Black Jam Cake
Black Jam Cake is a rich, moist dessert with deep cocoa and fruity flavors, perfect for gatherings and pairing with tea or coffee.
Ingredients
Instructions
- First, beat the eggs in a large mixing bowl.
- Cream the butter and brown sugar together.
- Add the jam, raisins, and vanilla to the creamed mixture.
- Sift together the flour, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves.
- Dissolve the baking soda in the sour milk.
- Gradually add the sour milk mixture to the wet ingredients.
- Sift the dry ingredients into the mixture and combine well.
- Add the cocoa to the batter and mix thoroughly.
- Pour the batter into a prepared baking pan.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider substituting half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. If you don't have sour milk, you can make your own by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes. This cake can also be enhanced with a sprinkle of nutmeg or orange zest for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Black Jam Cake plain or with a dollop of whipped cream on top. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat. Consider serving it alongside a slice of Cran-Apricot Loaf for a lovely dessert platter or as part of a festive spread during the holidays.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Black Jam Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, simply slice a piece and warm it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or until just warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Black Jam Cake contains roughly 659 calories, with 12g protein, 112g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (101% of the Daily Value), iron (66% of the Daily Value), and calcium (41% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 28g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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! While the traditional recipe calls for fruit-based jam, you can experiment with flavors like raspberry, apricot, or even a spiced jam. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile of the cake may change slightly depending on the jam you choose.
What can I substitute for sour milk if I can't find it?
If you don't have sour milk available, mix one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice into one cup of regular milk and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. This will mimic the acidity of sour milk, which is essential for the baking soda to react properly.
Can I freeze the Black Jam Cake?
Yes, you can freeze the Black Jam Cake! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. To defrost, simply transfer it to the refrigerator overnight.
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).