Famous Jam Cake
A rich, spiced jam cake layered with blackberry preserves, perfect for special occasions or teatime, offering warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the butter and brown sugar together until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Incorporate the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice into the mixture.
- Dissolve the soda in the cream or milk, then add to the batter, mixing thoroughly.
- Fold in the blackberry jam or preserves until evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into four greased cake pans to make four thick layers.
- Bake each layer at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the layers to cool, then assemble with icing between each layer.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of vanilla extract to the batter. You can substitute buttermilk for the cream or milk for a tangy twist. If you prefer a different jam, raspberry or strawberry preserves can work beautifully. Also, ensure the eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter.
Serving Suggestions
This jam cake is delightful on its own, but you can elevate it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect afternoon treat. It also pairs beautifully with Overnight Almond Coffee Cake for a dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cake layers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap each layer in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, place in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through, ensuring the cake stays moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Famous Jam Cake contains roughly 1799 calories, with 19g protein, 354g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (104% of the Daily Value), iron (65% of the Daily Value), and calcium (55% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 800mg per serving (35% 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 make this cake in advance?
Yes, you can bake the layers in advance and store them wrapped in plastic wrap. They can be kept at room temperature for a couple of days or frozen for longer. Just remember to assemble with icing shortly before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What can I use instead of blackberry jam?
If blackberry jam isn't available, raspberry or strawberry preserves are excellent substitutes that will still provide a fruity flavor. You can even experiment with homemade jams or fruit compotes for a personalized touch.
How can I ensure my cake layers are even?
To achieve even layers, use a kitchen scale to measure the batter for each pan. Additionally, leveling the batter with a spatula before baking can help ensure a uniform rise, resulting in beautifully layered cakes.
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).