German Preserve Cake

Prep: 20 min Cook: 90 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: German

A moist, flavorful German preserve cake featuring a blend of spices, cherries, pineapples, apricot preserves, and pecans, perfect for gatherings and special occasions.

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Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup butter
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 4 eggs
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • 3 cups flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2/3 cup cherry preserves
  • 2/3 cup pineapple preserves
  • 2/3 cup apricot preserves
  • 1 cup pecans

Instructions

  1. Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
  2. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in vanilla.
  3. Sift together flour, nutmeg, allspice, and cinnamon.
  4. Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk (to which soda has been added), mixing well after each addition.
  5. Gently fold in the cherry, pineapple, and apricot preserves, along with the pecans.
  6. Pour batter into a greased tube pan.
  7. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 90 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Allow the cake to cool before removing from the pan. Serve moist.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, be sure to cream the butter and sugar until very fluffy. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Feel free to experiment with different preserves based on your preference; raspberry or strawberry preserves can also work well.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is delicious on its own, but it can also be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat. It also complements well with a light salad, such as Kuzu Shiitake Salad.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover 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, slice and warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of German Preserve Cake contains roughly 534 calories, with 6g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value) and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

534 kcal 27% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.5g 13% DV
Total Fat 19.3g 25% DV
Carbs 80.9g 29% DV
Fiber 4.8g 17% DV
Sugar 8.7g 17% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 206.6mg 9% DV
Potassium 620mg 13% DV
Cholesterol 196.5mg 66% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 49.9mcg 6% DV
Vitamin C 21.2mg 24% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 257.4mg 20% DV
Iron 2.5mg 14% DV
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

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 preserves in this cake?

Absolutely! While the original recipe uses cherry, pineapple, and apricot preserves, you can mix and match based on your taste preferences. Just keep the total quantity the same, and feel free to use any fruit preserves you enjoy.

What can I use instead of pecans?

If you're not a fan of pecans or have a nut allergy, you can substitute them with chopped walnuts or omit nuts entirely for a nut-free version. The cake will still be flavorful and moist without them.

How can I tell when the cake is done baking?

A toothpick inserted into the center of the cake should come out clean when it's fully baked. Additionally, the cake should spring back lightly when touched. If it’s still wet, give it a few more minutes in the oven.

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).

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