Blueberry Cake Recipe: A Delightful Summer Dessert
This enchanting Blueberry Cake recipe serves as a perfect way to celebrate the summer season, especially when fresh blueberries are at their peak. With a tender, moist crumb and a delightful blueberry filling, this cake pairs beautifully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, transforming any occasion into a memorable culinary experience. Drawing inspiration from the Bon Appétit magazine (June 1987), this dessert recipe combines simple ingredients with an effortless preparation method, making it an ideal choice for bakers of all skill levels.
Nutritional Information
Here is a detailed breakdown of the nutritional content for one serving of this luscious Blueberry Cake, ensuring you know what you are indulging in:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 507.7 |
| Total Fat | 24.4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 14.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 121.1 mg |
| Sodium | 449 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 68.2 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.1 g |
| Sugars | 43.5 g |
| Protein | 6.2 g |
Ingredients
Before embarking on the baking journey, it is crucial to gather all the necessary ingredients to ensure a smooth preparation process. Below is a comprehensive table listing each ingredient required to create this delightful Blueberry Cake, along with the corresponding quantities:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sugar | 2 cups |
| Mace (ground) | 1/8 teaspoon |
| Lemon, rind of | 1 |
| Butter | 1 cup |
| Blueberries | 1 ½ cups |
| Flour | 2 cups |
| Baking powder | 1 ½ teaspoons |
| Baking soda | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Eggs | 6 |
| Vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons |
| Sour cream | 2/3 cup |
| Powdered sugar | For dusting (optional) |
Instructions
The following detailed steps guide you through the process of creating this delectable Blueberry Cake, ensuring that each component is prepared and baked to perfection:
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius), allowing it to reach the optimal baking temperature for your cake.
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Prepare the Baking Dish: Take an 8×8-inch baking pan and generously butter its interior, ensuring that the cake will not stick once baked.
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Make the Topping: In a small mixing bowl, combine the first four ingredients, specifically 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon of butter, mace, and 1 tablespoon of the lemon rind. Using a fork or your fingertips, mix these ingredients together until they form a crumbly texture. Once mixed, set this topping aside for later use.
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Prepare the Blueberries: In the prepared baking dish, combine the blueberries with the remaining sugar (which amounts to 1 cup) and the mace. Distribute the blueberries evenly across the bottom of the dish. Cut the butter into small pieces and scatter it over the blueberries, allowing the melting butter to enhance their natural sweetness during baking.
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Bake the Blueberries: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. This initial baking step allows the blueberries to soften and release their juices, creating a delicious layer at the bottom of the cake.
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Make the Cake Batter: While the blueberries are baking, prepare the cake mixture. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This process not only combines the dry ingredients but also aerates the flour, contributing to a lighter cake.
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Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter until it is light and fluffy. Gradually add the remaining 1 cup of sugar, beating for about one minute until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy.
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Incorporate the Eggs: Add the eggs to the butter-sugar mixture one at a time, ensuring that each egg is well blended before adding the next. This step helps to create a stable batter structure.
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Add Flavorings: Blend in the lemon peel and vanilla extract, allowing their bright flavors to permeate the batter.
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Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the sour cream to the batter, alternating with the dry ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry mixture. This technique helps to maintain a tender cake texture by preventing overmixing.
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Top the Blueberries: Once the batter is prepared, drop large spoonfuls of it over the baked blueberries, then carefully spread it to the edges of the dish, ensuring an even layer that will encase the blueberries as the cake bakes.
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Sprinkle the Topping: Finally, sprinkle the reserved crumbly topping over the batter. This will create a lovely crust as the cake bakes, providing a delightful contrast to the soft interior.
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Bake the Cake: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 40 to 45 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.
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Cool and Serve: Once the cake is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for 25 minutes in the pan. This cooling period will help set the layers and make it easier to slice.
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Finish with Powdered Sugar: If desired, sprinkle powdered sugar over the top of the cake for an elegant touch just before serving.
This Blueberry Cake is not only a beautiful centerpiece for summer gatherings, but it also encapsulates the flavors of the season in each delectable bite. Whether served warm or at room temperature, it’s sure to be a hit at picnics, potlucks, and family dinners alike. Enjoy the vibrant burst of blueberries paired with the sweetness of the cake, making this dessert a must-try for any blueberry lover!
