Grandma Dooley'S Jam Cake
Grandma Dooley's Jam Cake is a moist, spiced dessert featuring a rich blackberry jam flavor complemented by warm cinnamon, allspice, and cloves. Its tender crumb and nutty texture make it perfect for family gatherings or cozy afternoon tea. A nostalgic treat with a delightful fruity sweetness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift together the flour, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves.
- In a separate bowl, add soda to the buttermilk.
- Cream the shortening and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the blackberry jam to the creamed mixture and mix well.
- Alternately add the buttermilk mixture and flour mixture to the creamed mixture, blending well after each addition.
- Stir in the chopped nuts.
- Pour the batter into a greased and floured Bundt pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 to 1 1/4 hours or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, you can sift the flour twice before measuring. If you don't have shortening, unsalted butter works well as a substitute but will impart a slightly different flavor. To enhance the spices, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg. This cake is also delicious with variations like adding orange zest for a citrus twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Grandma Dooley's Jam Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. It pairs beautifully with a cup of hot tea or coffee. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside Fresh Apple Pecan Cake or Coconut-Orange Chess Pie for a dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, slice individual pieces and warm them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or enjoy it at room temperature. This cake can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma Dooley'S Jam Cake contains roughly 473 calories, with 11g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (22% of the Daily Value), protein (21% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 6g 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 a different type of jam in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute blackberry jam with other fruit jams like raspberry or strawberry. Just ensure that the flavor complements the spices in the cake. The texture may vary slightly, but the cake will still be delicious.
What can I do if my cake sinks in the middle?
A sinking cake often indicates that the oven temperature was too low or the cake was underbaked. Make sure to preheat the oven properly and check doneness with a toothpick before the minimum baking time. Adjust baking time as needed.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Be sure to check that all other ingredients, such as baking soda, are gluten-free as well.
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).