Jam-Up Cake
A moist, fruity cake with layers of preserves and tender batter, perfect for dessert or teatime, offering a delightful combination of sweetness and tang.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together the cream cheese, butter, and sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Add vanilla extract and mix.
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
- Spread half of the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Spread the preserves evenly over the batter.
- Top with the remaining batter, spreading gently to cover the preserves.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter cake, consider substituting half the butter with unsweetened applesauce. If you want to add a twist, incorporate a teaspoon of almond extract for a unique flavor. Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easier blending. To prevent the preserves from sinking, you can toss them in a bit of flour before layering them in the cake. This Jam-Up Cake is a delightful twist on traditional American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Jam-Up Cake warm or at room temperature, optionally dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a delightful afternoon treat, enjoy it alongside a cup of coffee or tea. This cake also makes a great addition to a dessert table featuring treats like Chocolate Crinkle Top Cookies.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, slice a piece and warm it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or until just heated through. This will help retain the cake's moist texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jam-Up Cake contains roughly 227 calories, with 1g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 895mg per serving (39% of the Daily Value).
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 preserves for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use any fruit preserves you prefer, such as raspberry, apricot, or even a mix of different flavors. Each type will impart its unique taste, making the cake versatile. Just ensure the preserves are spreadable and not too thick for even layering.
What type of flour should I use for this cake?
All-purpose flour is ideal for this recipe, as it provides the right texture and structure. However, if you're looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute it with a gluten-free all-purpose blend, ensuring it has xanthan gum for best results.
How can I tell 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 attached, but no wet batter. Keep an eye on the edges; they should be lightly golden. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil.
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).