Description

This Summer Berry Cake is the ultimate warm-weather dessert—light, moist, and bursting with fresh seasonal berries. It’s the perfect sweet ending to any summer meal, whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or enjoying a quiet slice with your afternoon tea. With its tender crumb and jewel-like berry topping, this cake is as beautiful as it is delicious.

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Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake Batter:

1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ 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 (whole or 2%)

For the Berry Topping:

1½ cups mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 tbsp granulated sugar

Optional Topping:

Powdered sugar, for dusting
Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, for serving
Fresh mint leaves, for garnish

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line 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 Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
Mix in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the sour cream and milk.
Mix just until combined—do not overmix.

Step 5: Prepare the Berries

In a small bowl, gently toss the fresh berries with 1 tbsp flour and 2 tbsp sugar.
This helps prevent them from sinking and keeps them bright.

Step 6: Assemble the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Gently scatter the floured berries over the top, pressing slightly into the batter.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Serve

Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream, if desired.
Garnish with fresh mint leaves for an extra touch of freshness.

Notes

Use Fresh Berries – Choose ripe, firm berries for the best flavor and texture.
Don’t Overmix – Mix until ingredients are just combined for a tender crumb.
Room Temperature Ingredients – Butter, eggs, and dairy should be at room temp for smooth blending.
Customize Your Fruit – Swap in blackberries or sliced stone fruits like peaches or nectarines.
Avoid Soggy Cake – Lightly flouring the berries prevents them from sinking and getting mushy.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Cuisine: American