Delightful Jam Cake Recipe
This exquisite Jam Cake recipe, passed down from my mother, embodies a delightful medley of spices and fruits that create a truly unique dessert experience. With a moist, dense texture and a harmonious blend of flavors, this cake is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. The warm spices of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, paired with the sweetness of jam, raisins, and dates, make this cake not only delicious but also a wonderful treat for special occasions or gatherings. You’ll find that this cake improves in flavor as it sits, making it perfect for preparing in advance. Let’s dive into the details of this delectable dessert.
Recipe Overview
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Servings: 36
- Calories per Serving: 211.7
Ingredients
The ingredients for this Jam Cake are simple yet flavorful, and they come together to create a cake that’s perfect for serving a crowd. Below is a detailed breakdown of the ingredients required for this delightful recipe:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Eggs | 5 |
| Sugar | 2 cups |
| Flour | 3 cups |
| Butter | 1 cup |
| Margarine | 1 cup |
| Buttermilk | 1 cup |
| Baking Soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Cinnamon | 1 1/2 teaspoons |
| Cloves | 1 1/2 teaspoons |
| Nutmeg | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Pecans | 1 cup, chopped |
| Raisins | 1 cup |
| Dates | 1 cup, chopped |
Nutritional Information
To help you make informed choices, here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 211.7 kcal |
| Total Fat | 8.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.7 g |
| Cholesterol | 43.2 mg |
| Sodium | 108.2 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 33 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.3 g |
| Sugars | 21.5 g |
| Protein | 2.8 g |
Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to create a beautifully spiced Jam Cake that will have your guests clamoring for the recipe. Preparation is key to achieving the best results, so take your time and enjoy the process!
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Prepare the Fruits and Nuts: To prevent the fruits and nuts from settling at the bottom of the cake, take a plastic bag and combine about 1/2 cup of flour with the chopped pecans, raisins, and dates. Gently shake the bag to coat the fruits and nuts in flour. This step is essential for ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the cake once baked.
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Adjust the Flour: Remember that you have set aside 1/2 cup of flour for the fruits and nuts, so be sure to reduce the amount of flour you add to the batter accordingly.
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Prepare the Pans: Grease two loaf pans (9x5x3 inches works perfectly) and line them with brown paper for easy removal after baking. This step helps to achieve a beautifully baked cake without the risk of sticking.
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Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, sugar, butter, margarine, and buttermilk. Mix the ingredients together in the order given until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
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Add the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to a dense cake.
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Incorporate the Fruits and Nuts: Gently fold in the floured pecans, raisins, and dates into the batter. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
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Fill the Pans: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared loaf pans, filling each one approximately 2/3 full to allow for rising during baking.
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Bake the Cakes: Preheat your oven to a low temperature of 275-300°F (135-150°C) and bake the cakes for about 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The low baking temperature allows the flavors to meld beautifully without burning the cake.
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Cool the Cakes: Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Wrap and Store: After the cakes have cooled, wrap each one in wax paper and place them inside a bread wrapper. Store them in a cool, dry place (do not refrigerate). This aging process allows the flavors to deepen and enhances the overall taste of the cake.
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Let Them Rest: At this point, the cakes may not seem fit to eat, but patience is a virtue! Check the cakes in a week; this is when the flavors truly develop.
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Slicing and Serving: When the week is up, it’s time to indulge! Cut one of the cakes to enjoy, and save the second one for when guests arrive. If company doesn’t come soon, don’t hesitate to slice into the second cake, as it’s too delicious to resist for long!
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Enjoy Your Creation: Serve the cake at room temperature, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. The combination of spices and fruit will have everyone asking for seconds!
Conclusion
This Jam Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a warm, comforting tradition that carries the essence of family and togetherness. Whether you’re preparing it for a large gathering or simply to enjoy at home, this cake promises to bring joy to your table. Each slice offers a delightful taste experience that’s rich in flavors and textures. So, gather your ingredients and start baking this cherished recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your home too!
Remember, the true beauty of this cake lies not only in its taste but also in the memories it helps create, so make sure to share it with loved ones. Happy baking!
