Every time I smell a Tennessee Jam Cake baking, I’m transported straight back to my Nana’s farmhouse kitchen. It was a place of golden light and endless stories, where the ticking of the old wall clock mingled with the scent of cinnamon and sweet preserves. Nana always wore an apron with pockets full of clothespins and peppermint candies, and she believed that a cake wasn’t just dessert—it was an offering of love. Especially this cake. She’d use homemade blackberry jam, rich with summer’s essence, and let us help stir the batter with big wooden spoons we could barely lift. I remember licking the spoon and feeling like I’d just tasted happiness itself.
That first warm bite—moist, spiced, and crammed with jammy goodness—was a revelation. And to this day, when I bake this treasured Southern gem, I feel wrapped in that same cozy hug of yesteryear. This Tennessee Jam Cake isn’t just a recipe. Tennessee Jam Cake is a memory you can make your own, one delicious layer at a time. If you enjoy nostalgic bakes, you might also like our Raspberry White Chocolate Mug Cake or the cozy Coconut Vanilla Almond Cake.
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Tennessee Jam Cake: A Southern Hug in Every Slice
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A cherished Southern classic, this Tennessee Jam Cake is rich with warm spices and sweet blackberry jam, delivering nostalgic flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup blackberry jam
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- ½ cup raisins (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round pans or a bundt pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Stir in the blackberry jam until well combined.
- Fold in chopped nuts and raisins if using.
- Divide batter evenly into prepared pans and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For a twist, try using fig, raspberry, or plum jam. Adding a dash of ginger or cardamom can deepen the flavor. Serve with whipped cream, ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel glaze. The cake tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Tennessee Jam Cake, Southern dessert, blackberry jam cake, spiced cake, holiday cake
Table of Contents
Ingredients & Preparation
This Tennessee Jam Cake is a cozy hug in dessert form—rich, spiced, and steeped in Southern tradition. It’s the kind of cake that brings the whole kitchen to a standstill, its scent alone filling the house with warm, inviting notes of cinnamon and blackberry jam. Whether you’re baking it for a holiday table or a quiet Sunday afternoon, this Tennessee Jam Cake always delivers comfort and joy.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 ½ cups |
| Baking soda | 1 tsp |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 ½ tsp |
| Ground cloves | ½ tsp |
| Ground nutmeg | ½ tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Unsalted butter (softened) | 1 cup (2 sticks) |
| Granulated sugar | 1 ½ cups |
| Large eggs | 3 |
| Buttermilk | 1 cup |
| Blackberry jam | 1 cup |
| Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional) | 1 cup |
| Raisins (optional) | ½ cup |
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round pans or a bundt pan to prepare for the Tennessee Jam Cake magic.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
- Cream the butter and sugar: Beat until light and fluffy—about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add the eggs: One at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Incorporate jam and buttermilk: Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour. Stir in the blackberry jam to infuse your batter with that classic Tennessee Jam Cake flavor.
- Fold in nuts and raisins (if using): They add delightful texture and a nostalgic crunch.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely: Let the cakes rest in their pans for 10 minutes before turning them out onto a wire rack.
Variations, Tips & Storage
One of the most endearing things about a Tennessee Jam Cake is how flexible it can be. Just like the grandmothers who passed it down, this cake welcomes little changes with open arms.
Flavor Variations
- Different Jams: Blackberry is traditional, but fig, raspberry, or even plum jam can bring a whole new twist. Just be sure to use a thick, quality jam for that signature moist texture.
- Add Spices: Want a deeper flavor? Try adding a dash of ginger or a hint of cardamom. Each spice brings out a new layer of the cake’s comforting warmth.
- Swap the Nuts: Pecans and walnuts are classic, but almonds or hazelnuts can be wonderful too—especially if you’re making this Tennessee Jam Cake your own.
Smart Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Always start with soft butter and room-temp eggs. It helps the batter blend more evenly and bake more beautifully.
- No Buttermilk? Make your own by mixing 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice with 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Lining the Pans: For easy removal, line the bottom of your pans with parchment paper. It keeps your cake layers whole and handsome.
Storage & Make-Ahead Advice
- Storing the Cake: Once cooled, wrap your Tennessee Jam Cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It’ll keep on the counter for 3 days or in the fridge up to a week.
- Freezing: This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Make Ahead: The flavors deepen overnight. Bake it a day early and let the spices settle into the crumb. Trust me—it’s even better the next day.
Nostalgia, Serving Ideas & Emotional Memories
There’s something about a Tennessee Jam Cake that feels like coming home. Maybe it’s the deep scent of cloves dancing through the kitchen. Maybe it’s the sticky swirl of jam in every bite, tasting like a hug from someone you miss. For me, it’s the memory of my Nana humming old hymns while she poured the batter into her weathered bundt pan.
She’d serve it with pride, always on her glass cake stand, with a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream on the side. That contrast—the warm, spiced cake and the cold, creamy melt—was pure magic. It wasn’t just dessert. It was a family ritual, a celebration of ordinary days made extraordinary.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Style: Serve warm with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. It doesn’t need much—it’s already full of character.
- Fancy Touch: Drizzle with a bourbon glaze or dust with powdered sugar for a nostalgic yet elegant finish.
- Holiday Star: This Tennessee Jam Cake shines on Thanksgiving or Christmas tables. The spices and jam blend like holiday music and candlelight—comforting and timeless.
💬 A Bite of Emotion
Every time I make this cake, I think about those who taught me to bake. This isn’t just a recipe—it’s a memory passed from oven to heart. For more comfort bakes, you might enjoy our Strawberry Ladyfinger Cake or the cozy Lemon Dump Cake with Cream Cheese.
Conclusion
The beauty of a Tennessee Jam Cake isn’t just in the way it tastes—it’s in the way it makes you feel. This isn’t just a recipe you follow; it’s a story you tell with every stir, every pour, every slice. It’s the comfort of spice and jam, yes, but also the warmth of legacy and love.
When you bake this cake, you’re doing more than making dessert. You’re keeping alive something tender and timeless—something that once made a child smile in a farmhouse kitchen and now brings joy to your table.
So go ahead—dust off your favorite mixing bowl, preheat the oven, and let the scent of cinnamon and blackberry drift through your home. You’re not just baking a cake. You’re making a memory.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of jam?
Absolutely! While blackberry is traditional, you can swap it for raspberry, fig, or even apricot. Just make sure it’s thick and flavorful to keep that rich texture in your Tennessee Jam Cake.
2. What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No problem—just mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar with 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using it as a homemade buttermilk substitute.
3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, Tennessee Jam Cake is even better the next day. The flavors deepen and meld beautifully overnight. Just wrap it tightly and store at room temperature or in the fridge.
4. How do I store leftover cake?
Wrap the cake in plastic wrap and foil, or store slices in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh for 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge.
5. Does it freeze well?
Wonderfully! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for a treat that tastes just as good as fresh.
6. Can I leave out the nuts or raisins?
Yes, definitely. The recipe works perfectly without them if you prefer a smoother texture. But if you love a little crunch or chew, they’re a nostalgic bonus.
7. What frosting goes well with this cake?
A simple caramel glaze, cream cheese frosting, or even just a dusting of powdered sugar all work beautifully. But honestly, Tennessee Jam Cake shines all on its own.
8. Is this cake good for holidays?
It’s a holiday favorite! With its deep spice and jammy richness, Tennessee Jam Cake fits right in on Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even family reunions.
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