Raised Cake. Mrs. Jennie Hershberger, Tiffin, Ohio. Recipe

The history of the Raised Cake recipe dates back many generations and has been passed down through the Hershberger family of Tiffin, Ohio. Mrs. Jennie Hershberger, a beloved member of the family, was known for her love of baking and her delicious Raised Cake. This recipe combines traditional ingredients with a unique method of using bread sponge, resulting in a cake that is light, fluffy, and full of flavor.

Now, let's delve into the recipe itself. To make Mrs. Jennie Hershberger's Raised Cake, you will need the following ingredients:

- Three cups of bread sponge (a fermented mixture of flour, water, and yeast)
- Three cups of sugar
- One cup of butter
- Three eggs
- One teaspoonful of soda, dissolved in a little water
- One pound of raisins
- One teaspoonful each of cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice
- Flour, enough to stiffen the dough

Before we proceed with the instructions, it's important to note that the bread sponge used in this recipe is a crucial component. You can create a bread sponge by mixing together equal parts of flour, lukewarm water, and yeast, and letting it rise overnight in a warm place. This will create a bubbly and active sponge that will contribute to the lightness and texture of the cake.

Now, let's move on to the step-by-step process:

1. In a mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Stir in the dissolved soda mixture.
4. Gradually add the bread sponge, mixing well after each addition.
5. In a separate bowl, combine the raisins and spices.
6. Slowly add the raisin and spice mixture to the batter, ensuring that it is evenly distributed.
7. Begin adding flour gradually until the dough reaches a stiff consistency.
8. Once the dough is stiff enough, turn it out onto a well-floured surface and knead it for a few minutes to ensure it is well combined.
9. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
10. Grease and flour a cake pan or bundt pan.
11. Transfer the dough to the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
12. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
13. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
14. Carefully transfer the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Now, let's uncover some fun facts about Raised Cake! Raised Cake, also known as Raised Spice Cake, is a traditional cake that can be traced back to colonial times. The use of bread sponge as a leavening agent was a common practice in early American baking, as it provided a naturally fermented and flavorful element to the cake. The addition of raisins and a blend of spices such as cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice adds depth and warmth to the cake's taste.

Raised Cake is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed on various occasions. It is often served during holidays and family gatherings, bringing with it a sense of nostalgia and tradition. The cake's airy texture and rich flavor make it a delightful treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.

If you enjoyed making and tasting Mrs. Jennie Hershberger's Raised Cake, you might also be interested in exploring similar recipes. Some other spiced cakes that share a similar heritage and flavor profile include:

1. German spice cake: This cake is often made with a blend of warm spices, such as cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. It is traditionally enjoyed during the holiday season in Germany and has a moist, dense texture.

2. British fruitcake: Fruitcake is a classic Christmas staple in the UK. It is packed with dried fruits, such as raisins, currants, and candied citrus peel, and often soaked in alcohol for added richness.

3. Indian carrot cake: Carrot cake is a popular dessert in many countries, and in India, it is often spiced with cardamom and topped with a creamy frosting made of mascarpone or cream cheese.

Each of these recipes offers its own unique take on spiced cakes, and exploring them can be a delightful culinary adventure.

So, go ahead and enjoy the process of baking this delicious Raised Cake, infused with the history and love that has been passed down through the Hershberger family. May your baking endeavors be filled with joy and the sweetest of memories.