Hey Lykkers, ready to whip up a delightful berry cake at home? We’ve got you covered with a recipe that’s as delicious as it is easy to make.
Whether you're craving a simple dessert or preparing for a special occasion, this berry cake will hit the spot. Let’s dive in!
How to Make Berry Cake at Home
A berry cake is a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors, making it perfect for any season. The recipe below is versatile, so you can use whatever berries you have on hand—whether fresh or frozen. Let’s go through the steps!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs (room temperature)
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup buttermilk (you can substitute with regular milk + 1 tsp lemon juice or vinegar)
1 cup mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries)
For the Berry Topping:
1 cup mixed berries (for garnishing)
2 tbsp granulated sugar
½ cup berry jam (optional, to spread over the cake before garnishing)
Steps to Prepare Berry Cake
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside for later.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or hand whisk to cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step usually takes about 3-4 minutes. It’s essential to ensure your butter is at room temperature for a smooth mix.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
5. Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk in two parts. Start with the dry ingredients and mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Your batter should be smooth and slightly thick.
6. Fold in the Berries
Gently fold in the 1 cup of mixed berries using a spatula. Be careful not to crush them too much; you want to maintain the shape of the berries for added texture and bursts of flavor throughout the cake.
7. Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and slightly springy to the touch.
8. Cool and Add Topping
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. While the cake is cooling, mix your extra berries with 2 tablespoons of sugar and set aside for garnishing. You can also spread berry jam over the cooled cake for extra flavor.
9. Garnish and Serve
Once the cake is fully cooled, top it with the sugared berries for a fresh, juicy finish. If you want, you can dust the top with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
How to Save Your Berry Cake
To ensure your cake stays fresh and flavorful:
1. Storing the Cake:
If you plan to enjoy the cake within 2-3 days, you can store it at room temperature. Cover the cake with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. Keep it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
2. Refrigeration:
For a longer storage period (up to 5 days), store the cake in the refrigerator. Make sure to wrap it well to avoid it drying out. If you’re adding whipped cream or a heavy frosting, refrigerating is highly recommended.
3. Freezing:
You can freeze the berry cake for up to 3 months! Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the cake at room temperature or warm it up slightly in the oven.
Enjoy your delicious homemade berry cake, Lykkers!
