Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- The Story Behind Poor Man’s Cake
- Why This Sweet Easy Recipes Classic Still Shines
- Simple Comfort for Busy Days
- Sweet Memories and Timeless Traditions
- Budget-Friendly Baking Tips
- How Betty Cooks Brings it All Together
- Notes & Tips
Key Takeaways
This classic Poor Man’s Cake is one of those sweet easy recipes that brings back warm childhood memories. With its humble ingredients and incredibly rich flavor, it’s a delicious dessert you can count on when time and budget are both tight. Betty from Betty Cooks shares this family-favorite recipe that’s perfect for dessert tables, potlucks, or simply enjoying a cozy treat at home.

The Story Behind Poor Man’s Cake
This dessert has deep roots in American history, tracing back to the Great Depression when ingredients like butter, eggs, and milk were scarce. Sweet easy recipes like this one were passed down through generations, built from pantry staples and plenty of love. Betty remembers her own grandma making this cake during hard times — and it always made things feel just a bit brighter.

Why This Sweet Easy Recipes Classic Still Shines
What makes this cake stand out among other quick and easy recipes is its simplicity and flavor. It’s moist, subtly spiced, and full of raisins and brown sugar goodness. It’s one of those food receipt easy recipes that proves you don’t need fancy ingredients to make something amazing. Whether you’re baking for your family or prepping for guests, this cake delivers every time.

Simple Comfort for Busy Days
We all need a few go-to desserts that require little fuss. That’s why sweet easy recipes like this one are so special. With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of time in the oven, you get a dessert that feels homemade and heartfelt. It’s a great fit for busy bakers, and even works as an air fryer desserts easy recipes idea if you’re feeling creative.

Sweet Memories and Timeless Traditions
For Betty, baking Poor Man’s Cake is about more than just dessert. It’s about keeping family traditions alive. These sweet easy recipes are like edible heirlooms — passed from generation to generation, and always shared around the table. They’re also incredibly adaptable, so you can tweak it for your own taste or dietary needs.
Budget-Friendly Baking Tips
Whether you’re trying to save or just want to simplify, this dessert shows how butter swim biscuits easy recipes and other humble bakes can still satisfy. Swap in what you have on hand, skip the extras, and you’ll still have a cake that everyone will love. These quick and easy recipes offer sweet comfort without breaking the bank.
How Betty Cooks Brings it All Together
At Betty Cooks, we celebrate the recipes that bring families together. This one is no exception. With sweet easy recipes that are nostalgic, budget-friendly, and absolutely delicious, Betty’s site is a treasure trove of comfort food and everyday classics. Explore more and share your own family stories with us.
Notes & Tips
Store this cake covered at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for longer freshness. Serve as-is or topped with a dollop of whipped cream or dusting of powdered sugar. You can also fold in chopped nuts or swap raisins for dried cranberries. Make it your own!


Poor Man’s Cake – Sweet Easy Recipes Classic
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons shortening
- 1 cup raisins
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- In a medium saucepan, combine water, brown sugar, shortening, and raisins.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat and let simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Pour the cooled raisin mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
- Fold in chopped walnuts if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool before slicing and serving.
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