Summer Berry Cake

Celebrate the flavors of the season with this delightful Summer Berry Cake! Light, fluffy, and bursting with juicy berries, this cake is perfect for picnics, backyard barbecues, or any summer gathering. It’s easy to make, visually stunning, and tastes as good as it looks.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Light and Airy – A soft sponge that melts in your mouth.
Seasonal Sweetness – Uses fresh summer berries for natural flavor and color.
Versatile – Great for birthdays, brunch, or an everyday treat.
Simple Ingredients – Pantry staples make this easy and accessible.
Beautiful Presentation – A showstopper dessert that requires no fancy skills.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup milk

For the Berries:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
• ¾ cup fresh blueberries
• ¾ cup fresh raspberries
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (to toss with berries)

For the Topping:

• 2 tbsp coarse sugar or regular sugar (for sprinkling)
• Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
• Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)

Tools You’ll Need
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer or whisk
Spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
9-inch round cake pan
Parchment paper
Wire cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Mix in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Add the sour cream and milk to the butter mixture and mix until smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.

Step 5: Fold in the Berries
Toss the berries with 1 tbsp of flour (this helps prevent them from sinking).
Gently fold ⅔ of the berries into the batter.

Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly.
Scatter the remaining berries on top and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
Run a knife around the edge, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh mint before serving if desired.

Tips for the Best Summer Berry Cake
Use Fresh Berries – For the best flavor and texture, choose ripe, firm berries.
Don’t Overmix – A gentle hand ensures a tender, fluffy crumb.
Add Lemon Zest – For a fresh citrus note, zest a lemon into the batter.
Make Ahead – This cake can be made a day in advance and stored covered at room temperature.
Top with Whipped Cream – A dollop of whipped cream takes it to the next level.

Serving Suggestions
With Whipped Cream – Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a luxurious touch.
With Ice Cream – A scoop of vanilla or berry ice cream makes it extra indulgent.
As a Brunch Treat – Serve slices alongside tea or coffee for a summer morning pick-me-up.
With Lemon Glaze – Drizzle with a simple lemon glaze for a zesty twist.

How to Store & Freeze

Storing:
Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days.
Refrigerate: Up to 5 days in an airtight container.

Freezing:
Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil.
Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen berries?
   Yes, but don’t thaw them before adding to the batter to prevent excess moisture.
2. Can I use different berries?
   Absolutely! Blackberries, cherries, or a mix of whatever you have on hand works well.
3. Is this cake sweet?
   It’s lightly sweetened to highlight the natural flavor of the berries. You can increase sugar slightly if preferred.
4. Can I make this gluten-free?
   Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to substitute for all-purpose flour.

Final Thoughts
This Summer Berry Cake is a light, delicious dessert that captures the essence of warm, sunny days. It’s easy to whip up, endlessly customizable, and sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Whether you serve it plain, dressed with cream, or topped with extra berries, it’s a beautiful reminder of how sweet summer can be.

Tried it? Leave a review and tag your creation with your favorite summer memory!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 310 | Protein: 4g | Carbohydrates: 38g | Fat: 16g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 180mg

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