Old Fashion Jam Cake

Prep: 30 min Cook: 45 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A moist, flavorful jam cake featuring blackberry jam and warm spices, perfect for family gatherings or special occasions that call for a nostalgic treat.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup shortening
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 3 cups flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ginger
  • 1 cup sour milk
  • 1 1/2 cups blackberry jam

Instructions

  1. Cream shortening and sugar together; add beaten eggs and beat well.
  2. In a separate bowl, sift flour with cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and baking soda.
  3. Add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with sour milk.
  4. Gradually fold in blackberry jam and nut meats if desired.
  5. Pour batter into three greased 9-inch cake pans.
  6. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter cake, consider replacing half of the shortening with applesauce or yogurt, giving a moist texture without the extra fat. If you don't have sour milk, you can create a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar to 1 cup of regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes. This cake is also delicious with a cream cheese frosting for added richness.

Serving Suggestions

This Old Fashion Jam Cake is delightful on its own but pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It also works well as a dessert alongside a steaming cup of coffee or tea. For a complete meal, consider serving it after a hearty dish like Mother'S Macaroni And Cheese for a comforting experience.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover jam cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, slice individual pieces and warm in a microwave for 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, you can wrap the whole cake in foil and heat in a low oven until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Old Fashion Jam Cake contains roughly 681 calories, with 10g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 62g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (72% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), and protein (21% of the Daily Value).

681 kcal 34% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 10.3g 21% DV
Total Fat 61.6g 79% DV
Carbs 23.6g 9% DV
Fiber 2.2g 8% DV
Sugar 0.1g

Electrolytes

Sodium 363.8mg 16% DV
Potassium 189.7mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 105.7mg 35% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.4mcg
Vitamin C 26mg 29% DV
Calcium 25.3mg 2% DV
Iron 13mg 72% DV
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 in this recipe?

Absolutely! While blackberry jam is traditional, you can use raspberry, strawberry, or even mixed berry jam for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the jam is of good quality for the best taste.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check the blend’s instructions, as some may require additional binding agents or adjustments in liquid. This way, you can enjoy a gluten-free version of this classic cake.

How can I enhance the flavor of the spices in the cake?

To enhance the flavor of the spices, you can toast them lightly in a dry skillet before adding them to the flour mixture. This process can help release their essential oils, intensifying their flavor and aroma in the cake.

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).

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