Berry Crème Fraîche Cake
Prepare yourself for a delightful treat with this Berry Crème Fraîche Cake, which promises a burst of fresh berry flavors in every bite. This cake is perfect for a special occasion or a party, but it’s best enjoyed on the same day it is made due to its delicate nature. If you have fresh berries on hand, you’re in for a real treat with this easy-to-make, delicious dessert!
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for blueberry sauce)
- 1 cup crème fraîche
- 2/3 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for crème fraîche filling)
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the right temperature for baking the cake.
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Prepare the Cake Pans:
- Grease the bottom and sides of two 9-inch round cake pans thoroughly. To ensure the cakes release easily, line the bottoms of the pans with parchment paper. This step helps prevent sticking and makes for a clean release.
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Sift the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, sift together 2 1/2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and ensures a smooth batter.
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Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of softened unsalted butter with 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a tender crumb in the cake.
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Incorporate the Eggs:
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps the eggs to fully integrate into the butter and sugar mixture, creating a smooth batter.
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Mix the Buttermilk and Vanilla:
- In a separate bowl, stir together 1 cup of buttermilk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This mixture will add moisture and flavor to the cake.
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Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- On low speed, gradually add half of the buttermilk mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined. Then add half of the dry ingredients, mixing until incorporated. Repeat with the remaining buttermilk and dry ingredients. This method ensures a well-mixed batter without overworking it.
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Add the Poppy Seeds:
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds. These seeds add a subtle crunch and visual appeal to the cake.
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Bake the Cake:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula and bake in the middle of the oven for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
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Cool the Cakes:
- Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes. Afterward, turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. You can prepare the cake layers up to 2 days in advance; simply wrap them well and store at room temperature.
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Prepare the Blueberry Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, cook 1 cup of fresh blueberries with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Cook until the berries have burst and the mixture is juicy, about 5 minutes. Let the blueberry sauce cool to room temperature.
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Make the Crème Fraîche Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, whip together 1 cup of crème fraîche, 2/3 cup of heavy whipping cream, and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar until the mixture is stiff but smooth. This filling will add a rich, tangy flavor to the cake layers.
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Assemble the Cake:
- Using a serrated knife, carefully slice each cake layer in half horizontally, resulting in a total of 4 layers. Place the first layer on a serving plate.
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Layer the Cake:
- Spread one-quarter of the crème fraîche filling over the first cake layer. Top with one-quarter of the blueberry sauce and one-quarter of the fresh raspberries. Repeat this process with the remaining layers, finishing with a layer of berries on top.
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Chill Before Serving:
- If you’re not serving the cake immediately, refrigerate it. Before serving, let the cake sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to enhance the flavors.
Enjoy your Berry Crème Fraîche Cake, a delightful dessert that showcases the vibrant flavors of fresh berries combined with the rich creaminess of crème fraîche. Perfect for making any occasion special, this cake is sure to impress with its fresh taste and beautiful presentation. 🍰🍓💫
