The Christ Child'S Birthday Cake
A rich, spiced fruitcake with black walnuts and blackberry jam, perfect for special occasions and holiday celebrations, offering warm flavors and moist texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift the first seven ingredients together twice and set aside.
- Cream the shortening and white sugar in a large bowl.
- Add eggs to the sugar mixture and beat well.
- Sprinkle a small amount of dry ingredients over the black walnuts to help distribute them evenly.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the sugar mixture, blending thoroughly after each addition.
- Stir in the blackberry jam and black walnuts, mixing well.
- Grease a 10-inch angel food pan and line it with waxed paper; grease the waxed paper.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 1 1/2 hours.
- Allow the cake to cool thoroughly before icing.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavors, consider toasting the black walnuts lightly before adding them to the batter. If black walnuts are unavailable, regular walnuts can be used as a substitute. For a spicier kick, you can increase the cinnamon and nutmeg slightly. Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is delightful on its own, but can also be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. It pairs beautifully with a cup of spiced tea or coffee. For a festive touch, drizzle some Coke Cake Frosting on top before serving to enhance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, slice individual pieces and warm them gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of The Christ Child'S Birthday Cake contains roughly 415 calories, with 12g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), protein (23% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 673mg per serving (29% 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 in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the blackberry jam with other flavors like raspberry or strawberry, depending on your preference. Just ensure that the jam is seedless to maintain the cake's texture.
What can I use instead of shortening?
If you prefer not to use shortening, you can substitute it with an equal amount of unsalted butter for a richer flavor. Just remember that this may slightly alter the cake's texture.
How can I tell when the cake is done baking?
To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. Be careful not to overbake, as this can dry out 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).