Apple Cherry Jam Cake: A Timeless Comfort Dessert
Introduction
Imagine the warmth of spiced apples and the sweet-tart kiss of cherries, all wrapped in a tender, buttery crumb. This Apple Cherry Jam Cake is more than a dessert—it’s a heartwarming experience. It masterfully combines fresh, juicy apples with rich, flavorful cherry jam, creating a moist, layered cake that is both rustic and elegant. Perfect for afternoon tea, holiday gatherings, or as a special treat to share with loved ones, this cake fills your home with an irresistible aroma and delivers a symphony of autumnal and fruity flavors in every bite.
History & Lore
The concept of fruit-laden cakes dates back centuries, rooted in the European tradition of using preserved fruits (like jams and conserves) to sweeten and moisten baked goods, especially during winter when fresh fruit was scarce. The German “Versunkener Apfelkuchen” (sunken apple cake) and various Eastern European jam cakes are direct ancestors. This particular recipe is a modern fusion, celebrating two beloved fruits—apple and cherry—that are staples in North American and European pantries. It represents a beautiful marriage of orchard and forest, bringing together the comfort of apple spice with the joyful burst of cherry.
Benefits & Why You’ll Love It
· Flavor Harmony: The sweet, mellow apples perfectly balance the vibrant acidity of the cherry jam.
· Ultra-Moist Texture: The apples and jam ensure the cake stays deliciously moist for days.
· Versatile: Serves wonderfully as a breakfast cake, dessert, or with afternoon coffee.
· Nutrient-Rich: Apples provide fiber and vitamin C, while cherries are celebrated for their antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
· Crowd-Pleaser: Its homely yet beautiful appearance and universally loved flavors appeal to all ages.
Formation & Key Characteristics
This is a single-layer, dense-but-tender “snacking cake.” The formation involves creating a spiced butter cake batter, folding in fresh apples, and then swirling a generous amount of cherry jam both into and on top of the batter before baking. The result is a stunning marbled effect with pockets of gooey cherry goodness.
Recipe: Apple Cherry Jam Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake:
· 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
· 2 teaspoons baking powder
· ½ teaspoon baking soda
· ½ teaspoon salt
· 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
· ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
· ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
· ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
· ½ cup (100g) light brown sugar, packed
· 2 large eggs, room temperature
· 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
· 1 cup (240ml) full-fat sour cream or plain yogurt
· 2 cups (about 2 medium) peeled, cored, and diced apples (like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn)
For the Jam Swirl & Topping:
· 1 cup (about 300g) high-quality cherry jam or preserves
· 1 tablespoon lemon juice
· Optional: Sliced almonds or crumble topping for garnish
· For serving: Powdered sugar, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream
Methods & Instructions
Method: Creaming Method with Swirl Integration
Step 1: Prepare
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan or a deep cake pan, or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
3. In a small bowl, mix the cherry jam with lemon juice to loosen it slightly. Set aside.
4. Peel, core, and dice the apples.
Step 2: Make the Batter
1. In a large bowl using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream the softened butter with both sugars on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes, until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
3. With the mixer on low, add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
4. Gently fold in the diced apples using a spatula.
Step 3: Assemble & Bake
1. Spread half of the batter into the prepared pan.
2. Dollop half of the cherry jam over this batter layer. Spread the remaining batter over the top.
3. Dollop the remaining jam over the top surface. Use a knife or skewer to deeply swirl the jam into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
4. Optional: Sprinkle with sliced almonds or a simple crumble topping.
5. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center (avoiding a jam pocket) comes out clean.
6. Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before removing the springform ring or carefully transferring it.
Step 4: Serve
1. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
2. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature, with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, approx. 1/12 of cake)
· Calories: ~380 kcal
· Carbohydrates: 65g
· Protein: 4g
· Fat: 13g (Saturated: 7g)
· Fiber: 2g
· Sugars: 42g
· Note: Values are estimates and vary based on specific ingredients used.
For the Lovers of This Cake
This cake is for the romantics who find joy in shared desserts. It’s for the home bakers who love the process as much as the result. It’s for the nostalgic souls who taste memories of grandmother’s kitchen. It’s for comfort seekers on a rainy day and celebrators marking a small, joyful moment. Serve it to someone you adore, and watch it become a new tradition.
Conclusion
The Apple Cherry Jam Cake is a testament to the magic that happens when simple, quality ingredients are combined with care. It’s unpretentious yet deeply satisfying, offering a perfect slice of comfort with its moist texture, spiced aroma, and the delightful tang of cherries. Whether you’re baking it for a special someone, a family dinner, or simply to treat yourself, this cake promises to deliver warmth and wonder. So, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a dessert that’s sure to be met with requests for “just one more slice.”
