Golden raisin vanilla cake squares

Soft and moist golden raisin vanilla cake squares made with butter, eggs, and milk. A simple homemade cake recipe with step-by-step instructions, perfect for tea time, snacks, or dessert.

Golden Raisin Vanilla Cake Squares

Soft, buttery vanilla cake studded with sweet golden raisins. These cake squares are moist, lightly flavored, and perfect for tea time, lunch boxes, or simple desserts.

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Preparation Details

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Baking time: 35–40 minutes

• Yield: 9–12 squares

• Pan size: 8 × 8 inch square pan

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Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1½ teaspoons baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ cup milk, room temperature

Add-ins

• ¾ cup golden raisins

Optional:

• 1 tablespoon flour (for coating raisins)

• Powdered sugar for dusting after baking

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Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prepare the baking pan

1. Preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F).

2. Grease an 8 × 8 inch square baking pan.

3. Line with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

4. Lightly grease the parchment.

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Step 2: Prepare the raisins

1. Place golden raisins in a small bowl.

2. Rinse quickly with warm water and drain well.

3. Pat dry with a paper towel.

4. Toss with 1 tablespoon of flour to prevent sinking.

5. Set aside.

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Step 3: Mix dry ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, sift together:

   • All-purpose flour

   • Baking powder

   • Salt

2. Mix gently and set aside.

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Step 4: Cream butter and sugar

1. In a large mixing bowl, add softened butter.

2. Beat with a hand mixer or whisk for 1–2 minutes until smooth.

3. Add sugar and cream together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.

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Step 5: Add eggs and vanilla

1. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

2. Add vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.

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Step 6: Combine wet and dry ingredients

1. Add half of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture.

2. Mix gently until just combined.

3. Add milk and mix lightly.

4. Add remaining dry ingredients.

5. Fold gently using a spatula until no dry flour remains.
   Do not overmix.

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Step 7: Fold in raisins

1. Add prepared golden raisins to the batter.

2. Fold gently until evenly distributed.

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Step 8: Bake the cake

1. Pour batter into the prepared pan.

2. Spread evenly with a spatula.

3. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to release air bubbles.

4. Bake for 35–40 minutes.

5. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center.
   It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

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Step 9: Cool and slice

1. Remove the cake from the oven.

2. Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.

3. Lift out using parchment paper and place on a wire rack.

4. Cool completely before cutting into squares.

5. Dust lightly with powdered sugar if desired.

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Storage

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

• Refrigerate for up to 5 days.

• Can be frozen for up to 2 month