Old-Time Jam Cake
A rich, moist cake infused with jam and warm spices, perfect for family gatherings and nostalgic occasions, offering a tender crumb and delightful flavor combination.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare your cake pans.
- Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the jam and milk until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, soda, cocoa, baking powder, cloves, cinnamon, allspice, and ginger.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until smooth.
- Divide the batter evenly into prepared cake pans.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool before frosting or serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moist cake, make sure the butter is softened but not melted. You can substitute half of the jam with applesauce for a lighter taste. If you want to reduce sugar, try using a sugar substitute that measures cup-for-cup. Ensure you use fresh spices for the best flavor. Consider adding nuts or dried fruit for extra texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the jam cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. It pairs beautifully with Snowball Cookies or can be accompanied by a cup of coffee for an afternoon treat. This cake is also delightful when served with fresh berries or a fruit compote.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover jam cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate for about a week. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old-Time Jam Cake contains roughly 553 calories, with 9g protein, 98g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (133% of the Daily Value), iron (64% of the Daily Value), and calcium (57% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 634mg per serving (28% 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 jam?
Absolutely! You can experiment with various jams like raspberry, strawberry, or apricot to create different flavor profiles. Just ensure the jam is of good quality for the best results.
What can I use instead of eggs?
For an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit for a few minutes). This works well in keeping the cake moist.
How can I frost the cake?
A simple cream cheese frosting or a light buttercream pairs well with this jam cake. You can also dust it with powdered sugar or glaze it with a thin layer of icing for a beautiful finish.
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).