Hines Family Jam Cake

Prep: 20 min Cook: 75 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A rich, spiced fruitcake featuring raisins, candied cherries, and jam, perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions, offering warm flavors and moist texture.

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Ingredients

  • 3 eggs
  • 2 cups brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup oleo
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon soda
  • 3 cups flour
  • 1 cup raisins
  • 1 cup chopped candied red cherries
  • 2 tablespoons molasses
  • 1 cup jam
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon allspice
  • 1 teaspoon cloves
  • 1 teaspoon nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Cream oleo and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
  2. Dissolve soda in buttermilk and set aside.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  4. Combine spices with flour, then alternately add flour mixture and buttermilk to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with flour.
  5. Fold in jam, raisins, and chopped candied cherries.
  6. Pour batter into a greased stem cake pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using dark brown sugar instead of light. You can substitute the oleo with unsalted butter for a more traditional taste. If you don't have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes. Adding nuts or swapping out the raisins for dried cranberries can also provide a nice twist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slices of the jam cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. It pairs beautifully with Linda Smith'S Apple-Grape Salad for a refreshing contrast. This cake is perfect for gatherings or as a thoughtful homemade gift, showcasing the charm of traditional American recipes.

Storage & Reheating

Allow the jam cake to cool completely before storing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week. To reheat, slice the cake and warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a cozy treat.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Hines Family Jam Cake contains roughly 559 calories, with 9g protein, 99g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (43% of the Daily Value), iron (34% of the Daily Value), and calcium (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. It also contributes 12g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

559 kcal 28% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.9g 18% DV
Total Fat 18.3g 23% DV
Carbs 99.2g 36% DV
Fiber 11.9g 43% DV
Sugar 23.7g 47% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 435.4mg 19% DV
Potassium 881.1mg 19% DV
Cholesterol 64.8mg 22% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 49.8mcg 6% DV
Vitamin C 1.3mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 345.1mg 27% DV
Iron 6.2mg 34% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 jam in this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely experiment with different jams! Strawberry, apricot, or even fig jam can be great alternatives that bring their own unique flavor profiles to the cake. Just ensure the jam is of good quality for the best results.

How can I ensure my cake is baked evenly?

To ensure even baking, make sure your oven is preheated to 350°F (175°C) before placing the cake inside. Additionally, rotate the cake halfway through the baking time. Using a cake tester or toothpick to check for doneness can also help prevent overbaking.

Is this cake suitable for freezing?

Absolutely! This jam cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight 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).

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