A. J.'S Jam Cake
A rich, fruity jam cake featuring blackberry or strawberry jam, toasted pecans, raisins, and warm spices, perfect for celebrations or teatime indulgence.
Ingredients
- 1 cup seedless blackberry jam or strawberry jam
- 1 cup chopped pecans ⓘ
- 1 cup seedless raisins ⓘ
- 1 cup flaked coconut ⓘ
- 1 cup butter or margarine, melted ⓘ
- 2 cups sugar ⓘ
- 3 cups plain flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon powdered cloves ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 3 whole eggs ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325° to 350°F.
- Blend all ingredients together, mixing well until combined.
- Pour the batter into three buttered and floured round pans.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moister cake, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or a bit of buttermilk to the batter. If you don't have blackberry or strawberry jam, any fruit jam can work as a substitute. Toasting the pecans before adding them enhances their flavor. Be cautious not to overmix the batter; this can lead to a denser cake. For variations, try incorporating spices like cardamom or swapping some flour for almond flour as in other American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of A. J.'s Jam Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it perfect for afternoon gatherings. You can also serve it alongside a fresh fruit salad for a balanced dessert. Consider enjoying it with a slice of Rich White Cake for a delightful dessert table.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover jam 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, slice individual pieces and warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or use the oven at 300°F for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through. This keeps the cake moist and delicious.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of A. J.'S Jam Cake contains roughly 1553 calories, with 24g protein, 238g carbohydrates, and 62g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (84% of the Daily Value), iron (60% of the Daily Value), and calcium (54% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1397mg per serving (61% of the Daily Value).
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 frozen fruit instead of jam?
While frozen fruit can be used, it may alter the texture of the cake. If using, ensure the fruit is well-drained and diced. You may also need to adjust the sugar content, as fresh fruit can be less sweet than jam. For best results, stick with jam for the intended flavor and moisture levels.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum to help with texture. Additionally, keep an eye on baking time, as gluten-free cakes can vary in baking duration. It’s a great way to enjoy a classic cake while accommodating dietary restrictions.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The cake is done baking when it is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you notice the edges pulling away from the pan, that's also a good indicator. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking to avoid overcooking. Each oven can vary slightly, so adjust as needed.
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).