Kentucky Jam Cake is a true Southern classic that brings a burst of rich flavors in every bite. This moist, spiced cake is layered with a luscious jam filling and topped with a creamy, buttery frosting that perfectly complements its deep, comforting taste. It’s a dessert that’s been passed down through generations, often enjoyed at family gatherings and special occasions.
We love how this cake combines simple pantry ingredients with the magic of homemade jam to create something truly unforgettable. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking to try a new recipe, our Kentucky Jam Cake recipe is straightforward and rewarding. Let’s dive into making this delightful treat that’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients
To bake a truly authentic Kentucky Jam Cake, we must gather quality ingredients that contribute to its distinctive moistness and deep flavor. Below are the essential components divided between the cake and its luscious icing.
Cake Ingredients
We carefully select each ingredient to build the rich, spiced foundation of our Kentucky Jam Cake. Precise measurements ensure every bite delivers the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and jam-infused moisture.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup dark red seedless jam (traditionally blackberry or raspberry)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Icing Ingredients
The classic icing complements the cake’s deep flavors with creamy texture and subtle sweetness. We use a combination of cream cheese and butter to achieve its signature smoothness and slight tang.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (to adjust consistency)
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups | Sifted |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon | |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon | |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon | Freshly ground preferred |
| Ground cloves | 1/2 teaspoon | |
| Ground nutmeg | 1/2 teaspoon | |
| Sugar | 1 cup | Granulated |
| Brown sugar | 1 cup | Packed |
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup total | 1/2 cup for cake, 1/2 cup for icing, softened |
| Buttermilk | 1 cup | |
| Eggs | 2 large | |
| Jam | 1 cup | Dark red, seedless blackberry or raspberry |
| Cream cheese | 8 oz | For icing, softened |
| Powdered sugar | 3-4 cups | For icing, sifted |
| Vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons total | 1 tsp in cake, 1 tsp in icing |
| Milk or cream | 1-2 tablespoons | For icing consistency adjustment |
This list will keep us organized and ensure every element shines through in the final Kentucky Jam Cake.
Equipment Needed
To craft the perfect Kentucky Jam Cake, we need the right equipment for smooth preparation and baking. Using these tools ensures even mixing, accurate measurement, and flawless results.
Essential Baking Tools
- 9×13-inch rectangular cake pan
Ideal for baking the cake layers evenly with proper height and texture.
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
Separate bowls allow us to mix wet and dry ingredients efficiently.
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
Gives us the power to cream butter and sugar to a light fluffy texture and combine ingredients thoroughly.
- Measuring cups and spoons
Accuracy is crucial to balance flavors and maintain the cake’s moist texture.
- Rubber spatula
Perfect for scraping down bowl sides to ensure even mixing without wasting batter.
- Cooling rack
Allows air circulation beneath the cake layers to cool completely before icing.
- Sifter or fine mesh sieve
Sifting the flour and spices results in a light cake crumb free of lumps.
- Offset spatula or butter knife
Essential for spreading the cream cheese frosting smoothly and evenly.
- Saucepan (optional)
Useful if gently warming jam before adding to the batter for better integration.
Equipment Summary Table
| Equipment | Purpose | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 9×13-inch Cake Pan | Baking cake layers | Ensures even heat distribution |
| Mixing Bowls | Separating wet & dry ingredients | Prevents overmixing |
| Electric Mixer | Creaming butter, mixing batter | Achieves smooth, airy texture |
| Measuring Cups/Spoons | Measuring ingredients precisely | Maintains recipe balance |
| Rubber Spatula | Scraping bowls, folding ingredients | Minimizes batter waste |
| Cooling Rack | Cooling cake layers | Prevents sogginess by air circulation |
| Sifter | Sifting flour and spices | Creates lighter cake crumb |
| Offset Spatula | Spreading frosting | Creates smooth frosting finish |
| Saucepan (optional) | Warming jam prior to mixing | Enhances jam incorporation and flavor |
Having all the correct equipment on hand before we begin makes the baking process for our Kentucky Jam Cake seamless and enjoyable.
Prep Work
Before we begin baking our Kentucky Jam Cake, it’s important to complete essential prep steps. These ensure smooth progress and a perfectly moist, flavorful cake.
Preparing the Jam
For our Kentucky Jam Cake, the jam is a star ingredient that adds sweetness and moisture. Here’s how to prepare it:
- Use 1 cup of your favorite fruit jam—traditionally, apricot or blackberry jam complements the spices beautifully.
- Slightly warm the jam in a small saucepan over low heat for 2-3 minutes to make it easier to spread and incorporate into the batter.
- Stir gently to achieve a smooth consistency without boiling.
- Set the warmed jam aside to cool slightly while we prep other ingredients.
“Warming the jam allows it to blend effortlessly into the cake layers, enhancing moisture and flavor.”
Preheating and Greasing the Pans
Proper preparation of pans ensures even baking and easy removal. Follow these steps:
| Step | Instruction |
|---|---|
| Preheat oven | Set oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) exactly before starting batter preparation |
| Choose pans | Use 9×13-inch cake pans as specified for proper layer thickness and baking time |
| Grease pans | Lightly grease pans with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking |
| Optional | Dust greased pans with a thin layer of all-purpose flour to ensure easy cake release |
| Prepare cooling rack | Place a cooling rack nearby to transfer the hot cake immediately after baking for optimal cooling |
Directions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create the perfect Kentucky Jam Cake with its signature moist texture and rich flavor.
Making the Cake Batter
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch cake pan thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the following dry ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- In a separate bowl, cream 1 cup unsalted butter and 2 cups granulated sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 4 minutes.
- Add 3 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure smooth incorporation.
- Stir in 1 cup warmed fruit jam (preferably apricot or blackberry) and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until fully blended.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and 1 cup buttermilk to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently after each addition.
Tip: Avoid overmixing to keep the batter tender.
- Use a rubber spatula to fold the batter carefully ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.
Baking the Cake
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Place the pan on the middle rack of the preheated oven.
- Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
| Step | Temperature | Time | Pan Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preheat oven | 350°F (175°C) | – | 9×13-inch pan |
| Bake the cake | 350°F (175°C) | 45-50 minutes | 9×13-inch pan |
| Cool in pan (post-bake) | Room Temp | 15 minutes | Same pan |
Cooling the Cake
- After the 15-minute rest, carefully run a knife around the edges to loosen the cake.
- Invert the cake out onto a wire cooling rack.
- Let the cake cool completely—about 1 hour—to avoid melting the frosting during application.
- Prepare the frosting while the cake cools to maintain flow and timing.
Icing Preparation
To perfectly complement our Kentucky Jam Cake, we focus on preparing a smooth, creamy frosting that balances the cake’s rich texture and fruity sweetness. The cream cheese frosting is essential in creating that classic Southern flavor profile, so let’s craft it meticulously.
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting
We start by combining the key ingredients that give this frosting its signature taste and texture:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt (optional, to enhance flavor balance)
Step-by-step:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3–4 minutes.
- Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed after each addition to avoid a sugar cloud in your kitchen. After adding all the sugar, increase speed to medium and beat until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to cut through the sweetness and boost flavor depth.
- Taste the frosting. If it feels too thick, add a teaspoon of milk or heavy cream at a time until you reach a spreadable consistency.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cream Cheese | 8 ounces | Softened |
| Unsalted Butter | 1/2 cup | Softened |
| Powdered Sugar | 4 cups | Sifted |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon | |
| Salt | Pinch | Optional to enhance flavor |
Applying the Frosting
Once our cake has completely cooled—this is crucial to prevent melting and sliding—we are ready to frost:
- Place the first cake layer on your serving plate or cake stand.
- Generously spread a layer of cream cheese frosting over the top using an offset spatula for smooth, even coverage.
- Carefully place the second cake layer atop the frosted layer.
- Apply a thin crumb coat of frosting around the entire cake. Chill for 15 to 20 minutes to set this base layer.
- Finish by applying a thick, final coat of frosting around the cake, smoothing the sides and top to your desired finish.
- Optionally, garnish with a few dollops of jam or fresh fruit to enhance presentation and hint at the delicious jam inside.
“Frosting not only adds flavor but also seals in the moisture of the cake layers,” so take your time for a flawless finish that reflects the love in every bite of our Kentucky Jam Cake.
Assembly and Serving
Once the cake has fully cooled and the creamy cream cheese frosting is ready, it’s time to bring our Kentucky Jam Cake together. This step marks the transformation from individual components into a mouthwatering layered delight.
Layering the Cake
To achieve the iconic look and taste of a Kentucky Jam Cake, follow these precise layering steps:
- Prepare your workspace with a clean cake stand or serving plate.
- Slice the cake horizontally into two even layers using a serrated knife. Ensure the layers are level for stability.
- Spread a generous ½ cup of warmed apricot or blackberry jam evenly over the bottom layer. The jam should be slightly warm to meld seamlessly without running.
- Add a smooth layer of cream cheese frosting (about ⅓ cup) on top of the jam. Use an offset spatula to spread it evenly, reaching edges without spilling over.
- Place the second cake layer gently on top.
- Apply a thin crumb coat of frosting around the entire cake to lock in crumbs.
- Chill the cake for 15 minutes to set the crumb coat.
- Finish with a thick layer of cream cheese frosting over the top and sides, smoothing the surface for a flawless presentation.
Tip: For an extra touch of Southern charm, sprinkle chopped pecans or toasted coconut flakes around the base before the final frosting sets.
Serving Suggestions
Our Kentucky Jam Cake deserves to be enjoyed with complementing flavors and accompaniments. Here are some delicious serving ideas that highlight its rich spiced layers and fruity sweetness:
| Serving Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Fresh seasonal berries | Adds bright acidity and contrasts the sweet jam layers. |
| Whipped cream | Lightens the richness, perfect for a decadent bite. |
| Hot brewed coffee | Classic pairing that balances sweetness warmly. |
| Vanilla ice cream | Melds creamy cold with moist cake for indulgence. |
| A dusting of powdered sugar | Enhances visual appeal and adds subtle extra sweetness. |
Slice the cake with a sharp serrated knife for clean cuts. Serve each generous slice alongside your chosen accompaniment and watch our Kentucky Jam Cake become the centerpiece of any gathering.
Make-Ahead Tips
Preparing the Kentucky Jam Cake in advance lets us ensure each layer melds perfectly, enhancing its signature rich flavor and moist texture. Here are essential Make-Ahead Tips to help us bake with ease and confidence.
Bake Ahead and Store Properly
- Bake the cake layers up to 2 days before assembly. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for optimal moisture retention.
- For longer storage, freeze the wrapped layers for up to 1 month. Thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight before frosting.
- Avoid refrigeration of unwrapped cake layers as this can dry out the cake.
| Storage Method | Duration | Storage Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Up to 2 days | Wrap tightly in plastic wrap |
| Freezer | Up to 1 month | Wrap in plastic wrap and foil, thaw overnight |
| Refrigerator (wrapped) | Up to 3 days | May dry cake, frost after chilling |
Prepare Jam and Frosting Ahead
- Warm the jam slightly before spreading to help it blend seamlessly into the cake layers. This makes spreading easier and evens flavor distribution.
- Make the cream cheese frosting up to 2 days ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, then bring it to room temperature and re-whip before use to restore smoothness and spreadability.
Assembly and Serving Tips
- After frosting, chill the cake for 1 to 2 hours if time allows. This firming step sets the frosting beautifully and makes slicing cleaner.
- For best presentation, use a sharp serrated knife warmed slightly in hot water before cutting. This prevents cracking and preserves the cake’s moist texture.
By following these Make-Ahead Tips, we can enjoy stress-free baking and a spectacularly moist, flavorful Kentucky Jam Cake every time.
Conclusion
Kentucky Jam Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of rich flavors and cherished traditions. With its moist layers, fruity jam filling, and creamy frosting, it’s a treat that brings warmth to any occasion.
By following the simple steps and tips we’ve shared, you’ll find baking this classic Southern cake both enjoyable and rewarding. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or yourself, this recipe promises a delicious experience that’s sure to impress.
So let’s gather our ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to create a Kentucky Jam Cake that’s as memorable as it is mouthwatering.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kentucky Jam Cake?
Kentucky Jam Cake is a traditional Southern dessert featuring layers of moist, spiced cake filled with fruit jam and covered in cream cheese frosting. It’s known for its rich flavor and is often enjoyed at family gatherings and special occasions.
What ingredients are needed to make Kentucky Jam Cake?
The cake requires all-purpose flour, baking soda, spices, sugars, butter, buttermilk, eggs, jam (apricot or blackberry preferred), and vanilla extract. The frosting includes cream cheese and butter, which add creaminess and subtle sweetness.
What equipment do I need to bake Kentucky Jam Cake?
You’ll need a 9×13-inch cake pan, mixing bowls, electric mixer, measuring cups and spoons, a rubber spatula, cooling rack, sifter, and an offset spatula to ensure a smooth frosting application.
How do I prepare the jam for the cake?
Use about 1 cup of fruit jam, preferably apricot or blackberry. Warm it slightly before adding to the batter or spreading between layers to help it blend smoothly.
What is the recommended oven temperature and baking time?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cake for 45 to 50 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
How do I make the cream cheese frosting?
Beat cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until creamy and spreadable. Adjust consistency with a little milk if needed.
How do I assemble the cake layers?
Slice the cooled cake into two layers, spread warmed jam on the bottom layer, add a layer of cream cheese frosting, then place the top layer. Finish by frosting the entire cake with a crumb coat followed by a thick frosting layer.
Can Kentucky Jam Cake be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers up to two days in advance and store them properly or freeze for longer. Prepare the frosting and jam ahead to simplify assembly on the day you serve.
What are some serving suggestions for Kentucky Jam Cake?
Serve with fresh seasonal berries, whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar. A hot cup of coffee also complements the flavors well.
How do I get clean slices when serving?
Use a sharp serrated knife warmed slightly under hot water and wiped dry between cuts. Chill the cake after frosting for easier, cleaner slicing.