Delight in the exquisite flavors of Blackberry Cake, a perfect dessert for gatherings, celebrations, or simply indulging yourself. This cake features layers of moist lemon cake filled with creamy mascarpone buttercream, fresh blackberries, and luscious blackberry curd. Its vibrant colors and rich taste make it a showstopper on any table, ideal for both casual get-togethers and special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of lemon and blackberries creates a refreshing taste that dances on your palate.
- Beautiful Presentation: The naked cake style allows the beautiful layers and fillings to shine through, making it visually stunning.
- Versatile for Occasions: Whether it’s a birthday party or an afternoon tea, this cake fits right in at any gathering.
- Easy to Make: With clear steps and simple ingredients, you can create a bakery-quality dessert at home.
- Great Balance of Sweetness: The hint of tartness from the blackberries balances the sweetness of the cake perfectly.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your delicious blackberry cake, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth baking experience. Having the right equipment makes all the difference.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cake pans (two 8-inch)
- Rubber spatula
- Sifter
- Cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer or whisk: Essential for achieving fluffy egg whites and smooth buttercream.
- Sifter: Helps aerate dry ingredients for a lighter cake texture.
Ingredients
Delicious lemon cake layers filled with a mascarpone buttercream, fresh blackberries, and blackberry curd.
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 Blackberry Curd
- 6 oz blackberries
- 6 egg yolks
- 6 oz blackberries (strained)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (115g, chilled)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
For Mascarpone Buttercream
- 3 sticks 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 two 8-inch round cake pans with butter and line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the whole milk, sour cream, egg whites, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well combined.
Step 4: Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter with granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients
Gradually add in the dry mixture to the creamed butter while alternating with the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing.
Step 6: Bake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to cooling racks.
Continue following each step carefully to achieve your delightful blackberry cake!
How to Serve Blackberry Cake
Serving your Blackberry Cake can elevate the dessert experience and impress your guests. Here are some delightful ways to present this delicious cake.
Classic Slice
- Serve a classic slice of blackberry cake with a dollop of whipped cream on top for a simple yet elegant presentation.
Layered with Fresh Berries
- Enhance each slice by layering additional fresh blackberries between the cake layers. This not only adds flavor but also makes for a stunning visual.
Accompanied by Ice Cream
- Pair the blackberry cake with vanilla or lemon ice cream. The cold creaminess complements the cake’s sweetness beautifully.
Garnished with Edible Flowers
- Add a touch of elegance by garnishing your slices with edible flowers, such as Queen Anne’s Lace, for a beautiful presentation.
Drizzled with Blackberry Curd
- A drizzle of homemade blackberry curd on top adds both flavor and an appealing look to each serving.
As Part of a Dessert Table
- Feature your blackberry cake on a dessert table alongside other treats for an attractive spread during celebrations or gatherings.
How to Perfect Blackberry Cake
To ensure your Blackberry Cake turns out perfectly, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring eggs, butter, and dairy to room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
- Sift the Flour: Sifting the flour before measuring helps create a lighter cake by aerating it, resulting in a fluffier texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, which is not what you want.
- Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures. An incorrect temperature can affect baking times and results.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow the layers to cool completely before adding mascarpone buttercream; this prevents melting and slipping.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to tweak the recipe by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra layer of depth in flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Blackberry Cake
Pairing side dishes with your Blackberry Cake can enhance the overall meal experience. Here are some excellent suggestions:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the cake.
- Lemon Sorbet: The tartness of lemon sorbet complements the lemony notes in the cake, refreshing the palate after each bite.
- Minted Yogurt Dip: A cool yogurt dip infused with mint provides a creamy contrast that pairs well with the bold flavors of blackberries.
- Chocolate Mousse: Rich chocolate mousse creates an indulgent pairing that satisfies chocolate lovers at your gathering.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of soft cheeses pairs wonderfully with sweet cakes, offering a savory counterpoint to the dessert’s sweetness.
- Herb-Infused Tea: Serve herbal teas like chamomile or mint to cleanse the palate and round off your dessert experience nicely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making a delicious blackberry cake, there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid:
- Overmixing the batter: This can lead to a dense cake rather than a light and fluffy texture. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Using cold ingredients: Cold ingredients like butter and eggs can hinder the mixing process. Always bring your ingredients to room temperature before starting.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can lead to a dry cake. Use the spoon and level method to measure flour accurately.
- Ignoring oven temperature accuracy: An inaccurate oven temperature can result in undercooked or overcooked layers. Use an oven thermometer for the best results.
- Skipping the cooling step: Cutting into a warm cake can cause it to crumble. Allow your blackberry cake layers to cool completely before assembling.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your blackberry cake in an airtight container.
- It can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Blackberry Cake
- Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
- Your blackberry cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Blackberry Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the cake in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 15-20 seconds, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute other fruits for blackberries in this blackberry cake?
Yes! You can use raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries as alternatives. Just make sure they’re fresh or properly thawed if using frozen.
How do I ensure my blackberry cake layers rise properly?
Make sure your baking powder is fresh and that you do not open the oven door too soon while baking, as this can cause them to collapse.
What is the best way to serve blackberry cake?
This delightful dessert pairs well with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Garnish with extra blackberries for an impressive presentation!
Can I make this blackberry cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake and freeze the layers ahead of time. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.
Final Thoughts
This blackberry cake is not only beautiful but also bursting with flavor from the lemon and fresh blackberries. Its versatility allows you to customize it with different fruits or flavors, making it perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe today and impress your friends and family!
Blackberry Cake
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Blackberry Cake, a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations. This stunning cake features layers of moist lemon cake enveloped in creamy mascarpone buttercream, complemented by fresh blackberries and a rich blackberry curd. With its beautiful presentation and refreshing taste, this cake not only serves as a showstopper but also offers an explosion of flavors that dance on your palate. The balance of sweet and tart makes it an irresistible treat for anyone.
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 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)
- 6 oz blackberries
- 6 egg yolks
- 6 oz blackberries (strained)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (115g, chilled)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
- 3 sticks unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 3 cups confectioners sugar (420g)
- ½ tsp orange blossom water (optional)
- 8 oz mascarpone (room temperature)
- Handful of blackberries
- Queen Anne’s Lace flower
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 8-inch round cake pans with butter and parchment.
- In one bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk milk, sour cream, egg whites, lemon zest, and juice until combined.
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy; then alternate adding dry ingredients and wet mixture until just combined.
- Divide batter between pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool layers before frosting.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 90mg