A staple of the Kentucky Appalachians region, blackberry jam cake is about as classic a Kentucky recipe you'll find. Popular around the holidays – or any time of year, really – this moist cake is loaded with blackberry jam (homemade, whenever possible) and plenty of soul-warming spices. The finishing touch: a thick layer of creamy caramel frosting.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups seedless raisins
  • 1 cup blackberry jam
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup nuts
  • 1 teaspoon soda
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 cups flour
  • 2 eggs, well beaten

Preparation

  1. Cream sugar and butter; add jam and mix well.
  2. Sift flour with spices and soda; add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk. Blend well after each addition.
  3. Add eggs and nuts; mix well.
  4. Fold in raisins just before pouring into 2 greased and lightly floured 8-inch round cake pans.
  5. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes.

 

Recipe source:
Kentucky Hospitality: A 200-Year Tradition

 

Mrs. Donald Thomas, Erlanger Junior Woman's Club.

Mrs. Aubrey Moorman, Leitchfield Woman's Club, uses white sugar and increases the spices to 1/2 teaspoon each.

Mrs. Charles Parks, Carlisle Junior Woman's Club, uses 1/4 cup butter, 1 cup white sugar, and 1/2 cup brown sugar. She omits all spices except 1 teaspoon cinnamon and adds 1 square melted unsweetened chocolate.
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