Step 1

Preheat oven to 350° and spray two 9 x 5 baking pans or a 13 x 9 baking dish with non stick spray. Set aside.

Step 2

In a medium sauce pan, cook raisins and shortening in 2 cups water for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. Do not drain the water.

Step 3

Once cooled, add sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg. Stir until combined.

Step 4

Stir in 2 cups of flour until combined.

Step 5

Next add 1 cup of water and 2 more cups of flour. Stir.

Step 6

Sprinkle baking soda over mixture and mix until combined.

Step 7

Pour into prepared baking dish.

Step 8

Cook at 350° for 40-50 minutes or until tooth pick inserted in the center comes out clean. *might need more time, start checking at 40 minutes.

Step 9

In a large bowl, beat butter and cream cheese together until smooth.

Step 10

Add vanilla, mix, then slowly add powdered sugar and beat until creamy.

Step 11

Frost cake once it has cooled completely.