Raisin cake dates back to at least the time of the reign of David, circa 1010–970 BCE.

[12][13] Some recipes in the United States circa the early 1900s utilized lard as an ingredient, which could be used instead of butter.

[6][14] It is sometimes prepared with the omission of some standard cake ingredients, such as butter, eggs or milk.

[16] The cake dates back to the time of the American Civil War (1861–1865), when it was prepared in frontier areas using the Dutch oven.

[17] Basic versions during this time were typically prepared using only raisins, sugar and a fat, such as vegetable shortening or lard.