Nina'S Christmas Jam Cake
A rich, festive Christmas jam cake bursting with spices, nuts, raisins, and a layer of strawberry or blackberry jam, perfect for holiday gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 4 egg yolks ⓘ
- 2 cups flour ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cloves ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- Pinch of salt ⓘ
- 1/2 cup buttermilk ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 4 egg whites ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups seeded raisins, coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups chopped nuts ⓘ
- 1 pint jam (strawberry or blackberry) ⓘ
Instructions
- Cream the butter until fluffy.
- Beat in the granulated sugar and brown sugar.
- Gradually add egg yolks, one at a time, beating after each addition.
- Stir together flour, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
- Sift this mixture twice.
- Dredge the raisins and nuts with a little of the flour mixture and set aside.
- Mix buttermilk and baking soda together.
- Add the buttermilk mixture to the butter and sugar mixture.
- Mix in the jam and beat well.
- Add the sifted flour gradually, then fold in the nuts and chopped fruit.
- Beat the egg whites until fluffy and fold into the batter gently.
- Line two 9-inch pans with greased wax paper, then grease again.
- Divide the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 1 hour.
- Remove from pans and cool on a wire rack.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure the egg whites are beaten until stiff peaks form before folding them into the batter. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute with a mixture of milk and vinegar or lemon juice. You can also experiment with different jams, like raspberry or apricot, for unique flavor variations. Remember to sift your dry ingredients well to avoid lumps.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Nina's Christmas Jam Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat. It pairs beautifully with a warm cup of spiced tea or coffee. This festive cake also makes an excellent dessert alongside dishes like Chili, Corn, Cheddar Casserole for a complete holiday meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, slice the cake and warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This keeps the cake moist and brings out the flavors.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nina'S Christmas Jam Cake contains roughly 1038 calories, with 14g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 75g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (28% of the Daily Value) and iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 735mg per serving (32% 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 flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. However, it may change the texture slightly, making it denser. If gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend but ensure it contains xanthan gum for proper binding.
What can I use if I don't have raisins?
If raisins are not available, you can substitute with dried cranberries or chopped dates. Both options will add sweetness and a bit of chewiness to the cake, complementing the jam nicely.
How can I make this cake more festive?
To add a festive touch, consider incorporating orange zest or chopped candied ginger into the batter. You can also decorate the cake with a light dusting of powdered sugar or top it with seasonal berries for a bright, colorful presentation.
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).