Ahh, Golden Raisin Vanilla Cake Squares 🍰✨—soft, tender, subtly sweet, with little bursts of golden raisins in every bite. Here’s a classic recipe that’s simple and perfect for snacking or dessert.
Ingredients (for a 9Ă—13-inch pan)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup golden raisins (plump if possible, optional: soak in warm water 10–15 minutes and drain)
Optional topping:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Glaze: ½ cup powdered sugar + 1–2 tsp milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven & prep pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan (or line with parchment paper). - Mix dry ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. - Cream butter & sugar
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. - Add eggs & vanilla
Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract. - Combine with milk & flour
Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix. - Fold in raisins
Gently fold in golden raisins so they’re evenly distributed. - Bake
Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. - Cool & serve
Let cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then cut into squares. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle glaze if desired.
Pro Tips
- Plump raisins: Soaking them in warm water, juice, or even rum adds juiciness and prevents them from drying out in the oven.
- Extra flavor: Add ½ tsp cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the batter for warmth.
- Moist cake: Substitute half the milk with yogurt or sour cream for a slightly denser, more tender crumb.
If you want, I can give a “fancy bakery-style” version with a light vanilla glaze and a sprinkle of toasted almonds that makes these cake squares extra irresistible.
Do you want me to do that?
