I made a cake for work and wanted to try using jam for filling. I have read here that it's a filling that doesn't require refrigeration.

I had my cakes torted and ready for the jam. I opened a new jar of seedless raspberry jam. I mixed it up to get the lumps out, and I could literally pour it off the spoon. It was so runny. I figured if I used it in the cake it would turn into a runny mess. I ended up mixing in some stiff buttercream icing to thicken it up a bit. It helped.

How do you use jam for a filling. Should I have used preserves? Thickened it with something? I like the idea of using jam, but don't think this was such a great success. The cake was well received, but I wasn't that happy with it.

What do you think?

Thanks,
ElleC

This is a great question. I've had the same things happen, I had to mix mine w/ BC and even w/ whipped cream once. Both got good reviews but it wasn't exactly what I was wanting. Hopefully some good suggestions will follow.

Hi ElleC...I've used preserves straight out of the jar...no problem. I think they're usually thicker than jams and I like the taste a little better. I usually put down a very thin layer of BC and a nice thick dam before I put the preserves on. You could also try spreading the jam on without stirring it first. That might keep it a bit thicker.

I use jam, jelly & preserves. I love a jam on a plain white or yellow cake. Me & my son like plum the best! MMMMMMM good!! It sure does taste good on a cake~

Make sure you use a deep enough dam around the edge, and then make sure the cake rests before you start frosting it. That way the jam will will not spill out the edges. You can use store bought jams to fill cakes, regardless of how thin they are.

Lisa - thanks. Next time I will try Jam. I am also going to do the thin layer of bc too. I was wondering if I should have done that as the cake below got a bit soggy.

Crylynn - I am surprised to find out I can use it no matter how thin it is, but I will try it. When you say rest, do you mean put the top layer on, and let it sit for a bit? How long should it sit? 1/2 hour? more?

Thanks,
ElleC