Molasses Jam Cake
A rich, moist molasses jam cake with warm spices and fruity notes, perfect for holiday gatherings or comforting desserts that appeal to spice lovers and fruit enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together butter, shortening, and sugar until well combined.
- Add molasses and blackberry jam to the mixture and mix thoroughly.
- Separate the eggs, placing yolks and whites in separate bowls.
- Beat the egg yolks into the butter mixture one at a time.
- Sift together the dry ingredients: flour, soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, mixing after each addition.
- Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Fold the beaten egg whites into the batter gently until combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan and bake for approximately 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark molasses instead of light. If you don't have blackberry jam, raspberry or blueberry jam can be great substitutes. To ensure even baking, rotate the cake halfway through the baking time. If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup. This cake also pairs beautifully with Soft Chipper Cookies for a delightful dessert spread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cake warm or at room temperature, dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with a simple glaze for added sweetness. This cake is delicious on its own but also pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a complete meal, consider serving it after a hearty dish like Pecan-Cheese Crispies.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Molasses Jam Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it, where it can last up to a week. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or place the whole cake in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for approximately 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Molasses Jam Cake contains roughly 634 calories, with 8g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value) and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 532mg per serving (23% 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 make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the Molasses Jam Cake a day in advance. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature. This will help the flavors meld together and improve the cake's moisture.
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using. This will give you a similar acidity and texture needed for the cake.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version of this Molasses Jam Cake, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum, or add 1/4 teaspoon to mimic the texture of traditional flour. The cake should turn out well without sacrificing flavor.
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).