Peanut butter and jam are a classic combination often found between two slices of bread. But what if we told you that they make a fantastic duo in a cake? In this article, we’ll delve into the delightful world of "Peanut Butter and Jam Cake With Raspberries." This cake recipe combines the creamy goodness of peanut butter with the sweet and tart flavors of raspberry jam, resulting in a perfectly tender cake that’s hard to resist. So, let’s explore this delectable creation step by step.
Contents
Ingredients for an 8×8-inch Cake
Here’s a list of the key ingredients you’ll need to create this delightful cake:
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup (173 g) sour cream
- ½ cup (125 g) creamy conventional peanut butter (e.g., Skippy or Jif)
- 8 Tbsp. (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- ½ tsp. fine sea salt
- 1½ tsp. baking powder
- ½ tsp. baking soda
- 1¼ cups (160 g) all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup (90 g) raspberry jam
- ½ cup (70 g) fresh raspberries (optional)
Baking the Cake
Step 1: Preparing the Pan
- Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat it to 350ºF.
- Coat an 8 × 8-inch baking pan with cooking spray or brush with butter.
- Line the pan with a strip of parchment paper, ensuring it hangs over two of the edges.
Step 2: Preparing the Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk the sugar and eggs until pale and foamy, about 1 minute.
- Add the sour cream, peanut butter, melted butter, vanilla, and salt. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and emulsified.
Step 3: Mixing the Dry Ingredients
- Whisk in the baking powder and baking soda.
- Fold in the flour with a spatula, making sure it’s well combined.
Step 4: Assembling the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, ensuring the top is smoothed out.
- Dot the top of the batter with raspberry jam.
- Use a skewer or thin knife to gently swirl the jam through the batter.
- If desired, scatter fresh raspberries over the top.
Step 5: Baking to Perfection
- Bake the cake until it’s puffed and golden, and a tester inserted into the center comes out clean. This typically takes 40 to 50 minutes.
- It can be a bit tricky to test for doneness due to the jam, so try to choose a spot without jam to test.
Step 6: Cooling and Storage
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a rack for about 15 minutes.
- Then, use the parchment paper to lift the cake out and onto the rack to cool completely.
- You can store this delectable treat loosely covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Flavor Variation
If you’d like to experiment with different flavors, you can create a "Peanut Butter and Jam Cake with Blackberries" by substituting blackberry jam and fresh blackberries for the raspberry jam and raspberries.
In summary, "Peanut Butter and Jam Cake With Raspberries" is a delightful dessert that combines the familiar comfort of peanut butter and jam with the excitement of cake. Whether you choose to stick with raspberries or try other berries, this cake is sure to be a hit. So, go ahead and give it a try – you won’t be disappointed!
For more mouthwatering recipes and culinary inspiration, be sure to check out our other articles and stay tuned for more delectable treats.
Variations and Creative Ideas for Your PB&J Cake
What Jam Works with Peanut Butter?
When it comes to pairing jam with peanut butter, the possibilities are diverse. While strawberry jam is a classic favorite, you can also explore other delightful options like grape or raspberry jam to suit your taste. Here’s a quick guide to enhance your peanut butter and jam experience:
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Strawberry Jam: The timeless choice that complements peanut butter’s nutty richness with a burst of fruity sweetness.
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Grape Jam: For a classic, nostalgic combination, grape jam offers a unique blend of sweet and tart flavors.
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Raspberry Jam: If you prefer a slightly tart twist, raspberry jam can be an excellent choice, adding a vibrant touch to your peanut butter pairing.
So, whether you’re a fan of the traditional or looking to venture into new flavor territories, your peanut butter and jam sandwich can be customized to your liking. Enjoy your creation with some veggies like celery sticks, baby carrots, snap peas, or sliced bell peppers for a balanced and satisfying snack.
Which Jam Goes Best with Peanut Butter?
When it comes to selecting the ideal jam to pair with your peanut butter, there are a few classic favorites to consider. Strawberry and raspberry jams have long been cherished for their ability to enhance the peanut butter experience. Renowned chef and restaurant owner Matthew McPherson offers a valuable tip: opt for a jam that is bursting with flavor. The richness of a flavorful jam ensures that you won’t need to use excessive amounts, preventing your sandwich from becoming soggy.
So, whether you opt for the timeless allure of strawberry or the vibrant twist of raspberry, a flavorful jam is the key to a perfect peanut butter and jam combination.
Can You Use Jam Instead of Jelly for a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich?
The great PB&J debate: jelly vs. jam. While jelly and jam are technically distinct, they both have a place in the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich. The choice largely comes down to personal preference, and many individuals, like myself, opt for using jam.
It’s essential to understand that while jelly and jam have some differences, they can both elevate the deliciousness of your PB&J sandwich. So, whether you’re team jelly or team jam, rest assured that your sandwich will be a delightful treat.
What Is the Difference Between Jam and Jelly in a PB&J?
The distinction between jam and jelly in the realm of PB&J sandwiches lies in their composition. Jelly is a fruit-based spread created by boiling fruit juice with a gelling agent until it sets, resulting in a clear, smooth texture. In contrast, jam is prepared using crushed fruit and fruit pulp, which is heated with water and sugar before cooling to achieve a set texture. Natural or added pectin aids in the setting process.
In summary, while both jam and jelly play vital roles in the world of PB&J, their differences are rooted in the fruit preparation and textural qualities they bring to your beloved sandwich.
Can We Mix Jam and Butter?
Certainly, you can create a delightful combination of jam and butter. Here’s a simple method to achieve this fusion of flavors:
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Start by whipping the butter with an electric mixer until it’s fully softened and airy.
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Next, add a spoonful of your preferred jam and mix until it’s thoroughly incorporated.
I personally favor chunkier jams over jellies as the fruit pieces and seeds in the whipped butter not only add a lovely texture but also enhance the visual appeal of this delightful spread.
What Is the Difference Between Jam, Jelly, and Preserves?
Distinguishing between jam, jelly, and preserves lies in their fruit composition:
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Jelly: Jelly is crafted from strained fruit juice, resulting in a smooth spread without any fruit pieces.
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Jam: Jam is created from mashed fruit, offering a delightful texture with small fruit bits.
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Preserves: Preserves stand out by featuring whole fruit or large pieces of fruit, providing a chunky and visually appealing option.
In summary, the choice between these fruit spreads comes down to your preference for texture and the presence of fruit in your spreads.
