Everyday Jam Cake

### Instructions:

#### 1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round or square cake pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This ensures your cake will come out perfectly without sticking to the pan.

#### 2. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves (if using), and salt. This mixture will help evenly distribute the spices and dry ingredients throughout the cake batter, resulting in a well-blended cake.

#### 3. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy—this should take about 2-3 minutes. Once it’s well combined, add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.

#### 4. Add the Jam:
Now, stir in the jam. Use about 1 cup of jam—this adds moisture and flavor to the cake. Whether you choose a berry jam or something more unique, it will infuse the cake with a natural sweetness. You don’t need to warm or soften the jam; simply mix it into the batter.

#### 5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Add the dry ingredients in parts, alternating with the buttermilk (or sour milk). Start with the dry ingredients, followed by the buttermilk, and continue mixing until everything is well incorporated. The batter will be thick, but don’t worry—that’s how it should be!

#### 6. Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and spring back slightly when touched.

#### 7. Cool the Cake:
Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling the cake helps it set and makes it easier to slice.

#### 8. Prepare the Glaze (Optional):
For a little extra sweetness and a glossy finish, you can drizzle a simple glaze over the top of the cooled cake. To make the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake, letting it gently drip down the sides.

#### 9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the glaze has set, slice the cake and serve it with a cup of tea, coffee, or as an after-dinner treat. This cake is perfect for any time of the day, and it’s especially delicious when paired with fresh fruit or whipped cream.

### Why You’ll Love This Everyday Jam Cake:

– **Quick and Easy:** With simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, this cake is ideal for beginners or anyone looking for a hassle-free dessert. No fancy techniques are needed—just mix, bake, and enjoy!
– **Versatile:** You can switch up the flavor depending on what kind of jam you have on hand. Strawberry, apricot, raspberry, or even mixed fruit jams will work beautifully in this recipe.
– **Moist and Flavorful:** The jam not only provides great flavor but also keeps the cake moist for days. Plus, the warm spices like cinnamon and ginger create a comforting, homey flavor that feels like a warm hug.
– **Perfect for Any Occasion:** Whether you’re serving it for a casual afternoon snack or bringing it to a potluck or family dinner, this cake fits any occasion. It’s also great for packing in lunchboxes or giving as a homemade gift.

### Tips for the Best Jam Cake:

– **Jam Variations:** Feel free to experiment with different types of jams. Use your favorite flavor or try a mix of flavors for a unique twist.
– **Room Temperature Ingredients:** Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start. This helps them mix more evenly into the batter, creating a smoother cake texture.
– **Add-Ins:** You can make this cake even more special by adding chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, or even a handful of chocolate chips. These additions can add texture and a little extra flavor to the cake.
– **Storage:** Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it for up to a week. The cake will stay moist for a longer period, thanks to the jam.

### Final Thoughts:

Everyday Jam Cake is the kind of dessert that brings joy with every bite. It’s simple, satisfying, and a perfect way to use up extra jam or experiment with different fruit flavors. This cake isn’t just for special occasions—it’s a delicious treat that can easily become a regular part of your baking repertoire. With its moist crumb, warm spices, and fruity sweetness, it’s sure to be loved by all who try it. So, grab your favorite jar of jam and bake up this comforting, delightful cake today!