. I'd urge you to try it. It tastes brilliant with a mug of Ginger chai!


Spice Mix

• 3/4 tbsp Coriander
• 1/2 tbsp Cinnamon
• 1/2 tbsp Cayenne Pepper
• 3/4 tbsp All Spice

Other Ingredients

• 2 tbsp Baking powder
• 1/2 tbsp salt
• 3/4 cup Whole Milk
• 1 tbsp Vanilla Extract + 1 tbsp unsalted butter for glaze
• 3/4 cup (6 Oz) unsalted butter
• 1 cup dark brown sugar + 2 tbsp for glaze
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large Eggs
• 1/2 cup Golden Raisins
• 1/4 cup Honey

1. Grind the spices in the Spice Mix finely. I use Cuisinart's Spice & Nut Grinder and it is my most favorite kitchen gadget ! A lovely gift from another friend S, for my wedding :-)
2. Preheat the oven to 350 F, line the bottom of a cake pan with parchment paper. Take a Tbsp of the ground spice mix and add some baking soda. Sprinkle on top the parchment paper.
3. Sift the flour, remaining spice mix, baking powder, salt and set aside
4. In a small bowl, combine the Milk and Vanilla extract and set aside
5. Beat butter until creamy. Add both sugars and beat until pale and fluffy.
6. Slowly drizzle in eggs, beat well after each addition.
7. Alternate and add the flour mix and milk to the batter, beat until just combined. Fold in the raisins.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 mins, or until brown.
9. Take it out of the oven, and let it cool on a wire rack,

For the Glaze:

1. In a small saucepan, combine 2 tbsp sugar, honey and 1 tbsp butter. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook for about 3 mins to make the glaze. Pour over the cake, smooth on top using a spatula.

Hope you like it!