Blackberry cake

Blackberry Cake – A Sweet Delight at Home

Who doesn’t love a fluffy cake filled with berries? Blackberry cake is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a dessert that evokes pleasant summer memories. When blackberries are in season, there’s nothing better than turning them into a soft, aromatic cake, perfect for any occasion.

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 10

Ingredients:
- 4 large eggs
- 250 g sugar
- 100 g melted butter
- 100 ml oil (preferably sunflower or rapeseed)
- 140 g natural yogurt (opt for Greek yogurt for a creamier texture)
- Zest from 1 lemon and 1 orange (the citrus aroma will enhance the cake’s flavor)
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 400 g flour
- 1 packet of baking powder (adds volume and texture)
- A pinch of salt
- 500 g fresh blackberries (or frozen, but make sure to thaw and drain them well)

Preparation:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. This will help achieve a fluffy cake. Start by separating wet ingredients from dry ones to facilitate the mixing process.

2. Beat the Eggs with Sugar:
In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until the mixture becomes light in color and fluffy. This step is essential, as the air incorporated is the secret to a successful cake.

3. Add Oil and Butter:
While continuing to mix, gradually add the oil and melted butter. You will notice the texture becoming smoother and richer. Add the lemon and orange zest, followed by the vanilla sugar. Its aroma will give a special touch to the cake.

4. Incorporate the Yogurt:
Add the natural yogurt and mix well until homogeneous. The yogurt will add moisture and a creamy texture to your cake.

5. Flour and Baking Powder:
In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the bowl with wet ingredients in 3-4 batches. Mix with a spatula or wooden spoon, being careful not to overmix the batter. Trying not to overmix is key to achieving a fluffy cake.

6. Rest:
Let the batter rest for 10 minutes. This step allows the gluten in the flour to relax, which will help the cake be fluffier.

7. Prepare the Baking Pan:
Grease a round baking pan with a diameter of 26 cm with butter and dust with a little flour (or use parchment paper) to prevent the cake from sticking.

8. Assemble the Cake:
Pour half of the batter into the pan, then sprinkle half of the blackberries. Continue with the remaining batter, and finally, add the rest of the blackberries on top. The blackberries will not only provide a delicious taste but also a vibrant color to the cake.

9. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 175 degrees Celsius and place the pan in the middle of the oven. Bake the cake for about 1 hour or until it turns golden and passes the toothpick test (when you insert a toothpick into the center of the cake and it comes out clean).

10. Cooling:
Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack. Wait for it to cool completely before cutting to avoid crumbling.

Serving:
This blackberry cake is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it plain, dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant look, or with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy touch. It is also fantastic alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or warm chocolate sauce.

Practical Tips:
- If you don’t have blackberries, you can substitute with other berries like raspberries or blueberries, which pair perfectly with this cake.
- Add some finely chopped nuts to the batter for extra texture and nutrients.
- For a vegan version, you can replace the eggs with a mixture of flaxseeds and water and the yogurt with plant-based yogurt.

Nutritional Benefits:
Blackberries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins (especially vitamin C), and fiber, making them an excellent choice for a healthier cake. By adding yogurt, the cake also becomes a source of probiotics, beneficial for gut health.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use frozen blackberries?
Yes, make sure to thaw and drain them well before using them in the recipe.

2. How can I store the cake?
Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for future occasions.

3. Can the cake be made without yogurt?
Yes, you can replace the yogurt with milk or another type of dairy product, but yogurt adds a richer texture.

The blackberry cake is a wonderful choice to bring a touch of joy to your table. Whether you serve it at a gathering with friends, a family party, or simply to treat yourself, it will surely become a favorite among loved ones. Try it and enjoy every slice!

 Ingredients: 4 eggs, 250 g sugar, 100 g melted butter, 100 ml oil, 140 g natural yogurt, grated peel of one lemon and one orange, 2 packets of vanilla sugar, 400 g flour, 1 baking powder, a pinch of salt, 500 g blackberries