Eggless, Milkless, Butterless Cake

Now here is a cake that should make some of you folks happy as it doen't contain dairy products. Plus it is a delicious spiced cake that's easy on the budget! This recipe came from Rosemary Marbach of Boston, Massachucetts and appeared in August 2009 issue of Guideposts. It was her Grandma's Depression Cake.

1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1 1/2 cups water
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 cups dark raisins
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground clove
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons water
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder

Preheat oven to 125*F. Combine sugar, water, oil, raisins and spices in a saucepan, and boil for 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Take pan off heat and let cool for 10 minutes. Dissolve baking soda and salt in 2 teaspoons of water and add to raisin mixture (it will foam). Blend in the flour and baking powder. Mix well. Pour batter into a greased 9-inch-square pan and bake for 55 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Let cake cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Serves 10 to 12.

Optional toppings:
(For those who like the dairy)
Whipped cream
Ice Cream
Yogurt
For those who avoid dairy:
Carmel or chocolate toppings