Old Fashioned Jam Cake

This old fashioned jam cake bursts with rich, spiced flavors and sweet blackberry jam in every bite, making it a standout classic dessert for any occasion. With its perfect balance of nostalgic spices, jam, and soft crumb, this Southern favorite is ready in just over an hour and brings generations of comforting tradition to your table. Whether for a special event, Sunday dinner, or cozy family gathering, this classic cake recipe with blackberry jam delivers flavor and warmth with every slice.

I first discovered this traditional jam cake while leafing through my grandmother's weathered cookbook filled with handwritten notes and splatters from decades of baking. What struck me was how blackberries, warm spices, and simple staples transformed into an extraordinary dessert my entire family would request for holidays. The scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove filling the kitchen always brings me right back to joyful gatherings, making this recipe truly special in our home.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Raisins: Use plump, fresh raisins for a chewy, sweet bite throughout the cake. Golden or regular can be used; soak to keep them moist.
• Crushed pineapple (8 ounces, undrained): Adds sweetness and keeps the cake incredibly moist. Look for canned pineapple in juice, not syrup.
• Butter, softened: Choose unsalted butter at room temperature for best creaming results. Margarine can be substituted if needed.
• Granulated sugar: Provides classic sweetness. Organic or cane sugar can be used for a less processed option.
• Eggs, at room temperature: Freshness and proper temperature help the cake rise and stay tender. Farm fresh eggs are ideal, but any large eggs work.
• All purpose flour: Use quality unbleached flour for consistent results; a one for one gluten free blend is an option for dietary needs.
• Baking cocoa: Opt for unsweetened cocoa powder. Dutch process adds a richer undertone if available.
• Baking soda: Essential for leavening; check freshness to ensure a proper rise.
• Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves): Warm aromatic spices define the cake's nostalgic taste. Use freshly ground for more depth.
• Blackberry jam: The star ingredient; look for jams with visible fruit pieces for texture. Raspberry or strawberry are excellent substitutes.
• Buttermilk: Adds moisture and tender crumb, plus slight tang. Use whole or low fat buttermilk, or substitute with milk plus lemon juice.
• Chopped pecans: Lend crunch and nutty flavor. Toast for bolder flavor; walnuts are a suitable swap.
• Brown sugar frosting (butter, brown sugar, milk, confectioners' sugar): Creates a decadent finish that pairs perfectly with the spiced layers. Can be flavored with a dash of bourbon for an adult version.

How to Make Old Fashioned Jam Cake

Prepare the Fruit Mixture:

In a small bowl, combine the raisins and undrained crushed pineapple, letting the mixture rest for at least 30 minutes. This soaking step plumps the raisins as they absorb the pineapple juice, which helps lock in moisture and distribute sweet, fruity flavor throughout the cake layers.

Prepare Your Baking Pans:

While the fruit soaks, preheat your oven to 350°F. Thoroughly grease and flour two 9 inch round cake pans, covering all surfaces to ensure the cake releases cleanly and the sides bake evenly.

Cream the Butter and Sugar:

In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed for 3 to 4 minutes, until light and noticeably fluffy. This incorporates air, helping the cake layers rise beautifully and ensuring a soft crumb.

Add the Eggs:

Add room temperature eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well between each addition. The mixture will become silkier and paler as you incorporate the eggs, providing structure and moisture to the batter.

Combine Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, baking cocoa, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The cocoa adds subtle depth, while the spice blend gives traditional Southern jam cake its signature warmth and complexity.

Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk and blackberry jam. Always begin and end with flour, mixing just until incorporated after each addition. Take care not to overmix, as this preserves a tender crumb by minimizing gluten development.

Fold in Fruits and Nuts:

Gently fold in the soaked raisins and pineapple mixture plus chopped pecans using a spatula. This careful blending keeps air in the batter and ensures fruity, nutty pieces are evenly dispersed for consistent flavor in every bite.

Bake the Cake Layers:

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans, smoothing the tops. Bake at 350°F for 40 to 45 minutes, checking for doneness by inserting a toothpick that should emerge with just a few moist crumbs.

Cool the Cake Layers:

Place the baked cakes in their pans on a wire rack for exactly 10 minutes to allow the structure to set, then carefully invert to release. Let cakes cool completely before frosting to prevent melting or sliding of the icing.

Prepare the Brown Sugar Frosting:

Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, add brown sugar and milk, and boil until sugar dissolves. Cool the mixture, then gradually beat in confectioners' sugar until smooth and spreadable. Keep an eye on consistency since frosting sets as it cools.

Assemble and Frost:

Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread about one cup of frosting on top. Place the second layer, centering it, and frost the top and sides quickly before the icing sets. Smooth surfaces with a spatula for an even finish.

Decorate and Serve:

Adorn the frosted cake with additional chopped pecans pressed onto the sides and arranged pecan halves on top. Allow the icing to set fully before slicing and serving for neat pieces and defined layers.

My grandmother always insisted on using blackberry jam made with wild berries from our summer garden, believing its tart flavor beautifully balanced the sweet brown sugar icing. Even when store bought jam is used, selecting one with visible fruit pieces brings a lovely texture and bold fruit taste that elevates the cake from simple to unforgettable. Discovering the importance of high quality jam completely changed how this nostalgic dessert turned out at our family gatherings.

Smart Swaps and Variations

This classic jam cake recipe easily accommodates your favorite jams, nuts, and even dietary needs without sacrificing taste. For different fruit flavors, substitute raspberry, strawberry, or apricot jam for a bright, seasonal variation that still preserves the cake’s Southern character. To make it gluten free, use a quality cup for cup flour blend and add a quarter teaspoon xanthan gum if your blend lacks it. Try a festive touch with cranberry jam and a little orange zest, or make it less sweet by reducing sugar and opting for a tarter jam. You can also trade raisins for dried cranberries or chopped apricots to personalize every batch.

How to Store and Reheat Old Fashioned Jam Cake

Store your old fashioned jam cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, ensuring the container is tall enough to avoid disturbing delicate frosting. For longer keeping, refrigerate the cake for up to one week, but allow slices to return to room temperature for thirty minutes before serving to revive flavor and softness. For extended storage, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place in freezer bags, freezing for up to three months—allowing you to enjoy this classic treat on demand.

What to Serve with Old Fashioned Jam Cake

Pairing this rich, spiced jam cake with light, creamy, or bold contrasting flavors makes dessert even more memorable. Dollops of whipped cream lighten each dense, flavorful slice, while a strong black coffee or espresso enhances the cake’s warm spices. Vanilla bean ice cream melting next to a just sliced piece creates an indulgent finish, and fresh berries brighten every serving. For elegant occasions, dessert wines like Sauternes, late harvest Riesling, or even orange spice tea enhance the cake’s nostalgic qualities.

Nutritional Benefits

While old fashioned jam cake is a decadent treat, it does provide some nutritional perks. Raisins and pineapple contribute fruit based sugars and some fiber, while pecans offer healthy fats, protein, and beneficial minerals. Buttermilk enriches the recipe with calcium and beneficial cultures. Cinnamon and other spices are rich in antioxidants and may offer metabolic benefits. With about 419 calories per slice, this dessert can be a reasonable sweet treat when enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Recipe Success Tips

If cake layers dome excessively during baking, reduce oven temperature by 25°F and check doneness a few minutes later for flatter, stackable tiers. To avoid lumps and achieve ultra smooth frosting, always sift confectioners' sugar before beating into the cooled mixture. If icing hardens before you finish, simply rewarm gently while stirring. Brush cake layers with simple syrup if planning to store for more than a day to keep edges from drying out, and use a kitchen scale to divide batter for even, professional looking layers.

This nostalgic jam cake recipe celebrates Southern baking tradition with its blend of fruity jam, warm spices, and rich frosting, bringing comfort and joy to every slice. With its reliable, adaptable method and treasured flavors, I hope this classic cake becomes a beloved staple in your own family for years to come.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ What type of jam works best for this cake?

Blackberry jam is traditional, but raspberry or strawberry preserves can be used for different flavor twists.

→ Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

Yes, walnuts or even almonds can be substituted for pecans. Choose your favorite for a custom touch.

→ How should I store leftover jam cake?

Store cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Is it possible to freeze jam cake?

Yes, wrap un-iced or fully iced slices tightly and freeze for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

→ What kind of icing is best for jam cake?

The classic is a cooked brown sugar and butter icing that adds a caramel note and forms a creamy layer between and on top of the cake.

→ Can the fruit or jam be swapped for others?

Yes, try marmalade or a favorite berry preserve for a new flavor profile. The texture will remain moist and rich.