Mama Crow'S Raisin Nut Jam Cake
Mama Crow's Raisin Nut Jam Cake offers a moist, flavorful treat with rich raisin and spice notes, complemented by the sweetness of blackberry jam. Perfect for special occasions or teatime, its tender crumb and fruity bursts make it a delightful choice for those who love fruity, spiced cakes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter or margarine and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs well, then add the jam.
- Sift the dry ingredients (flour, ground allspice, ground cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda) and add alternately with the buttermilk to the mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Beat well after each addition.
- Stir in the dark raisins and chopped nuts.
- Pour the batter into three greased and floured 9-inch cake pans.
- Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely on racks before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nuttier flavor, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and letting it sit for 5 minutes. This recipe can also be made with different jams, such as raspberry or apricot, for a unique twist. Remember to sift the dry ingredients to ensure a light and fluffy cake.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is delightful on its own but can be enhanced with a dusting of powdered sugar or a light cream cheese frosting. It pairs beautifully with Mama Fisackerly Tea Cakes for a lovely afternoon tea spread. Consider serving it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply slice and warm in the microwave for a few seconds or enjoy it cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mama Crow'S Raisin Nut Jam Cake contains roughly 622 calories, with 8g protein, 102g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (49% of the Daily Value), calcium (37% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 590mg per serving (26% 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 a different type of jam for this cake?
Absolutely! While blackberry jam is recommended for its flavor, you can experiment with other jams such as strawberry, raspberry, or apricot. Each type of jam will give the cake a distinct taste, so feel free to choose your favorite.
What can I substitute for the dark raisins?
If you’re not a fan of dark raisins, you can replace them with golden raisins or even dried cranberries for a tart flavor. Chopped dried fruits like apricots or figs also make great alternatives and can add a different texture and taste to the cake.
Can this cake be made in advance?
Yes, this cake can be made a day in advance. Just make sure to cool it completely before wrapping it in plastic wrap to maintain its moisture. It can also be frozen for longer storage, allowing you to enjoy it even weeks later. Just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator 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).