Mom'S Jam Cake
A rich, fruity jam cake with a blend of spices, nuts, and dried fruits, ideal for special occasions or holiday gatherings, offering warm, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
- 3 cups flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon allspice ⓘ
- 1 package candied cherries ⓘ
- 1/2 box raisins ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cloves ⓘ
- 1 cup shortening ⓘ
- 3/4 cup grape juice concentrate ⓘ
- 1 jar blackberry jam ⓘ
- 1 bag figs or 1 box dates, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cups chopped nuts ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons molasses ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 cups brown sugar ⓘ
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup bourbon or brandy
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cream together the sugar and shortening.
- Add eggs, molasses, grape juice, and blackberry jam; mix well.
- Sift all dry ingredients together in a separate bowl.
- Gradually add dry ingredients alternately with bourbon to the wet mixture, mixing after each addition.
- Stir in candied cherries, chopped figs or dates, raisins, and chopped nuts.
- Pour the batter evenly into three greased and lined 9-inch cake pans.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of Mom's Jam Cake, consider using freshly grated nutmeg instead of pre-ground for a more aromatic touch. If you don't have bourbon or brandy, apple juice can be a good non-alcoholic substitute. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing, as this helps the batter combine more smoothly. For an extra kick, you can add a splash of orange juice to the batter.
Serving Suggestions
Mom's Jam Cake is delightful on its own but pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a cozy afternoon treat, serve it alongside a cup of coffee or tea. This cake also makes a wonderful dessert for holiday gatherings, complementing other seasonal desserts like *Wonderful Coconut Cream Pie*.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, slice individual pieces and warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy them cold. The flavors will continue to develop over time.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Jam Cake contains roughly 574 calories, with 7g protein, 130g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (60% of the Daily Value), calcium (36% of the Daily Value), and iron (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. It also contributes 17g 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 fresh fruit instead of candied cherries?
Yes, you can use fresh fruit, but keep in mind that it may alter the texture and moisture of the cake. Diced apples or fresh cherries work well; just ensure to reduce other liquids slightly to maintain the proper batter consistency.
How do I know 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. Keep a close eye on the time, as oven temperatures can vary, and check a few minutes before the minimum baking time.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake can be made ahead of time and stored. It actually tastes better after a day or two as the flavors meld. Just make sure it's well-wrapped to keep it moist, and frost it closer to the time you plan to serve.
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).