Why You’ll Love this Heavenly Yum-Yum Cake
When you’re craving something truly special to serve after dinner or bring to a potluck, this Heavenly Yum-Yum Cake is guaranteed to become your new go-to recipe. I’m obsessed with how the plump raisins infuse every bite with natural sweetness, while the hint of coffee adds unexpected depth.
The texture? Perfect. Moist but not dense, with a beautiful crumb that holds together on your fork. And can we talk about how amazing your kitchen will smell? The cinnamon-sugar aroma wafting through the house is practically worth making it for that alone.
What Ingredients are in Heavenly Yum-Yum Cake?
This Heavenly Yum-Yum Cake features a delightful combination of pantry staples that come together to create something truly magical.
What makes this cake so special is how ordinary ingredients transform into an extraordinary treat. The raisins provide natural sweetness while the coffee adds a subtle depth that most people can’t quite put their finger on but absolutely love.
And the best part? You probably have most of these ingredients sitting in your pantry right now.
- 12 ounces raisins
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons shortening
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 cup coffee
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 3 cups flour
When shopping for ingredients, try to find plump, moist raisins rather than dry ones—they’ll incorporate better into the batter and provide more flavor.
For the coffee, you can use whatever you have on hand—regular, decaf, or even a flavored variety like hazelnut for a subtle twist.
The shortening helps create that perfect crumb texture, but in a pinch, unsalted butter would work too, though it might slightly alter the final texture.
How to Make this Heavenly Yum-Yum Cake
Creating this magical cake is surprisingly simple, and I just love how the house fills with the aroma of cinnamon and raisins while it bakes. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F—this gives you plenty of time to prepare the batter while the oven reaches the perfect temperature.
In a medium saucepan, combine 12 ounces of raisins, 2 cups of sugar, 2 cups of water, 2 tablespoons of shortening, and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon. This mixture needs to come to a boil over medium heat, where you’ll let it bubble away for about 5 minutes. Don’t wander off during this step; give it an occasional stir to prevent those raisins from clumping together.
When the time’s up, remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature. Patience here is key—rushing this cooling step might affect how well your cake rises.
Once the mixture has cooled, it’s time for the coffee to work its magic. Mix 2 teaspoons of baking soda into 1/2 cup of coffee, then pour this into your saucepan. The mixture might foam up slightly—that’s the baking soda reacting, and it’s exactly what we want for a tender crumb.
Now, gradually add 3 cups of flour to the saucepan, whisking continuously until you have a smooth batter. Don’t worry if it seems quite runny; that’s the perfect consistency for this wonderfully moist cake.
Pour this heavenly mixture into a bundt pan that you’ve generously greased and floured (those nooks and crannies in bundt pans can be cake-grabbers if not properly prepared). Into the oven it goes for about an hour, though I always recommend checking with a toothpick around the 55-minute mark.
When the toothpick comes out clean, let the cake cool in its pan for 15 minutes before inverting it onto a cake plate. Those 15 minutes allow the cake to settle and release from the pan more easily, saving you from the heartbreak of a broken cake.
If you’re planning to bake several of these delicious cakes for a family gathering, using a programmable electric slow cooker could save you valuable oven space.
Heavenly Yum-Yum Cake Substitutions and Variations
Although the classic Heavenly Yum-Yum Cake is divine just as written, I’ve discovered that this versatile recipe welcomes adaptations to suit different dietary needs and flavor preferences.
Want to go gluten-free? Simply swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend. Dried cranberries or chopped dates can replace raisins for a different fruity twist. Not a coffee fan? Try orange juice or chai tea instead.
For a richer flavor profile, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
Spice lovers might enjoy a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom alongside the cinnamon.
What to Serve with Heavenly Yum-Yum Cake
When you’ve baked a perfect Heavenly Yum-Yum Cake, what could possibly complement such a sweet masterpiece?
I’m convinced that a dollop of fresh whipped cream works wonders, cutting through the richness with its airy texture.
For a more decadent approach, try vanilla bean ice cream—the warm-cold contrast is divine.
Coffee lovers, listen up: a shot of espresso or cup of dark roast brings out those subtle cinnamon notes.
Feeling fancy? A drizzle of caramel sauce creates a stunning presentation.
My personal favorite? A simple glass of milk. Sometimes classics can’t be beat.
Final Thoughts
The Heavenly Yum-Yum Cake has become more than just a recipe to me—it’s a celebration in bundt form.
There’s something magical about the way those plump raisins meld with cinnamon and coffee, creating a dessert that’s both nostalgic and fresh.
What makes this cake special? Perhaps it’s the simplicity of ingredients combined in just the right way.
Or maybe it’s how versatile it is, perfect for both Tuesday night treats and special gatherings.
I hope you’ll try this family favorite.
Sometimes the most unassuming recipes become the ones we treasure most.
