Blackberry Jam Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert that incorporates rich spices and sweet blackberry jam for a wonderfully comforting and rustic treat. This Southern-inspired cake is often layered with cream cheese or caramel frosting, but it’s delicious on its own as well. Perfect for special occasions or family gatherings.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups blackberry jam
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the frosting (optional):
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.
- Mix the dry ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugar:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add the dry ingredients and buttermilk:
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in the jam and nuts:
- Gently fold the blackberry jam and chopped nuts (if using) into the batter until evenly distributed.
- Bake the cake:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the frosting (optional):
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until combined. Add the milk and vanilla extract, and beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
- Assemble the cake:
- Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake layer. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake. If desired, garnish with fresh blackberries or a drizzle of extra blackberry jam.
This Blackberry Jam Cake is warm, spiced, and deliciously sweet with a burst of berry flavor. It’s a perfect dessert for any special occasion or to enjoy as a comforting homemade treat!
