Name: Blueberry Jam Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 75 min
Ingredients: ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened at room temperature); 1½ cup granulated sugar (or caster sugar); 3 pieces eggs; 1 cup plain yoghurt; ¼ cup blueberry jam (store bought or homemade); ½ teaspoon lemon extract; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 pieces lemon zest (of one lemon); 2½ cups all purpose flour (or plain flour); 2 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 4 cups powdered sugar (or icing sugar); 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 tablespoons blueberry jam (store bought or homemade); 3 tablespoons milk (or more, added slowly until desired consistency); ¾ cup blueberry jam (store bought or homemade)

Introduction to Blueberry Jam Cake

When it comes to dessert, Blueberry Jam Cake is a delightful option that stands apart, especially for young professionals juggling busy schedules. Imagine hosting a brunch or a small get-together and surprising your guests with a beautiful, vibrant cake that not only dazzles the eyes but also tantalizes the taste buds. This cake combines the sweet and tangy flavor of blueberries with a moist, buttery sponge, making it a delightful end to a long workweek.

Why is this cake a game changer for young professionals? For one, it’s incredibly easy to whip up! The use of store-bought blueberry jam cuts down on prep time, allowing you to create a stunning dessert in a fraction of the time. Plus, this cake is perfect for meal prepping or for impressing friends and family without spending all day in the kitchen. If you want to take it a step further, consider making your own jam with seasonal blueberries—check out my recipe for small-batch homemade blueberry lemon jam!

Versatile and not overly sweet, a blueberry jam cake is perfect for any occasion—whether it's a potluck, birthday, or simply a cozy night in with a cup of tea. Dive into the recipe below and discover just how easy it is to create this crowd-pleasing dessert that fits your busy lifestyle!

Ingredients for Blueberry Jam Cake

Making a delicious blueberry jam cake requires a handful of essential ingredients, each contributing to its exquisite flavor and texture. Here’s a helpful breakdown to guide you through the process.

Essential ingredients for the cake layers

To create moist and flavorful cake layers, you'll need:

¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
1½ cup granulated sugar
3 eggs
1 cup plain yogurt
¼ cup blueberry jam (store-bought or homemade)
½ teaspoon lemon extract
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest of one lemon
2½ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt

These ingredients are straightforward, yet they come together beautifully, creating a perfect complementary base for your cake.

What you need for the blueberry buttercream

The heavenly blueberry buttercream is made with:

4 cups powdered sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons blueberry jam
3 tablespoons milk (add slowly for desired consistency)

This luscious frosting not only tastes amazing, but it perfectly enhances the blueberry jam cake’s overall aesthetic.

Assembly ingredients for a perfect finishing touch

For the ultimate assembly that screams "wow," have on hand:

¾ cup blueberry jam

This jam is used both as a filling and a decorative topping, ensuring your cake not only looks stunning but tastes just as fabulous. Happy baking!

Step-by-step Preparation of Blueberry Jam Cake

Gather and Prepare Your Ingredients

To kick off your blueberry jam cake adventure, it's essential to have everything ready. Here’s what you’ll need:

¾ cup unsalted butter (softened at room temperature)
1½ cup granulated sugar
3 eggs
1 cup plain yogurt
¼ cup blueberry jam (store-bought or homemade)
½ teaspoon lemon extract
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest of one lemon
2½ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
For the blueberry buttercream, ensure you have the following:
4 cups powdered sugar
6 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons blueberry jam
3 tablespoons milk (or more for consistency)

Make sure to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) at this step so it's hot and ready to bake when your batter is mixed!

Make the Cake Batter

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. It could take about 2 minutes on a low setting, but the goal is to have it light and fluffy. After that, patiently add in the eggs one by one, beating each until fully incorporated. Next, gently fold in the yogurt, blueberry jam, lemon zest, and extracts.

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Now, gradually mix this into your wet ingredients until everything is just combined—don't overmix! Your batter will be rich and colorful.

Bake the Cake Layers

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared cake pans and smooth the tops. Pop those into your preheated oven for about 45 minutes. Keep a close eye on the cakes and use a toothpick to check for doneness. When it comes out clean, rejoice! Cool them in the pans for about five minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Blueberry Buttercream

While your cake layers cool, let’s whip up some irresistible buttercream. Mix the powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and blueberry jam in a bowl. Gradually add the milk while stirring until you achieve a spreadable consistency. Remember, if you find it's too runny, a touch more powdered sugar will fix it right up!

Assemble the Cake

Now for the fun part—assembly! Level off your cake layers if they’ve domed, ensuring a perfect stack. Take about ¼ of your blueberry buttercream and spread it over the top of your base layer. Pipe a thick border around the edges to create a dam for the jam. Spread about ¼ cup of blueberry jam inside this border—it’ll be a delightful surprise when you cut into the cake!

Next, place the second cake layer, trimmed side down, on top to minimize crumbs. Finish with the remaining buttercream, frosting both the top and sides of your gorgeous blueberry jam cake. Top it off with any remaining blueberry jam for that perfect finishing touch.

Now, dig in and enjoy every sweet, fruity bite!

Variations on Blueberry Jam Cake

Adding Different Jams for Diverse Flavors

While the classic blueberry jam cake is a showstopper on its own, consider swapping in different jams to explore new flavor profiles. Raspberry or strawberry jams can provide a delightful tartness, while peach or apricot jams offer a sweeter, summery twist. It's like giving your cake a whole new personality with just a simple substitution!

Experimenting with Alternative Frostings

Your blueberry jam cake can also shine with various frostings. Why not try a cream cheese frosting for a tangy contrast? Or, if you’re in the mood for something indulgent, a chocolate ganache can take it to another level. The combination of flavors will surprise and impress your guests—just imagine the delicious possibilities!

Cooking Tips and Notes for Blueberry Jam Cake

Tips for Creating the Perfect Cake Layers

To achieve moist and fluffy layers in your blueberry jam cake, make sure your butter is at room temperature—this helps the sugar incorporate smoothly. Always cream sugar and butter until light and fluffy, which typically takes about 2 minutes. Avoid overmixing the batter after adding the flour, as this can lead to a dense cake. For a uniform bake, place your cake pans in the center of the oven. If you want to dive deeper into baking techniques, check out this article on cake baking tips.

Notes on Achieving the Ideal Buttercream Consistency

When making the blueberry buttercream, it's essential to start with melted butter. Add milk slowly until you reach a spreadable consistency. Remember, you want your buttercream thick enough to hold the blueberry jam in place without running. If it becomes too thin, simply mix in a little more powdered sugar. Curious about flavor variations? You might want to explore different buttercream styles.

Serving Suggestions for Blueberry Jam Cake

Ideal occasions for serving your blueberry jam cake

Your blueberry jam cake is perfect for a variety of occasions! Consider serving it at:

Birthday Parties: A delightful centerpiece for any celebration.
Brunch Gatherings: Delight guests with this sweet treat alongside fresh coffee or tea.
Picnics: Pack slices for a charming outdoor lunch.
Family Gatherings: Impress relatives with a homemade dessert that sparks nostalgia.

Pair it with alternative refreshments for maximum enjoyment

To elevate your enjoyment of blueberry jam cake, try pairing it with:

Freshly Brewed Coffee: The rich flavor complements the sweetness perfectly.
Herbal Teas: Balances the flavors without overpowering them.
Fruit Infused Water: A refreshing contrast to the cake's richness.

For more ways to enhance your dessert experience, visit The Baker's Journal to explore creative beverage ideas!

Time Breakdown for Blueberry Jam Cake

Preparation time
Getting your ingredients and equipment ready takes about 20 to 25 minutes. This includes mixing your butter and sugar, adding in eggs, and preparing your cake pans.

Baking time
Once your stunning batter is in the oven, let it bake for approximately 45 minutes. Keep an eye on it; a toothpick check is always smart!

Total time
From start to finish, expect around 1 hour and 15 minutes to create your delightful blueberry jam cake. This includes cooling time for the cake layers before you frost them, so plan ahead!

Nutritional Facts for Blueberry Jam Cake

Calories
A slice of blueberry jam cake packs around 627 calories, making it a delightful treat for special occasions or a sweet indulgence after dinner.

Protein
You'll find 5.6 grams of protein in each serving, providing a small boost to your daily intake, especially welcome when paired with a cup of tea or coffee.

Sugar Content
With 74.5 grams of sugar, this cake is definitely on the sweeter side. Enjoy it in moderation for a balance of satisfaction and health.

For a deeper dive into nutrition, check out resources like the USDA FoodData Central for accurate food compositions.

FAQ about Blueberry Jam Cake

Can I use store-bought jam for the recipe?

Absolutely! Using store-bought jam is a great option for your blueberry jam cake. It saves time and still delivers that delicious blueberry flavor. Just ensure it’s a high-quality jam that’s rich in taste. If you have time, try making your own blueberry jam for an even fresher flavor—check out my recipe for small batch homemade blueberry lemon jam.

What’s the best way to store leftover cake?

To keep your blueberry jam cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, place it in the refrigerator for about a week. You can also freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to three months!

How can I make my blueberry jam cake more moist?

If you’re looking to enhance the moisture of your blueberry jam cake, try adding an extra egg or using sour cream in place of some yogurt. Additionally, incorporating a simple syrup on the layers helps lock in moisture. For more cake tips, feel free to read our baking best practices.

Conclusion on Blueberry Jam Cake

In conclusion, blueberry jam cake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience. Its moist layers complemented by rich blueberry jam and vibrant buttercream capture the essence of summer in every bite. Perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat at home, this cake will impress both family and friends.