Old-Fashioned Jam Cake

Name: Old-Fashioned Jam Cake
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 12-16 servings.
Ingredients: 1 cup raisins; 1 can (8 ounces) crushed pineapple, undrained; 1 cup butter, softened; 1 cup sugar; 4 large eggs; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1/3 cup baking cocoa; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves; 1 jar (12 ounces) or 1 cup blackberry jam; 2/3 cup buttermilk; 1 cup chopped pecans; CARAMEL ICING:; 1 cup butter, cubed; 2 cups packed brown sugar; 1/2 cup 2% milk; 3-1/2 to 4 cups confectioners' sugar

I remember my Aunt Murna telling me she made this cake often when she was a young girl. Through the years, she made improvements to it, and her cake become a real family favorite. It has been a popular staple at our reunions.

Ingredients

1 cup raisins
1 can (8 ounces) crushed pineapple, undrained
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
4 large eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup baking cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1 jar (12 ounces) or 1 cup blackberry jam
2/3 cup buttermilk
1 cup chopped pecans
CARAMEL ICING:
1 cup butter, cubed
2 cups packed brown sugar
1/2 cup 2% milk
3-1/2 to 4 cups confectioners' sugar

Directions

In a small bowl, combine raisins and pineapple; let stand for at least 30 minutes.
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine dry ingredients; gradually add to creamed mixture alternately with jam and buttermilk, beating well after each addition. Stir in raisin mixture and nuts.
Spread into two greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans. Bake at 350° for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
For icing, in a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in sugar and milk. Bring to a boil. Remove from the heat; cool until just warm. Pour into a large bowl; beat in enough confectioners' sugar to achieve a spreading consistency. Spread frosting between layers and over the top and sides of cake.

If cooking for two: Prepare and frost entire cake, then freeze serving-size portions to enjoy for months to come.