Old Fashioned Blackberry Cake

Prep: 20 min Cuisine: American

A moist, flavorful blackberry cake with warm spices and a tender crumb, perfect for family gatherings or special occasions, finished with a creamy caramel frosting.

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Ingredients

  • 2 c. sugar
  • 1 c. shortening
  • 4 whole eggs
  • 3 c. plain flour
  • 6 Tbsp. sour milk
  • 2 tsp. soda
  • 2 tsp. cloves
  • 2 tsp. cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Mix sugar, shortening, and eggs thoroughly.
  2. Sift together flour, soda, cloves, cinnamon, and allspice.
  3. Add sour milk to the mixture and blend completely.
  4. Gently fold in blackberries and optional nuts and raisins.
  5. Pour into a prepared baking pan and bake until done.
  6. Frost with a creamy caramel frosting before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of shortening. If you don't have sour milk, you can make a substitute by adding a tablespoon of vinegar to a cup of regular milk. Be gentle when folding in the blackberries to avoid breaking them. This cake is perfect for gatherings, and you can browse more American recipes for complementary dishes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slices of this delicious blackberry cake alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea and makes a delightful dessert after meals like Pioneer Macaroni And Cheese or Vegetable Bake Dish.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover blackberry cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, slice and warm in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or enjoy it cold straight from the fridge.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Old Fashioned Blackberry Cake contains roughly 1799 calories, with 15g protein, 178g carbohydrates, and 118g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (36% of the Daily Value), protein (30% of the Daily Value), and potassium (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 590mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).

1799 kcal 90% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 15.1g 30% DV
Total Fat 117.8g 100% DV
Carbs 178g 65% DV
Fiber 3.1g 11% DV
Sugar 6.3g 13% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 589.9mg 26% DV
Potassium 1155mg 25% DV
Cholesterol 466mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 114.9mcg 13% DV
Vitamin C 22.7mg 25% DV
Calcium 468.9mg 36% DV
Iron 4.3mg 24% 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 frozen blackberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen blackberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture in the batter. This will help maintain the cake's texture. Adjust the baking time slightly as needed.

What can I use instead of cloves?

If you don't have cloves, you can substitute with an equal amount of nutmeg or simply omit it for a milder flavor. The cinnamon will still provide a warm spice profile to the cake.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached, the cake is ready. Keep an eye on it as baking time can vary depending on your oven.

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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