Our contributor, Lauren Kapeluck of Crave. Indulge. Satisfy., is sharing a cherished family recipe with us today…

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Embrace the Holidays with a Timeless Classic: The Blackberry Jam Cake

December truly holds a special place in my heart, ushering in a season brimming with warmth, cherished family traditions, and the joy of creating lasting memories. It’s a time when the kitchen becomes the heart of the home, filled with the aroma of spices and the promise of delicious treats passed down through generations. This month, I am absolutely delighted to open my family recipe book and share with you a particular treasure: the Blackberry Jam Cake. This exquisite cake has been a staple at our Christmas gatherings for as long as I can remember, a beloved creation of my “Granga” – my wonderful grandmother on my dad’s side.

More Than Just a Name: Unveiling the Rich Flavors of Blackberry Jam Cake

The name “Blackberry Jam Cake” might sound straightforward, perhaps even deceptively simple. But don’t let it fool you! What lies within this festive dessert is an intricate symphony of exciting ingredients and complex flavors, far beyond what its modest title suggests. This isn’t just any cake; it’s a remarkably moist and tender creation, generously seasoned with the warming trio of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice that instantly evokes the spirit of the holidays. Infused with rich blackberry jam, a hint of tropical sweetness from crushed pineapple, and the delightful crunch of walnuts, it’s a cake that offers a new discovery with every bite. And to crown this masterpiece? A sinfully sweet, velvety smooth caramel frosting that elevates the entire experience, pushing this cake straight into the realm of pure indulgence. Be warned: this is a truly rich dessert, designed to be savored slowly, making it the perfect showstopper for any holiday spread.

A Timeless Recipe, Reimagined: From Traditional Layers to Adorable Cupcakes

Traditionally, my grandmother would prepare her legendary Blackberry Jam Cake either as an impressive layer cake, perfect for a grand celebration, or as an elegant bundt cake, ideal for slicing and sharing. However, this year, I decided to infuse a personal touch and give this classic recipe my own modern twist: transforming it into delightful, individual cupcakes, each adorned with glistening sugared blackberries. The beauty of this recipe truly lies in its incredible versatility. Whether you opt for the classic layer cake, a sophisticated bundt, or these charming cupcakes, you simply can’t go wrong. Each format beautifully showcases the cake’s deep flavors and moist texture.

Beyond the form, the ingredients themselves offer a playground for culinary creativity. Feel free to experiment with different jam flavors – perhaps a luscious raspberry, a sweet peach, or even a tangy fig jam, depending on your mood or what’s in season. For those who aren’t keen on nuts, they can easily be omitted, or you could substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different texture and flavor profile. Adding a handful of plump golden raisins can introduce another layer of sweetness and chewiness, while a touch of cocoa powder could deepen the cake’s complexity. It’s fascinating to observe how different members of my family subtly adapt this recipe, each person adding their unique flair to suit their favorite flavor combinations, making this not just a recipe, but a living tradition that evolves with each generation.

Baking Memories: Starting New Traditions with Little Helpers

One of the most heartwarming aspects of preparing these Blackberry Jam Cupcakes this year was the opportunity to begin a delightful new tradition with my own little boy. At 21 months old this Christmas, he’s quickly becoming mommy’s enthusiastic little helper in the kitchen. He absolutely adores sitting on the counter, his eyes wide with fascination as he watches me mix, pour, and bake. The true highlight for him, of course, was the moment he got to sample one of these delicious cupcakes! The sheer joy on his face as he dove in was priceless, his entire countenance smeared with the rich caramel frosting from ear to ear. Witnessing his pure excitement and delight as he savored every bite filled my heart with an immeasurable amount of happiness. He was, without a doubt, a huge fan, and I have every confidence that you, too, will fall in love with these festive treats!

The Ultimate Blackberry Jam Cupcakes Recipe

This recipe for Blackberry Jam Cupcakes is designed to bring warmth and festive cheer to your home. It’s a wonderful way to experience a classic Southern dessert with a delightful twist. Prepare to be amazed by the depth of flavor and the wonderfully moist texture of these homemade treats.

Blackberry Jam Cupcakes

recipe by Lauren Kapeluck
(Yields approximately 34 delectable cupcakes)

For the Moist & Flavorful Cake:

To achieve the perfect balance of moisture and spice, ensure your ingredients are at room temperature where specified, allowing them to blend seamlessly and create a beautifully textured crumb.

1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup buttermilk (key for tender, moist cake)
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg (adds warmth and depth)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (classic holiday spice)
1 teaspoon allspice (a complex, aromatic spice blend)
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups quality blackberry jam (the star ingredient for flavor and moisture)
1 (8oz) can crushed pineapple, thoroughly drained (adds subtle tang and moisture without making the cake soggy)
1 cup walnuts, finely chopped (provides a pleasant textural contrast)

Optional delightful additions and substitutions: For an extra layer of richness, consider adding 1 cup of plump raisins. Feel free to swap the walnuts for your favorite nut, such as pecans or almonds, or experiment with other fruit jams like raspberry, fig, or peach to truly personalize this versatile recipe.

Begin by preheating your oven to a cozy 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line your muffin pans with festive cupcake liners, ensuring they are ready to hold your delicious batter. This recipe makes a generous batch, so have multiple pans ready or bake in batches.
In a generously sized mixing bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, buttermilk, granulated sugar, eggs, baking soda, and the wonderful array of spices (nutmeg, cinnamon, and allspice). Mix these wet and spiced ingredients thoroughly until they are well incorporated and smooth. This step ensures an even distribution of flavor throughout the cake.
Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture, alternating with the two cups of rich blackberry jam and the thoroughly drained crushed pineapple. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter once the flour is added, as this can lead to a tougher cupcake. A light hand is key for tenderness.
With a spatula, gently fold in the chopped walnuts. If you’re including raisins or other optional additions, now is the time to carefully incorporate them into the batter. Folding ensures they are evenly distributed without crushing them.
Spoon the fragrant batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each approximately 3/4 full. This allows for optimal rising without overflowing and creates beautifully domed cupcakes.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. This indicates they are perfectly baked through and wonderfully moist.
Allow the freshly baked cupcakes to cool in their pans for about 5 minutes. This helps them set before gently transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling completely. It’s crucial for cupcakes to be completely cool before frosting, otherwise, your beautiful caramel icing will melt.
Once cooled, generously frost each cupcake with the luscious Caramel Icing and elegantly garnish with a sugared blackberry.

For the Decadent Caramel Icing:

This homemade caramel icing is the crowning glory of these cupcakes, offering a rich, buttery sweetness that complements the spiced cake beautifully. Its creamy texture and deep flavor are truly irresistible.

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed (for that classic caramel flavor)
1/4 cup milk, plus an additional 1-2 teaspoons for desired consistency
2 cups confectioner’s sugar (also known as powdered sugar)

In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the firmly packed light brown sugar. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil. Allow it to boil gently for 2 minutes, ensuring continuous stirring to prevent burning.
Carefully pour in the 1/4 cup of milk, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture back to a boil, continuing to stir to achieve a smooth consistency.
Remove the saucepan from the heat immediately. To help the icing cool and thicken quickly, place the bottom of the saucepan into a larger bowl filled with cold water. Continue to stir the mixture until the icing begins to noticeably thicken, transforming into a beautiful caramel consistency.
Gradually, and with continuous stirring, incorporate the confectioner’s sugar into the caramel mixture. Add it in small increments to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, creamy frosting.
If the icing appears too thick, add the additional 1-2 teaspoons of milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired frosting consistency. It should be spreadable yet hold its shape.
Once cooled and thickened to perfection, use an offset spatula to generously frost each cooled cupcake.

For the Elegant Sugared Blackberries:

These beautiful sugared blackberries add a touch of sophistication and a burst of fresh flavor to your cupcakes, making them look as exquisite as they taste. They’re simple to make and elevate the presentation significantly.

1 large egg white* (or pasteurized egg whites for caution)
1 pint fresh blackberries, ripe and firm
Granulated sugar, for coating

Pour the egg white into a small, clean bowl. Lightly whisk it with a fork until just frothy, but not stiff.
Using a small, clean paintbrush or a pastry brush, delicately coat each fresh blackberry with a thin, even layer of the egg white. Ensure thorough coverage without excess.
Gently roll each egg-white-coated blackberry in granulated sugar until it is evenly coated and sparkling. The sugar will adhere beautifully to the egg white, creating a lovely crystalline effect.
Carefully place the sugar-coated blackberries upright on a sheet of parchment paper or a wire rack. Allow them to dry undisturbed for several hours (or overnight) in a cool, dry place. This step is crucial for the sugar coating to set and harden.
Once completely dry and firm, artfully place the sugared blackberries on top of your frosted cupcakes as a stunning garnish.

* Important Note on Raw Eggs: Due to the slight inherent risk of salmonella or other food-borne illnesses associated with consuming raw egg whites, we strongly advise exercising caution. If you are serving these delightful cupcakes to small children, the elderly, pregnant women, or individuals with compromised immune systems or pre-existing illnesses, we highly recommend substituting regular egg whites with pasteurized egg whites. Pasteurized egg whites are readily available in most grocery stores and offer a safe alternative for making the sugared blackberries while maintaining the desired aesthetic and texture.

Creative Gifting: Share the Joy of Homemade Blackberry Jam Cupcakes

These beautifully crafted Blackberry Jam Cupcakes are not just a treat for the taste buds; they also make absolutely adorable and thoughtful gifts, perfect for spreading holiday cheer. Imagine presenting these homemade delights to friends, family, neighbors, or even colleagues! A charming way to package them is in small, clear 4oz canning jars, which instantly elevates their presentation and makes them incredibly appealing.

To prepare your cupcake gifts, carefully slice a cooled cupcake in half horizontally. Place the bottom half gently into the jar. Swirl on a generous dollop of that irresistible caramel icing, creating a beautiful layer. Then, carefully place the top part of the cupcake over the icing, and add a little more icing on top for a truly decadent finish. Secure the lid tightly, and then add a festive ribbon and a personalized tag. These little jars of joy are perfect for holiday parties, teacher gifts, or simply as a sweet gesture to brighten someone’s day. They’re a unique and personal way to share the warmth and deliciousness of your homemade baking.

Conclusion: Bake, Share, and Create Sweet Memories

The Blackberry Jam Cake, whether in its traditional form or as these charming cupcakes, is more than just a recipe; it’s a culinary legacy, a thread weaving through generations of family gatherings and celebrations. It embodies the essence of holiday baking – a blend of comforting flavors, aromatic spices, and the profound joy of sharing something truly special with those you love. From the moment you stir the batter, infused with fragrant cinnamon and nutmeg, to the first bite of a moist cupcake crowned with creamy caramel and a sparkling sugared blackberry, you’ll understand why this recipe holds such a cherished place in our family.

We invite you to make this festive season extra special by trying this remarkable Blackberry Jam Cupcakes recipe. Unleash your inner baker, embrace the warmth of your kitchen, and perhaps even start a new cherished tradition with your own loved ones. May your holidays be filled with laughter, love, and the unforgettable taste of homemade goodness. Happy baking!