Holiday Jam Cake
A rich, fruity holiday jam cake featuring blackberry jam, nuts, raisins, dates, coconut, and apple, perfect for festive gatherings and those who love moist, flavorful desserts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream shortening and sugar; add eggs and mix well.
- Add jam and buttermilk, alternating with sifted flour and soda.
- Stir in chopped nuts, raisins, coconut, chopped dates, and grated apple.
- Pour batter into three greased and floured 9-inch pans.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 to 40 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Frost with your preferred jam cake filling or frosting.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure the eggs are at room temperature before mixing. You can substitute vegetable oil for shortening if desired, and almond or walnut extract can enhance the nutty flavor. If you want a twist, consider using apricot or strawberry jam in place of blackberry. Adding a pinch of cinnamon can also elevate the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
This jam cake is delightful on its own but can be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. Pairs beautifully with Pineapple-Pecan Salad for a refreshing contrast. For a festive touch, consider drizzling with a simple glaze or serving with a side of fresh fruit.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover jam cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, wrap slices in foil and warm in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes, or microwave for 15-20 seconds until just warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Jam Cake contains roughly 780 calories, with 12g protein, 102g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (23% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. 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?
Absolutely! While blackberry jam is traditional, feel free to experiment with your favorite flavors such as raspberry, strawberry, or even orange marmalade. Each will impart a unique taste to the cake, allowing you to customize it to your liking.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version of this jam cake, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for proper texture. Also, double-check that all other ingredients, including baking soda and jam, are gluten-free.
Can I freeze the jam cake?
Yes, this cake freezes well! Wrap the cooled cake layers tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and serving for the best texture.
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).