Jam Cake is a classic spiced cake that reflects the heart of Southern baking traditions. Rich in warm spices like cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon, and studded with chopped walnuts and raisins, this cake is moistened with buttermilk and sweetened with jam, often blackberry or strawberry. It's a perfect balance of sweet and spice, making it a cherished treat during the holidays or cool-weather gatherings. Baked in loaf pans, it develops a beautifully caramelized crust while remaining tender inside. Its old-fashioned charm and pantry-friendly ingredients make it a timeless favorite.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup jam (suggested: strawberry or blackberry)
- 1 cup shortening (e.g., Crisco)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup walnuts (chopped )
- 1 cup raisins
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp baking soda
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
Step 2: Prepare Nuts and Raisins
- Chop the walnuts. Mix the chopped nuts and raisins with a bit of flour to prevent them from sinking in the batter.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
Step 4: Dissolve Soda in Buttermilk
- In a separate bowl, dissolve baking soda into buttermilk and stir until it foams slightly.
Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients
- Beat eggs in a small bowl. Mix shortening, jam, beaten eggs, and buttermilk mixture together.
Step 6: Mix Batter
- Gradually incorporate the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Fold in the floured nuts and raisins.
Step 7: Prepare Pans and Bake
- Grease two small loaf pans. Fill each pan ½ to ⅔ full.
- Bake at 375°F until browned (approx. 15–20 minutes), then reduce heat to 250°F and continue baking until a toothpick inserted comes out clean (approx. 40–45 minutes more).
Step 8: Cool and Serve
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks. Slice and serve.
Tips
- Add ½ cup of your favorite jam (blackberry, strawberry, or apricot) for extra moisture and flavor.
- Swap walnuts for pecans to keep a softer crunch.
- Add orange zest for a citrus-spice variation.
- Increase cinnamon or nutmeg for a stronger warm-spice profile.
- Fold in chopped dates or figs instead of raisins for a richer texture.
- Bake as one standard loaf instead of two mini loaves, add 10 to 15 minutes to baking time.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a classic finish.
- Serve with whipped cream or a simple vanilla glaze.
- Replace buttermilk with sour milk (milk + a splash of vinegar) if needed.
Nutrition
Calories: 355kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 6gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2.3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 63mgSodium: 265mgPotassium: 265mgFiber: 2.3gSugar: 30gVitamin A: 110IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 73mgIron: 2.2mg
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