Introduction
Treat yourself to the perfect blend of tangy lemon and sweet blackberries with this delightful Lemon Blackberry Cake recipe. Bursting with bright flavors and moist texture, this cake is a refreshing twist on a classic dessert. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a slice of something sweet, this Lemon Blackberry Cake is sure to impress. With its vibrant colors and irresistible taste, it’s bound to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious cake that’s perfect for any time of year!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Blackberry Compote:
- 2 cups fresh blackberries
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon water
For the Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Additional blackberries and lemon slices for garnish (optional)
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- 9-inch round cake pans
- Saucepan
- Fine mesh strainer
- Offset spatula
Instructions
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
Make the Cake:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, buttermilk, and vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with an offset spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Blackberry Compote:
In a saucepan, combine the fresh blackberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and water.
Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the blackberries break down and the mixture thickens, about 10-15 minutes.
Remove from heat and strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer to remove the seeds. Allow the compote to cool completely.
Make the Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting:
In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice, beating until light and fluffy.
Assemble the Cake:
Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a layer of lemon cream cheese frosting on top of one cake layer.
Spoon a layer of blackberry compote over the frosting, then place the second cake layer on top.
Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining lemon cream cheese frosting.
Garnish with additional blackberries and lemon slices if desired.
Serve and Enjoy:
Slice and serve the Lemon Blackberry Cake, and enjoy!
Some of the health benefits associated with enjoying lemon blackberry cake:
Rich in Antioxidants:
Both lemons and blackberries are rich in antioxidants, which are compounds that help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body.
Free radicals can contribute to oxidative stress and damage to cells, leading to various diseases.
The antioxidants in lemon and blackberries, such as vitamin C and flavonoids, help protect against oxidative damage and support overall health.
Boosts Immune Function:
Lemons are renowned for their high vitamin C content, which plays a crucial role in supporting immune function.
Vitamin C helps stimulate the production of white blood cells, which are essential for fighting off infections and maintaining a healthy immune system.
Including lemon blackberry cake in your diet can contribute to your daily intake of vitamin C and help keep your immune system strong.
Promotes Heart Health:
Blackberries contain anthocyanins, which are potent antioxidants that have been associated with a reduced risk of heart disease.
These compounds help lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and improve blood vessel function.
Additionally, the fiber found in blackberries can help lower cholesterol levels, further supporting heart health.
Enjoying lemon blackberry cake made with fresh blackberries can be a delicious way to promote cardiovascular wellness.
Provides Dietary Fiber:
Both lemons and blackberries are excellent sources of dietary fiber, which is essential for digestive health.
Fiber helps regulate bowel movements, prevent constipation, and support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
Including fiber-rich foods like lemon blackberry cake in your diet can promote regularity and contribute to a healthy digestive system.
May Aid Weight Management:
Lemon blackberry cake made with whole food ingredients like almond flour or coconut flour can be lower in refined carbohydrates and sugar compared to traditional cakes.
Additionally, the fiber content in blackberries and other ingredients helps promote feelings of fullness and satiety, which can aid in weight management by reducing overall calorie intake and preventing overeating.
Supports Skin Health:
Vitamin C, found abundantly in lemons, plays a vital role in collagen synthesis, which is essential for maintaining healthy skin.
Collagen helps keep the skin firm, hydrated, and elastic, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and promoting a youthful complexion.
Consuming lemon blackberry cake can contribute to your daily vitamin C intake and support skin health from the inside out.
Boosts Mood and Mental Health:
The vibrant flavors of lemon and blackberry can uplift the mood and provide a sense of enjoyment and satisfaction.
Additionally, research suggests that the antioxidants and phytonutrients found in berries may have neuroprotective effects and help improve cognitive function.
Including lemon blackberry cake in your diet can be a delicious way to support mental well-being and overall mood.
Provides Nutrient Diversity:
Lemon blackberry cake made with wholesome ingredients like almond flour, eggs, and coconut oil provides essential nutrients such as protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.
By incorporating a variety of nutrient-dense ingredients, lemon blackberry cake offers a diverse array of nutrients that are beneficial for overall health and well-being.
Nutritional Facts
Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
Calories: 450
Total Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 100mg
Sodium: 250mg
Total Carbohydrate: 65g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 50g
Protein: 4g
FAQ’s
Can I use frozen blackberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen blackberries in the blackberry compote if fresh ones are not available. Simply thaw them before cooking.
Can I make the cake and frosting ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers and make the frosting in advance. Store the cooled cake layers in an airtight container at room temperature, and refrigerate the frosting in a sealed container. Assemble the cake and add the compote just before serving.
Can I use a different type of frosting?
Yes, you can use a different frosting if desired. A simple lemon glaze or whipped cream would also complement the flavors of the cake.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
Can I make this cake without eggs?
Yes, you can try using an egg substitute such as applesauce or mashed bananas for a vegan-friendly version of the cake. However, the texture and flavor may be slightly different.