Gage'S Jam Cake
Gage's Jam Cake is a rich, moist dessert with the sweet and tangy flavor of blackberry jam, complemented by warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Its tender crumb makes it perfect for tea time or special occasions, appealing to those who love nostalgic, fruit-laden baked treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine shortening, sugar, and eggs in a mixing bowl and beat well.
- Add blackberry jam and mix thoroughly.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Pour the batter into greased layer pans.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your shortening is at room temperature before mixing. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. For added flavor, consider using a touch of vanilla extract. This cake can also be enhanced with chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Gage's Jam Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a delightful brunch option, consider serving it alongside scrambled eggs or a cool salad for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover jam cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it, which can extend its freshness to about a week. To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or enjoy it at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gage'S Jam Cake contains roughly 713 calories, with 3g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 69g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 997mg per serving (43% 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 a different type of jam in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute blackberry jam with raspberry, strawberry, or even peach jam for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the sweetness and tartness of the jam may slightly alter the final taste of the cake.
What if I don't have shortening?
If you don't have shortening, you can replace it with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil. Both alternatives will add richness to the cake, but using butter may make the cake slightly denser.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. If there’s wet batter on the toothpick, bake for an additional 5 minutes and check again.
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).