Mississippi Jam Cake
A rich, flavorful layered cake featuring blackberry jam and warm spices, perfect for special occasions or cozy gatherings with family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour with cinnamon, allspice, black pepper, and cocoa.
- Dissolve baking soda in buttermilk.
- Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
- Divide the batter into four layers and bake at 325°F until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once cooled, spread blackberry jam between layers and on top of the cake.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your butter is at room temperature before creaming it with sugar. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. The spices can be adjusted to taste; for a milder flavor, reduce the black pepper or omit it entirely.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mississippi Jam Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. It pairs beautifully with Cherry-Black Walnut Ice Cream for a delightful contrast. Complement it with a cup of coffee or tea for an enjoyable afternoon treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Mississippi Jam Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a warm, moist treat that enhances the flavor of the blackberry jam.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mississippi Jam Cake contains roughly 608 calories, with 16g protein, 127g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (112% of the Daily Value), iron (66% of the Daily Value), and calcium (59% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 575mg per serving (25% 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?
Yes, you can substitute blackberry jam with raspberry or strawberry jam if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly, but it will still be delicious. Experimenting with different jams can create unique variations of this classic cake.
What can I do if my cake layers are uneven?
If your cake layers come out uneven, you can level them using a serrated knife or a cake leveler. Trim the tops until they are flat before assembling the cake. This ensures that your layers stack neatly and presents beautifully when serving.
How can I make this cake more festive?
To make Mississippi Jam Cake more festive, consider adding a light dusting of powdered sugar on top or decorating with fresh berries and mint leaves. A drizzle of chocolate ganache or a cream cheese frosting can also elevate the cake and make it suitable for special occasions.
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).