This War Cake has an intense caramel flavours with notes of molasses. It is sweet enough and doesn't need any icing.

Combine raisins, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, water and butter in a medium casserole, bring to a boil and cook 3 Minutes. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature for about 1 hour OR faster in a cold water bath before proceeding with following steps.
Set oven rack in the center of the oven. Preheat oven at 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9 inch (23 cm) square pan.
Combine flour, baking powder and baking soda in a bowl and whisk in raisins mixture until just combined; do not overbeat. Add vanilla.
Pour in pan and bake 30 to 45 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center of the cake. To add more time: 5 minutes . Cool before serving.