Triple-Layer Tennessee Jam Cake

JeriBinNC's Note:

This is from The Cake Mix Doctor. I haven't tried it yet, but I definitely will on the next special occasion (which is the only time I ever make cakes).

• Total Time: 48 mins
• Prep Time: 25 mins
• Cook Time: 23 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 16

Cake

• 1 (18 ¼ ounce) package spice cake mix
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1⁄3; cup sweetened applesauce
• 1⁄3; cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup blackberry jam

Quick Caramel Frosting

• ½ cup butter or ½ cup margarine
• ½ cup light brown sugar , firmly packed
• ½ cup dark brown sugar , firmly packed
• ¼ cup milk
• 2 cups powdered sugar , sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Beat the first 6 ingredients at low speed with an electric mixer for 1 minute. Scrape down sides and beat at medium speed 2 more minutes until well blended, scraping down sides if needed. Pour batter evenly into 3 greased and floured 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Bake at 350 for 20-23 minutes or until cakes are light brown and spring back when lightly pressed with your finger.
3. Cool in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes. Remove from pans; cool completely on wire racks.
4. Place on layer on a serving platter. Spread with 1/2 of blackberry jam, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Spread a smooth, thin layer of warm Quick Caramel Frosting over jam. Repeat layers. Top with third cake layer. Spread top and sides of cake with remaining Quick Caramel Frosting, working quickly before the frosting hardens. (If frosting becomes too hard to spread, place it over low heat for 1 minute, stirring constantly.) Let cake stand 10 minutes.
5. Quick Caramel Frosting:.
6. Bring first 3 ingredients to boil in a 3 1/2-quart saucepan over medium heat, whisking constantly, about 2 minutes.
7. Stir in milk and bring to a boil. Remove from heat. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, stirring with a wooden spoon until smooth. Use immediately.