Cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger spiced cake layer topped with a cream cheese frosting, blackberry jam and fresh blackberries making it the ultimate fall cake.

Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with this Spiced Cake with Blackberry Merlot Jam and Cream Cheese Frosting. This cake is a delightful balance of warm spices, tangy cream cheese frosting, and a rich, fruity blackberry jam infused with merlot. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a homemade dessert, this cake is guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for Fall & Holiday Gatherings – With cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, this cake embodies the essence of autumn.
Balanced Sweetness – The tartness of blackberry jam pairs beautifully with the warmth of the spiced cake and the richness of the cream cheese frosting.
Moist & Flavorful – Buttermilk and brown sugar keep the cake soft, while vanilla and spices add depth.
Easy Yet Elegant – Simple ingredients come together to create a bakery-worthy dessert.
Versatile & Customizable – Swap out the blackberry jam for another fruit preserve or add nuts for extra texture.

Ingredients

Cake:

1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
¾ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp ginger
Pinch of nutmeg
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup light brown sugar
¼ tsp salt
½ cup buttermilk (or make your own by adding 1 ½ tsp vinegar to regular milk)
2 large eggs (room temperature)
2 tsp vanilla extract
⅓ cup vegetable oil

Frosting:

4 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
4 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ cups powdered sugar

Topping:

3 tbsp Blackberry Mulled Merlot Jam (or any high-quality blackberry jam)
Fresh blackberries for garnish

Instructions

Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Butter a cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, buttermilk, vanilla extract, eggs, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
Add the Sugars: Stir in the granulated and brown sugar, whisking until well combined.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in the flour and baking powder, mixing until the batter is smooth.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool & Chill: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Prepare the Frosting: 15 minutes before assembling, beat the cream cheese and butter until creamy. Mix in vanilla extract. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat on medium speed for 3 minutes until fluffy.
Assemble the Cake: Spread the frosting evenly over the chilled cake.
Add the Jam & Toppings: Spread the Blackberry Mulled Merlot Jam on top and garnish with fresh blackberries.
Serve & Enjoy: Slice and serve. This cake yields 10-12 servings.

Pro Tips for the Best Spiced Cake

Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensures even mixing and a smooth batter.
Don’t Skip the Chilling Step – Chilling the cake makes it easier to frost and enhances the flavors.
Choose High-Quality Jam – The jam adds a unique flavor, so opt for a high-quality one like Trade Street Jam.
Experiment with Toppings – Add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for extra texture.

Final Thoughts

This Spiced Cake with Blackberry Merlot Jam and Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect dessert to cozy up with. Whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of tea or serving it at a holiday gathering, it’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out!

Love this recipe? Share it with your friends and tag me on Instagram @karinawithlovee!

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