Tennessee Jam Cake
A rich, moist jam cake with layers of strawberry flavor and warm spices, perfect for family gatherings or special occasions with a sweet, nutty finish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the margarine and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Blend in jam and eggs.
- Combine dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in chopped pecans.
- Pour the batter into three greased and floured layer cake pans.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes.
- Cool the cakes for 10 minutes.
- Remove from pans and proceed to fill and frost with Brown Sugar Frosting.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure that the margarine is at room temperature before creaming it with the sugar. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute with milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. To enhance the flavor, consider toasting the pecans before adding them to the batter. This cake also works well with different jams, like raspberry or blackberry.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is best served at room temperature, allowing the flavors to fully develop. It pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a delightful meal, serve with a side of Bean-Corn Casserole for a comforting feast. Consider garnishing with fresh strawberries to complement the jam flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Tennessee Jam Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake, which can last up to a week. To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy it cold for a refreshing treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tennessee Jam Cake contains roughly 326 calories, with 3g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 900mg per serving (39% 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?
Yes, you can substitute the strawberry jam with other fruit jams like raspberry, blackberry, or even peach for a unique twist. Just ensure the jam is not overly runny to maintain the cake's texture.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make Tennessee Jam Cake gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure that other ingredients, like baking soda, are also gluten-free, and double-check that your jam is gluten-free as well.
What can I do if the cake is too dry?
If your cake turns out too dry, it might be due to overbaking. To remedy this, you can brush the layers with a simple syrup made of equal parts sugar and water before frosting. This will add moisture and enhance the flavor.
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).