Blackberry Cake

Delight your taste buds with this Blackberry Cake! This stunning dessert features layers of zesty lemon cake, rich mascarpone buttercream, and fresh blackberries. Perfect for birthdays, picnics, or any special occasion, this cake stands out not only for its beautiful presentation but also for its delightful flavor combination. Each bite is a refreshing mix of tartness and sweetness that will leave everyone wanting more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This blackberry cake can be prepared with simple steps, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of lemon and blackberries creates a refreshing taste that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday or a summer gathering, this cake fits right in.
• Stunning Presentation: The layers and toppings make it visually appealing, ensuring it’s the star of the dessert table.
• Perfectly Moist: Thanks to the sour cream and egg whites, each slice is moist and delicious.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make your experience smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Cake pans

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Ensures even mixing and aeration for a light cake texture.
• Mixing bowls: Necessary for combining ingredients efficiently without mess.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements lead to consistent results every time.

Ingredients

For the Cake Layers

• 2 1/4 cups cake flour (335g)
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar (235g)
• 1 tsp baking powder (heaping)
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 2/3 cup whole milk (160ml, room temperature)
• 1/4 cup sour cream (60ml, room temperature)
• 6 large egg whites (room temperature)
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1/3 cup lemon juice (80ml)
• ¾ cup unsalted butter (176g, room temperature)

For the Fillings and Frosting

• 6 oz blackberries
• 6 egg yolks
• 6 oz blackberries (strained)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (115g, chilled)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
• 3 stick unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 3 cups confectioners sugar (420g)
• ½ tsp Orange blossom water (optional)
• 8 oz mascarpone (room temperature)

For Garnish

• Handful of blackberries
• Queen Anne’s Lace flower

How to Make Blackberry Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:
* Cake flour
* Granulated sugar
* Baking powder
* Kosher salt

Make sure there are no lumps in your dry ingredients.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, combine:
* Whole milk
* Sour cream
* Egg whites
* Lemon zest
* Lemon juice

Mix until smooth.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In your stand mixer bowl, beat:
* Unsalted butter
* Granulated sugar

Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy. This should take about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the wet mixture into the creamed butter mixture. Mix until just combined. Slowly fold in the dry ingredients using a rubber spatula until no streaks remain.

Step 6: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for about 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool completely before frosting.

How to Serve Blackberry Cake

Serving a delicious blackberry cake can elevate any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday party or a cozy family gathering, the presentation and pairings can make all the difference.

Pair it with Fresh Berries

• Use a handful of fresh blackberries on top of each slice for added color and flavor.

Add a Scoop of Ice Cream

• A scoop of vanilla or lemon ice cream complements the tartness of the blackberries beautifully.

Drizzle with Lemon Curd

• A light drizzle of lemon curd adds an extra zing that enhances the cake’s lemon flavor.

Garnish with Edible Flowers

• Adding Queen Anne’s Lace flowers can create a stunning visual appeal, making your blackberry cake look even more enticing.

Serve with Whipped Cream

• Lightly sweetened whipped cream provides a fluffy contrast to the rich mascarpone buttercream.

Create a Layered Dessert

• Dice leftover blackberry cake and layer it in a glass with yogurt and more blackberries for an elegant dessert parfait.

How to Perfect Blackberry Cake

To achieve the ultimate blackberry cake, consider these essential tips for baking success.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for an even batter.
• Sift Your Flour: Sifting helps aerate the flour, leading to a lighter texture in your cake layers.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cakes due to gluten development.
• Check Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with few crumbs, your cake is done.
• Cool Completely: Allow your cakes to cool completely before frosting; this prevents melting of the buttercream.
• Store Properly: Keep any leftover blackberry cake in an airtight container in the fridge for freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Blackberry Cake

Pairing side dishes with blackberry cake can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options that complement the flavors beautifully.

1. Lemon Sorbet: A refreshing palate cleanser that balances the sweetness of the cake.
2. Berry Compote: A warm mixed berry compote adds richness and depth when spooned over slices.
3. Coconut Macaroons: Chewy macaroons offer a delightful contrast to the soft texture of the cake.
4. Chocolate Ganache: Rich chocolate ganache drizzled over slices will satisfy any chocolate lover’s cravings.
5. Almond Biscotti: Crunchy almond biscotti provide a perfect texture contrast when served alongside slices of blackberry cake.
6. Pistachio Crumble: A nutty crumble adds both flavor and crunch, enhancing each bite of the cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Blackberry Cake can be a delightful experience, but certain mistakes can lead to disappointing results. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping Room Temperature Ingredients: Using cold ingredients directly from the fridge can prevent your cake from rising properly. Ensure all ingredients, especially eggs and butter, are at room temperature for a smooth batter.
• Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can develop gluten in the flour, leading to a dense cake. Mix just until combined to keep your Blackberry Cake light and fluffy.
• Underbaking the Cake: Not baking your cake long enough can result in a soggy center. Always check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean when the cake is done.
• Ignoring Oven Temperature Accuracy: If your oven temperature is off, it can affect baking time and texture. Use an oven thermometer to ensure you’re baking at the right temperature.
• Not Straining Blackberry Curd: Failing to strain your blackberry curd can lead to unwanted seeds in your cake layers. Always strain to achieve a smooth and silky consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Duration: Store your Blackberry Cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Container: Keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.

Freezing Blackberry Cake

• Duration: You can freeze slices of Blackberry Cake for up to 3 months.
• Container: Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Reheating Blackberry Cake

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the cake in aluminum foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 20-30 seconds. Be careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat; cover with a lid and warm for about 5 minutes. This method helps retain moisture without drying out the cake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making and enjoying your delicious Blackberry Cake.

Can I use frozen blackberries in my Blackberry Cake?

Yes, frozen blackberries work well! Just make sure they are thawed and drained before using them in the batter or as decoration.

How do I customize my Blackberry Cake?

You can customize your cake by adding different fruits or flavors. Try adding lemon zest or even swapping part of the flour for almond flour for a unique twist!

What is the best way to serve Blackberry Cake?

Serving your Blackberry Cake chilled with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream enhances its flavor. Garnish with fresh blackberries for an elegant touch!

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute regular flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour. Just ensure that other ingredients are also gluten-free.

What toppings pair well with Blackberry Cake?

Consider topping your cake with additional fresh blackberries, edible flowers like Queen Anne’s Lace, or even a drizzle of lemon glaze for extra zing.

Final Thoughts

This Blackberry Cake is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion! Its rich lemon flavor paired with creamy mascarpone buttercream makes it irresistible. Feel free to experiment with different fruits or fillings based on your preferences. We encourage you to give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!

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Blackberry Cake

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• Author: Alexia
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Blackberry Cake, a perfect balance of zesty lemon and rich mascarpone buttercream layered with fresh blackberries. This stunning dessert is ideal for any celebration, whether it’s a birthday or a summer picnic. With its vibrant presentation and refreshing taste, every slice promises a sweet tartness that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Not only is it visually appealing, but it’s also easy to make, making it a wonderful project for bakers of all skill levels.

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Ingredients

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• 2 1/4 cups cake flour
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 6 large egg whites
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup lemon juice
• 8 oz mascarpone cheese
• 12 oz blackberries (fresh and strained)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the cake flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix the milk, sour cream, egg whites, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth.
4. In a stand mixer, cream the unsalted butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
5. Gradually combine the wet mixture with the creamed butter mixture.
6. Fold in the dry ingredients gently until just combined.
7. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Let cakes cool completely before frosting with mascarpone buttercream.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 24g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 55mg