Instructions

1 Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease two 9 inch, round cake pans, and line with parchment paper.

2 Combine 2 1/2 cups flour, salt, and spices.

3 Dissolve soda in buttermilk: stir well.

4 Cream butter or margarine. Gradually add sugar, beating well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix flour mixture into creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Dredge dates and pecans in remaining 1/2 cup flour, and fold into batter. Carefully fold grape jam into batter. Pour batter into prepared pans.

5 Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes. Remove layers from pans, and cool completely.

6 Spread hot Kentucky Fruit Filling between the layers and on top of the cake.