Smoky Mountain Jam Cake
A rich, flavorful layered cake featuring strawberries, blackberries, and warm spices, topped with caramel icing—perfect for special occasions or family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar ⓘ
- 3/4 cup butter ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 3 eggs ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups self-rising flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/4 cup buttermilk ⓘ
- 1/2 cup strawberry preserves
- 1/2 cup blackberries ⓘ
- 1 cup plum jelly ⓘ
- Caramel Icing
Instructions
- Grease and flour 2 baking pans.
- Cream sugar and butter with mixer in a bowl until fluffy.
- Add vanilla; blend.
- Add eggs; blend.
- Sift self-rising flour, cinnamon, ground cloves, allspice, and baking soda into a separate bowl.
- Alternately beat the flour mixture and buttermilk into the creamed mixture.
- Stir in strawberry preserves and blackberries.
- Pour batter into prepared pans.
- Bake at 325°F for 45 to 50 minutes until done.
- Cool the cakes; turn out of pans.
- Place the bottom layer on a cake plate.
- Spread plum jelly over the bottom layer.
- Add the top layer of cake.
- Frost with caramel icing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of whiskey or bourbon to the batter. If you don't have self-rising flour, you can substitute all-purpose flour and add 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt. Fresh or frozen blackberries work well, but ensure they are evenly distributed in the batter to avoid sinking. This cake pairs beautifully with Fluffy Waffles for a delightful brunch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cake with a dollop of whipped cream for added richness, or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert. It also pairs well with a hot cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, consider garnishing with fresh berries or a drizzle of extra plum jelly. This cake is perfect for gatherings, similar to American recipes like Angel Food Cake Surprise!(Great For Holidays).
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Smoky Mountain Jam 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, place a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or enjoy it cold for a refreshing treat. Just make sure to keep the caramel icing covered to prevent it from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Smoky Mountain Jam Cake contains roughly 639 calories, with 6g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 preserves or jellies?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for strawberry preserves and plum jelly, you can experiment with other fruit flavors like raspberry or peach. Just ensure the flavors complement each other and adjust the sweetness if necessary, as some preserves are sweeter than others.
What should I do if my cake sinks in the middle?
A sinking cake is usually due to underbaking or too much liquid in the batter. Make sure to check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer, and bake the cake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If you're using extra moist ingredients like preserves, try reducing the buttermilk slightly.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version of the Smoky Mountain Jam Cake, substitute the self-rising flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. This will help mimic the texture of regular flour. Ensure that all other ingredients, including the preserves and jellies, are also gluten-free.
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).