Kentucky Derby Jam Cake

My grandmother made this every year for her annual Kentucky Derby parties that were famous in these parts.  This was my favorite dessert that was part of the meal she served every year for 150 guests. Because this cake is so rich, it is better to make it as a sheet cake rather than a layer cake.  But if you like the richness, then go for it! I have seen some recipes call for blackberry jam and occasionally Grandma would use raspberry jam.  It's up to your personal preference!

Cake Ingredients:

1 3/4 c. all-purpose flour

1 1/2 c. sugar

1 1/4 c. raisins

1 c. finely chopped pecans

1 c. strawberry preserves

3 eggs

1 c. vegetable oil

1 c. buttermilk

1 tsp.vanilla extract

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp.baking powder

1 tsp.ground cinnamon

1 tsp. ground nutmeg

1 tsp. ground cloves

1 tsp.allspice

1/2 tsp.salt

Cake Directions:

 Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray 13x9 inch pan. Combine all ingredients into a large bowl less the  pecans and mix well on low. Increase speed to high until sugar is completely dissolved. Fold in pecans and pour into pan. Bake 40 minutes or until cake pulls away from side of pans. Once cooled, add caramel icing.

Caramel Frosting (double the ingredients if doing a layer cake)

Ingredients:

 

1 1/8 c. dark brown sugar

6 T. salted butter

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/2 T. white corn syrup

2 1/4 T whole milk

1 1/8 c. confectioners sugar

Directions:

Combine all ingredients less the powdered sugar in a sauce pan.  On low heat, stir until creamy. Remove from heat and add sugar. Stir or cool until it has a glazed look and is of spreading consistency. Spread on cake.