Are you craving a burst of summer sunshine on a plate? Then look no further! This Sweet Lady Jane Triple Berry Cake is the perfect answer. It's a delightful homemade treat, bursting with the sweet and tangy flavors of fresh berries. This easy recipe is perfect for beginner bakers, and impressive enough for any special occasion. Get ready to enjoy this delicious dish! It's one of the best recipes for a quick dessert or a lovely addition to a summer picnic.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries – your favorites!)
- ½ cup powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures your cake will slide out easily once baked.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This simple step ensures even leavening throughout the cake.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the batter, resulting in a lighter, fluffier cake. Use an electric mixer for best results!
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure to mix well after each addition.
Step 5: Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined – don't overmix!
Step 6: Fold in the Berries
Gently fold in the mixed fresh berries. Be careful not to overmix, as this can crush the berries.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool completely in the pan before dusting with powdered sugar (optional) and slicing.
Tips for Baking Success:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for optimal creaming and mixing.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Fresh Berries: Using fresh, high-quality berries will enhance the flavor of your cake.
- Cooling Time: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting or dusting with powdered sugar to prevent the topping from melting.
Variations:
- Lemon Berry Cake: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter for a zesty twist.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Top the cooled cake with a delicious cream cheese frosting for an extra decadent treat.
- Different Berries: Feel free to experiment with your favorite berries – raspberries, blackberries, or a combination!
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 250 Fat: 10g Saturated Fat: 6g Carbohydrates: 35g Sugar: 20g Protein: 4g
This Sweet Lady Jane Triple Berry Cake is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert perfect for any occasion. It's a healthy and delicious treat that's sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy!