3 Layer Jam Cake

Prep: 20 min Cook: 40 min Cuisine: American

A rich, moist three-layer jam cake bursting with warm spices, raisins, and nuts, perfect for special occasions or teatime indulgence with a fruity kick.

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Ingredients

  • 5 eggs
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 3 cups flour
  • 1 cup butter
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cloves
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons allspice
  • 1 cup raisins
  • 1 cup chopped nuts
  • 1 cup jam

Instructions

  1. Cream the butter until smooth, then gradually add sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
  2. Add well beaten eggs to the creamed mixture and mix well.
  3. Sift together the flour, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and a pinch of salt.
  4. Add baking soda to the buttermilk and stir to combine.
  5. Alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture, mixing well after each addition.
  6. Fold in the raisins and chopped nuts.
  7. Add the jam and gently mix to incorporate.
  8. Grease three cake pans and divide the batter evenly among them.
  9. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for approximately 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor, consider using a mix of jams like raspberry and apricot for a unique twist. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Make sure the eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter.

Serving Suggestions

This 3 Layer Jam Cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a delightful brunch, serve it alongside fresh fruit or a light salad. It also makes a wonderful dessert for gatherings, complementing coffee or tea.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, wrap slices in foil and warm in a low oven for 10 minutes, ensuring they stay moist.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of 3 Layer Jam Cake contains roughly 2116 calories, with 17g protein, 339g carbohydrates, and 90g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (75% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (66% of the Daily Value), and calcium (52% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1597mg per serving (69% of the Daily Value).

2116 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 17.3g 35% DV
Total Fat 90.4g 100% DV
Carbs 339.5g 100% DV
Fiber 18.6g 66% DV
Sugar 176.4g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1596.9mg 69% DV
Potassium 1792.8mg 38% DV
Cholesterol 341.7mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 85.2mcg 9% DV
Vitamin C 67.9mg 75% DV
Vitamin D 0.8mcg 4% DV
Calcium 674.8mg 52% DV
Iron 7.9mg 44% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of jam in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with various jams like strawberry, peach, or even citrus flavors. Each type will give the cake a unique taste and character, making it a fun way to personalize your dessert.

What can I substitute for the raisins?

If you're not a fan of raisins, chopped dried fruits like apricots or cranberries work well. You could also use chocolate chips for a more decadent version, akin to the flavors found in Chocolate Cherry Drop Cookies.

Is this cake suitable for freezing?

Yes, this cake freezes well! Wrap individual layers tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving to maintain its moisture and flavor.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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