There’s something truly magical about an old-fashioned recipe, isn’t there? It’s like a warm hug from grandmother’s kitchen, bringing with it stories and flavors from a bygone era. Today, we’re diving into one such treasure the Old Fashioned Jam Cake. This isn’t just any cake; it’s a soft, wonderfully spiced, and incredibly moist delight that uses fruit jam as a secret ingredient, making every bite a burst of comforting sweetness.
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s easy to make, yet impressive enough for any gathering, you’ve found it. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is designed to be simple, straightforward, and utterly delicious. Get ready to fill your home with the intoxicating aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and sweet fruit jam!
History and Background
The jam cake has a rich and heartwarming history, particularly prominent in the American South. This delightful dessert emerged as a popular way to use up homemade preserves, especially during colder months when fresh fruit was scarce. It was a staple at church potlucks, family gatherings, and holiday tables, often passed down through generations.
Originally, these cakes were a testament to resourcefulness, transforming simple pantry staples and a jar of fruit jam into something extraordinary. Different regions and families had their own variations, using everything from blackberry and strawberry to peach and fig jam. The spices typically included cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, adding a comforting warmth that perfectly complements the fruit. It’s a true taste of Americana, steeped in tradition and love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Moist The jam keeps the cake wonderfully tender.
- Warmly Spiced A perfect blend of cinnamon and nutmeg creates a cozy flavor.
- Beginner-Friendly Simple steps and common ingredients make it easy to bake.
- Versatile Easily adapt with your favorite fruit jam.
- Nostalgic Flavor Tastes just like grandma used to make, full of comfort.
- Feeds a Crowd A generous cake perfect for sharing.
Ingredient Notes
To make this jam cake truly special, here are a few notes on the ingredients:
- All-Purpose Flour Use unbleached for the best texture.
- Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar The combination adds depth and moisture.
- Baking Soda and Baking Powder Ensure a perfect rise.
- Ground Cinnamon and Nutmeg Essential for that classic spiced flavor. Feel free to add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for extra warmth.
- Salt Balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted Butter Room temperature is crucial for proper creaming.
- Large Eggs Also at room temperature, they emulsify better.
- Buttermilk Adds tang and tenderness. If you don’t have it, mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Fruit Jam Your favorite fruit jam works best! Blackberry, strawberry, raspberry, or fig are traditional and delicious choices. Choose a good quality jam for the best flavor.
- Vanilla Extract Enhances all the other flavors.
Equipment Needed
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Large mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (stand or hand-held)
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wire rack for cooling
Full Recipe Card
Ready to bake? Here’s your step-by-step guide to creating this delightful Old Fashioned Jam Cake.
Yield 12-16 servings
Prep time 20 minutes
Cook time 30-35 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fruit jam (blackberry, strawberry, or fig work wonderfully)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan, or spray with baking spray.
- Combine Dry Ingredients In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Eggs Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in Jam and Vanilla Gently fold in the fruit jam and vanilla extract with a spatula until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake the Cake Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15-20 minutes before inverting it onto the rack to cool completely.
- Serve Once completely cool, dust with powdered sugar if desired, slice, and serve!
Notes
- For an extra layer of flavor, warm your jam slightly before folding it into the batter.
- Always use room temperature ingredients for a smoother, more emulsified batter.
- Don’t overmix the batter; it can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
Tips and Variations
- Nutty Addition Fold in ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for added crunch and flavor.
- Cream Cheese Frosting Instead of powdered sugar, frost the cooled cake with a simple cream cheese frosting for a richer dessert.
- Different Jams Experiment with different jam flavors like fig, apricot, or even a mixed berry blend.
- Layer Cake Option Divide the batter between two 8 or 9-inch round cake pans and adjust baking time to 25-30 minutes. Fill and frost as desired.
Pro Chef Tips
- Room Temperature is Key Ensure all dairy and eggs are at room temperature. This helps them combine more smoothly, creating a uniform, tender crumb.
- Don’t Overmix Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, leading to a tough, dry cake. Mix until just combined.
- Quality Jam Matters Use a good quality, flavorful jam. It’s a star ingredient, so its flavor will shine through.
- Even Baking Rotate your cake pan halfway through baking for even browning, especially if your oven has hot spots.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Cold Ingredients Using cold butter or eggs can lead to a lumpy batter and a less tender cake.
- Overmixing As mentioned, this is a common culprit for dry, dense cakes.
- Not Greasing and Flourishing Properly This is how cakes stick to the pan! Take your time with this step.
- Opening the Oven Door Too Early Avoid opening the oven door before the 25-minute mark, as this can cause the cake to sink.
- Underbaking or Overbaking Keep an eye on the cake and use the skewer test. An underbaked cake will be gummy, while an overbaked one will be dry.
Storage and Meal Prep
This jam cake keeps wonderfully! Store it covered tightly at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If your kitchen is particularly warm, or if you’ve added a perishable frosting like cream cheese, it’s best to store it in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Notes
This cake is excellent for making ahead. You can bake it a day or two in advance and store it as described above. For longer storage, the jam cake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This Old Fashioned Jam Cake is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your serving experience:
- With a Dollop of Cream A spoonful of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream is a classic pairing.
- Morning Treat Enjoy a slice with your morning coffee or tea.
- Afternoon Snack A perfect pick-me-up with a glass of milk.
- Dessert Platter Serve alongside other simple desserts like fresh fruit or shortbread cookies for a delightful spread.
Conclusion
And there you have it a truly timeless Old Fashioned Jam Cake. This recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a little piece of history, a warm memory, and a simple joy, all baked into one delicious package. We hope you enjoy making this cake as much as we do, and that it brings a touch of comfort and sweetness to your home. Happy baking!
