Nonnie'S Jam Cake
A rich, fruity cake infused with jams and spices, complemented by a fudgy icing — perfect for celebrations or cozy gatherings with a delightful flavor profile.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Sift flour, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg together.
- Stir in blackberry jam, peach preserves, pear preserves, and strawberry preserves into the mixture.
- Sprinkle flour over raisins and chopped nuts, then fold into the batter.
- Gradually add the flour mixture and buttermilk (with soda dissolved in the buttermilk), alternating additions.
- Mix cocoa with warm water to form a paste and add to the batter.
- Stir in one tablespoon of water to thin the mixture slightly.
- Pour batter into a prepared baking pan.
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) until a toothpick inserted comes out clean, approximately 45 minutes.
- Once cooled, ice the cake with Fudge Icing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of different jams or adding a splash of vanilla extract. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Ensure to coat the raisins in flour to prevent them from sinking during baking. This cake can be made ahead of time, just like Quick Butterscotch Brownies, as it tastes even better the next day.
Serving Suggestions
This delightful jam cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It can be served as a dessert at family gatherings or special occasions. For a more festive touch, consider serving it alongside a warm cup of spiced tea or coffee. It also complements well with light fruit salads or a refreshing yogurt parfait.
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. You can also freeze the cake by wrapping individual slices in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it sit at room temperature or warm it gently in the microwave.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nonnie'S Jam Cake contains roughly 914 calories, with 13g protein, 135g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (103% of the Daily Value), iron (61% of the Daily Value), and calcium (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 577mg 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 different types of fruit preserves?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite fruit preserves. Apricot or cherry preserves can be excellent substitutes for the ones listed, adding their unique flavors to the cake. Just ensure to maintain the overall quantity so that the texture remains consistent.
What can I use instead of cocoa powder?
If you don't have cocoa powder, you can try using carob powder for a similar taste, though it will alter the flavor somewhat. Another option is to skip the cocoa entirely and enhance the spices or add a bit of melted chocolate for richness.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make this cake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to choose one that includes a binding agent, like xanthan gum, to ensure the cake holds together well. Keep an eye on the baking time, as gluten-free cakes may bake faster.
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).