If you’ve ever dreamed of a cake that perfectly blends nostalgic Eastern European flavors with an inviting, homey touch, the Russian Jam Layer Cake Recipe is exactly what you need to try next. This delightful dessert layers buttery cake with luscious fruit preserves, creating a tender crumb that melts in your mouth, while the subtle hint of sour cream adds a moist texture you won’t forget. Whether it’s for a cozy afternoon tea or a special occasion, this cake’s charm lies in its simplicity and heartwarming taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for the Russian Jam Layer Cake Recipe is wonderfully straightforward. Each component plays a crucial role in bringing out the cake’s unique character—from the softness of the butter and richness of the eggs to the sweet tang of jam that brightens every bite.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for the cake’s tender yet sturdy crumb.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Ensures your cake rises perfectly and stays fluffy.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and moisture, creating that deliciously soft texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps with a light texture when creamed with butter.
- 4 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and provide structure and tenderness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the jam beautifully.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Keeps the cake moist and adds a subtle tang that lifts the overall taste.
- 1/4 cup milk: Helps to loosen the batter and keep it smooth.
- 1/2 cup fruit preserves or jam: Choose raspberry or cherry for that classic, sweet-tart punch between cake layers.
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional): Adds a delightful crunch on top if you enjoy textural contrast.
- 1/4 cup rum or fruit juice (optional): A lovely brush-on addition to enhance moisture and depth of flavor.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Perfect for dusting or creating a light glaze to finish your cake elegantly.
How to Make Russian Jam Layer Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan so your cake releases effortlessly after baking. This simple prep step sets you up for the perfect bake without any sticky surprises.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent, so your cake rises uniformly and develops an even crumb structure.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. This process aerates the mixture and is key for a tender cakey texture that feels like a cloud with every bite.
Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Flavorings
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition for a smooth and emulsified batter. Stir in the vanilla extract followed by sour cream and milk to enrich the cake and keep it wonderfully moist.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake, so be careful to stop as soon as everything is well incorporated.
Step 6: Layer Your Batter and Jam
Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it out evenly. Spoon the jam over the layer, spreading it gently to cover the batter completely without mixing it in. Top with the remaining batter, carefully spreading to enclose the jam layer.
Step 7: Add Nuts (Optional) and Bake
Sprinkle chopped nuts on top if you’re using them. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. This cook time yields a golden crust with a moist, tender interior packed with fruity surprise.
Step 8: Cool and Finish
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. While warm, brush with rum or fruit juice if you like a bit of boozy depth. Once fully cooled, dust the cake with powdered sugar or drizzle a simple glaze for a lovely finishing touch.
How to Serve Russian Jam Layer Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a dribble of vanilla glaze will make your cake look irresistible. For an extra pop, consider sprinkling some finely chopped nuts or fresh berries on top — these add a rustic, charming aesthetic and boost flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair this cake with a steaming cup of black tea or rich coffee to balance the sweetness and highlight the jam’s fruity brightness. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can also elevate your dessert experience to delightful heights.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn leftovers into layered parfaits with crumbled cake, spoonfuls of jam, and whipped cream in a glass. Or slice the cake into squares and sandwich with extra jam for mini Russian Jam Layer Cake-inspired treats that guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your cake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Stored at room temperature, it stays delicious up to 2 days; refrigerate if you want it to last longer — up to 5 days with no loss in flavor.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge for a quick, convenient dessert anytime you crave it.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to bring out that freshly baked softness. Keep a watchful eye so it doesn’t dry out, and enjoy your cake as if it’s straight from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use other types of jam for this cake?
Absolutely! While raspberry and cherry are traditional favorites for the Russian Jam Layer Cake Recipe, feel free to experiment with apricot, strawberry, or any fruit preserves you love. Just choose a high-quality jam for the best layer flavor.
Is sour cream essential in this recipe?
Yes, sour cream is key for keeping the cake moist and tender while adding a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the jam. If you don’t have it on hand, Greek yogurt can be a decent substitute, but it will slightly alter the flavor.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can try a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour, but results may vary since gluten contributes to the cake’s structure. It’s best to use a blend designed for baking and consider adding a binder like xanthan gum if the mix doesn’t already contain it.
What’s the best way to prevent the jam from mixing into the batter?
Spoon the jam gently over the first layer of batter and avoid stirring it in. This layering creates that beautiful jam ribbon in the middle of the cake. Using a thicker jam helps it stay in place during baking.
Can I skip the rum or fruit juice brushing step?
Yes, this step is optional and meant to enhance moisture and add a subtle flavor note. Your cake will still be delicious without it; just skip this step if you prefer a non-alcoholic or simpler finish.
Final Thoughts
The Russian Jam Layer Cake Recipe is truly a gem for anyone who appreciates a cake that feels like a hug wrapped in layers of buttery goodness and fruity sweetness. It’s straightforward to make, sophisticated in flavor, and utterly delightful with each forkful. Invite friends or family over, bake this beauty, and watch as it becomes a beloved favorite on your dessert table.
Print
Russian Jam Layer Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Russian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic Russian cake featuring a tender, buttery batter swirled with fruity jam and topped with a light dusting of powdered sugar. This simple yet elegant dessert combines soft layers with a hint of tang from sour cream, making it perfect for afternoon tea or a sweet finish to any meal.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
Additional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup fruit preserves or jam (such as raspberry or cherry)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1/4 cup rum or fruit juice (optional, for brushing cake)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dusting or glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9-inch round cake pan or a springform pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then add the vanilla extract, sour cream, and milk, mixing until the batter is smooth and uniform.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding them in carefully until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Assemble the Cake Batter and Jam: Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it evenly. Spoon the fruit preserves or jam evenly over the batter, then carefully add the remaining batter on top, spreading gently to cover the jam layer. Sprinkle the optional chopped nuts over the top if using.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Cool and Finish: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. While still warm, optionally brush the top with rum or fruit juice to add extra moisture and flavor. Once fully cooled, dust the cake with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze.
Notes
- This cake is inspired by traditional Russian-style layer cakes but simplified for easy home baking.
- For a rustic layered version, use leftover cake pieces and jam layered similarly.
- Enjoy best with a cup of tea or coffee.
