Grandma Hardin'S Christmas Jam Cakegroves, Texas
A rich, fruity Christmas cake with strawberry preserves, nuts, and warm spices, perfect for festive gatherings and family celebrations during the holiday season.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together the butter and sugar, then add the eggs and beat until well combined.
- Add the remaining ingredients: buttermilk, strawberry preserves, nuts, raisins, spices, baking soda, baking powder, flour, and cocoa.
- Mix all ingredients until blended thoroughly.
- Pour the batter into a prepared baking pan and bake at 350°F until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 50 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of Grandma Hardin's Christmas Jam Cake, consider using homemade strawberry preserves for a fresher taste. You can substitute walnuts for pecans if preferred, and use almond milk in place of buttermilk for a dairy-free version. Make sure to sift the flour and cocoa together to avoid lumps for a smoother batter.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Grandma Hardin's Christmas Jam Cake with a dollop of whipped cream on top for a delightful finish. It pairs beautifully with Garlic Potatoes for a festive meal. For an added touch, consider drizzling a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cake before serving, or enjoy it alongside a hot cup of coffee.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, slice the cake and warm it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, ensuring it stays moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma Hardin'S Christmas Jam Cakegroves, Texas contains roughly 517 calories, with 10g protein, 109g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (107% of the Daily Value), calcium (66% of the Daily Value), and iron (53% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 30g 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 other types of preserves for this cake?
Yes, you can experiment with different flavors of preserves such as raspberry or peach. Each will give the cake a unique twist. Just keep in mind that the sweetness and flavor intensity may vary, so adjust the sugar in the recipe slightly if needed.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Just ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum for better texture, or add it separately according to the package instructions.
How can I enhance the spices in the cake?
To intensify the spice flavors, consider increasing the amounts of nutmeg, allspice, and cloves by 1/4 teaspoon each. You can also add a dash of cinnamon for extra warmth. Just be cautious not to overpower the cake's sweetness with too many spices.
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).