Arlene'S Old Kentucky Jam Cake
A moist, flavorful jam cake with rich blackberry and cherry preserves, complemented by warm spices and crunchy pecans, perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar.
- Beat in eggs until well combined.
- Add blackberry jam and cherry preserves; mix thoroughly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Dissolve baking soda in buttermilk; add to the wet ingredients.
- Stir in raisins and chopped pecans.
- Pour batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine. You can substitute the blackberry jam with raspberry jam or even apple butter if desired. If you're short on time, pre-made cake mixes can be a quick alternative, but the homemade flavor of this cake is worth the effort. To enhance the spices, try adding a pinch of nutmeg.
Serving Suggestions
This delightful jam cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Consider serving it alongside a fruit salad, like Creamy Orange And Pineapple Salad, to balance the sweetness. It also makes a great dessert for gatherings or picnics and can be enjoyed with 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, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or let it sit at room temperature for a bit before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Arlene'S Old Kentucky Jam Cake contains roughly 354 calories, with 5g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 869mg per serving (38% 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 other types of jam for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the blackberry jam with other fruit jams like raspberry or strawberry. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly, so choose a jam that you enjoy.
What can I do if my cake sinks in the middle?
A sinking cake could be a result of underbaking or too much moisture in the batter. Ensure your oven is properly calibrated and that you’re measuring ingredients accurately. It’s also important to let the cake cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to prevent collapsing.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake actually tastes better after a day or two as the flavors meld. You can bake it ahead of time, cool it completely, and then store it wrapped in plastic wrap. Just remember to frost or serve it only when you're ready to enjoy, to preserve its texture.
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).