Rub the flour and butter together until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. Add the sugar, currants, cocoa powder, spice and baking soda and mix well. Add the buttermilk and mix to a smooth dough ...

Inspired by the resourcefulness of Homefront bakers during World War I—when fresh fruit was scarce and creativity was key—this cake uses canned pineapple, a pantry staple of the time, to ...