German Wine Cake
A rich German wine cake bursting with warm spices, nuts, and fruity jam, perfect for gatherings or cozy afternoons with a glass of wine.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter ⓘ
- 1 cup sugar ⓘ
- 3 egg yolks ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 3/4 cup blackberry jam ⓘ
- 1/8 cup buttermilk ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/2 cup wine or grape juice ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups sifted flour ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice ⓘ
- 1 cup nuts ⓘ
- 3 egg whites
Instructions
- Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add egg yolks one at a time and mix thoroughly.
- Mix in the blackberry jam.
- Stir together buttermilk and soda.
- Add the buttermilk mixture to the creamed mixture.
- Sift together flour, salt, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and allspice.
- Add the sifted dry ingredients to the mixture alternately with the wine or grape juice.
- Stir in the nuts.
- Carefully fold in the stiffly beaten egg whites.
- Pour the batter into a greased Bundt pan.
- Bake at 350°F until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a dessert wine like Riesling or a fruity grape juice. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute it by mixing milk with a teaspoon of vinegar and letting it sit for a few minutes. To achieve a lighter texture, ensure that the egg whites are beaten until stiff peaks form before folding them into the batter.
Serving Suggestions
German Wine Cake is delightful on its own but pairs beautifully with whipped cocoa cream frosting for added indulgence. Serve it alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon treat. For a festive touch, consider garnishing with fresh berries or a light dusting of powdered sugar, making it an excellent choice for brunch or dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover German Wine 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 15-20 seconds or enjoy it at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of German Wine Cake contains roughly 443 calories, with 15g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (30% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (23% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D.
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?
Absolutely! While blackberry jam adds a unique flavor, you can substitute it with raspberry or even apricot jam for a different twist. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly, but it will still be delicious.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Baking time can vary, so start checking around the 30-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake can be made a day in advance. In fact, letting it sit for a day allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just be sure to store it properly and bring it to room temperature before serving.
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).