Shuman's Jelly Cake Recipe

Jennifer Segal

16 May, 2024

Unlock the magic of Shuman's Jelly Cake recipe! Learn how to create this delectable dessert with our step-by-step guide. Perfect for any occasion!

Shuman's Jelly Cake

Publisher: Recipe Volt
Cuisine: American
Category: Dessert
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 16
Calories: 200 calories

About Ingredients Instructions Video Servings Tips Substitutes

Shuman's Jelly Cake is a beloved dessert that has delighted taste buds for generations. Rooted in a cherished family recipe, this delectable treat features three thin layers of tender pound cake, each separated by layers of homemade red currant jelly. The combination of moist cake and tangy-sweet jelly creates a perfect harmony of flavors and textures, making it a standout dessert for any occasion.

One of the charming aspects of Shuman's Jelly Cake is its versatility in serving options. It can be sliced into elegant wedges for a plated dessert, perfect for enjoying with a fork and savoring each delectable bite.

Alternatively, it can be cut into smaller, bite-size diamonds, transforming it into a delightful finger-food dessert ideal for social gatherings or parties.

The inclusion of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal to the cake, enhancing its overall presentation. Additionally, the option to freeze the cake for later enjoyment ensures that the delightful taste of Shuman's Jelly Cake can be savored at any time, making it a convenient and practical dessert choice for busy individuals or families.

Whether enjoyed as a nostalgic family favorite or introduced as a new culinary discovery, Shuman's Jelly Cake is sure to leave a lasting impression with its irresistible combination of flavors, elegant presentation, and homemade charm.

Although, currently out of production, Shuman's Jelly Cake embodies the warmth and tradition of homemade desserts, making every slice a moment to savor and cherish.

Recipe

Indulge in the irresistible charm of Shuman's Jelly Cake! Discover the secret to this beloved family recipe and elevate your dessert game today.

Ingredients

3 thin layers of pound cake (store-bought or homemade)
Homemade or store-bought red currant jelly
Powdered sugar

Method Instructions

If you're making the pound cake from scratch, follow your favorite recipe and spread the batter thinly in three separate cake pans. Alternatively, buy three thin layers of pound cake from the store.
Once the pound cakes are cooled, spread a generous layer of red currant jelly on top of each cake layer. Ensure even distribution to cover the entire surface.
Carefully stack the jelly-covered cake layers on top of each other to create a layered cake. Align the layers properly to ensure stability.
Decide whether you want to serve the cake as finger-food desserts or plated wedges. For finger-food desserts, cut the cake into approximately 50 bite-size diamonds. For plated servings, cut it into 16 wedges.
Dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar for a decorative touch. Serve the cake as desired, either as a casual finger-food dessert or plated with a fork.

If you have leftovers or want to prepare in advance, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the freezer. Thaw before serving if frozen.

Whether enjoyed as a sweet treat at a gathering or a delightful dessert after a meal, Shuman's Jelly Cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Recipe Video

Shuman's Jelly Cake

This is a video about Shuman's Jelly Cake.

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Recipe Tags: Shuman's Jelly Cake, Shuman's Jelly Cake Recipe, Recipe

Servings

Serving Shuman's Jelly Cake is a delightful experience that can be tailored to suit different occasions and preferences. Here are a few suggestions on how to serve this scrumptious dessert:

Plated Dessert: For a more formal setting or when enjoying a sit-down meal, serve Shuman's Jelly Cake as plated wedges. Use a sharp knife to slice the cake into even portions and arrange them on dessert plates. Optionally, garnish each slice with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Serve with a side of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Finger-Food Dessert: When hosting a casual gathering or party, consider serving Shuman's Jelly Cake as bite-size diamonds. Use a sharp knife to cut the cake into smaller pieces, making it easy for guests to enjoy without the need for utensils. Arrange the bite-size diamonds on a serving platter or tray, and provide small cocktail forks or toothpicks for easy serving. This option encourages mingling and allows guests to enjoy the cake at their own pace.
Buffet Style: If serving Shuman's Jelly Cake as part of a buffet or dessert spread, offer both plated wedges and bite-size diamonds to accommodate different preferences. Arrange the slices attractively on serving trays or cake stands, and provide small tongs or serving utensils for guests to help themselves. Consider pairing the cake with a variety of other desserts, such as cookies, fruit, or pastries, for a diverse and satisfying dessert selection.
Accompaniments: Enhance the enjoyment of Shuman's Jelly Cake by serving it with complementary accompaniments. Consider offering a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside each slice for added richness and contrast. Fresh berries or a fruit compote can also provide a refreshing burst of flavor and a vibrant pop of color.

Tips

Thin Cake Layers: Whether you're using store-bought or homemade pound cake, aim for thin layers to ensure a balanced ratio of cake to jelly. If making the cake from scratch, spread the batter thinly in the cake pans to achieve the desired thickness.
Even Jelly Distribution: When spreading the red currant jelly between the cake layers, ensure even distribution to cover the entire surface of each layer. This will ensure that every bite is infused with the sweet-tart flavor of the jelly.
Chill the Cake: For easier slicing and cleaner cuts, consider chilling the assembled cake in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. This will firm up the jelly and cake layers, making it easier to cut into neat wedges or diamonds.
Customize the Presentation: Get creative with how you present and serve Shuman's Jelly Cake. Experiment with different garnishes such as fresh berries, mint leaves, or edible flowers to add a pop of color and visual appeal to the dessert.
Freezing Option: If you're not planning to serve the entire cake at once, consider freezing individual portions for later enjoyment. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw slices in the refrigerator before serving.
Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor and texture, opt for high-quality ingredients, especially when it comes to the red currant jelly. If possible, use homemade jelly or choose a premium-quality store-bought variety without artificial additives or preservatives.
Personalize the Recipe: Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences. You can experiment with different flavors of jelly or even swap out the pound cake for other cake varieties such as sponge cake or angel food cake.

Ingredient Substitutes

Pound Cake: If you don't have access to pound cake or prefer a different type of cake, you can substitute it with other dense and sturdy cake varieties such as sponge cake, angel food cake, or even a basic vanilla cake. Ensure that the cake layers are thin enough to allow for easy assembly.
Red Currant Jelly: While red currant jelly is traditional for this recipe and adds a unique flavor, you can substitute it with other types of fruit jelly or preserves depending on your preference and availability. Raspberry, strawberry, or cherry jelly would all work well as substitutes. Just be mindful of the sweetness level and adjust accordingly.
Powdered Sugar: If you don't have powdered sugar on hand for dusting the cake, you can use granulated sugar or omit the sugar altogether. Alternatively, you can drizzle the cake with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a small amount of milk or lemon juice for added sweetness and decoration.
Garnishes: While powdered sugar is a classic garnish for Shuman's Jelly Cake, you can get creative with other toppings and garnishes. Consider topping the cake with fresh berries, whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or chopped nuts for added flavor and texture.
Cake Size: If you prefer a smaller or larger cake, you can adjust the size of the cake layers accordingly. Just be mindful of the baking time if you're making the cake from scratch, as thinner or thicker layers may require adjustments to the baking time.
Gluten-Free or Vegan Options: For those with dietary restrictions, you can adapt the recipe to be gluten-free or vegan by using gluten-free flour blends or vegan butter in the cake batter, and ensuring that the jelly and any other ingredients used are also suitable for your dietary needs.