As a busy mom, I know how precious time can be, especially when it comes to baking. That’s why I adore this Berry Bakewell Cake! It’s a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of fresh berries with the rich flavors of almonds and vanilla. Perfect for afternoon tea or a quick dessert, this cake is not only easy to whip up but also a surefire way to impress your loved ones. Imagine serving a slice of this moist, berry-filled goodness, and watching their faces light up with joy. Trust me, this recipe is a game-changer!
Why You’ll Love This Berry Bakewell Cake
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy days.
- Moist and flavorful, bursting with fresh berries.
- Versatile recipe that allows for fruit substitutions.
- Impressive enough for gatherings yet simple for everyday enjoyment.
- Great for afternoon tea or as a delightful dessert.
Easy Berry Bakewell Cake Recipe for a Tasty Treat
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and moist cake bursting with fresh berries, combining the rich flavors of almonds and a hint of vanilla, perfect for afternoon tea or dessert.
Ingredients
- 150 g (5.3 oz) unsalted butter, softened
- 150 g (5.3 oz) caster sugar
- 150 g (5.3 oz) ground almonds
- 150 g (5.3 oz) self-raising flour
- 3 medium eggs
- 2 tbsp whole milk (optional)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- 250 g (8.8 oz) mixed berries (125 g (4.4 oz) blueberries and 125 g (4.4 oz) raspberries)
- 25–50 g (0.9–1.8 oz) flaked almonds
- 1 tbsp icing sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a round cake tin (approximately 8 inches) with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. If using, stir in the milk and vanilla extract until combined.
- Gently fold in the ground almonds and self-raising flour until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the mixed berries, reserving a few for decoration if desired.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and smooth the top. Sprinkle the flaked almonds evenly over the surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with icing sugar before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use high-quality vanilla extract.
- Feel free to substitute the mixed berries with your favorite fruits.
- This cake can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Berry Bakewell Cake, dessert, baking, cake recipe, berry cake
Ingredients for Berry Bakewell Cake
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating your Berry Bakewell Cake. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that delightful flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Caster sugar: Finer than regular sugar, helps create a light and fluffy batter.
- Ground almonds: Give the cake a lovely nutty flavor and moist texture. You can use almond flour as a substitute.
- Self-raising flour: Contains baking powder, which helps the cake rise beautifully. Substitute with all-purpose flour + baking powder if needed.
- Medium eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
- Whole milk (optional): A splash makes the batter creamier. Skip for a denser cake.
- Vanilla extract (optional): Adds a warm, sweet aroma.
- Mixed berries: Fresh blueberries and raspberries work great. Swap with strawberries or blackberries if preferred.
- Flaked almonds: Sprinkled on top for added crunch and presentation.
- Icing sugar: Light dusting before serving adds elegance.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing!
How to Make Berry Bakewell Cake
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making the Berry Bakewell Cake! Follow these simple steps for a delicious bake.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake tin with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy. This incorporates air, giving the cake its tender texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Flavorings
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in milk and vanilla extract if using. The milk adds creaminess, and the vanilla gives it a lovely aroma.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gently fold in the ground almonds and self-raising flour. Mix until no dry flour remains—avoid overmixing to keep it light.
Step 5: Fold in Berries
Carefully fold in mixed berries without crushing them. Reserve a few for topping if you like. The berries add juicy bursts of flavor and color.
Step 6: Prepare for Baking
Pour batter into the prepared cake tin and smooth the top. Sprinkle flaked almonds over the surface for texture and beauty.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Bake for 25–30 minutes. It’s done when a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma will be irresistible!
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Once completely cool, dust with icing sugar. Slice and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Use room temperature ingredients for best results.
- Don’t skip the parchment paper—it makes cleanup easy.
- Check for doneness a few minutes early to avoid overbaking.
- Let the cake cool fully before dusting with icing sugar.
- Try different berries for a fresh flavor twist.
Equipment Needed
- 8-inch round cake tin
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Spatula
- Wire rack
Variations To Try
- Swap berries for seasonal fruits like peaches or cherries.
- Add cocoa powder and chocolate chips for a chocolate twist.
- Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
- Add almond extract for extra nutty flavor.
- Incorporate lemon zest for a citrusy lift.
Serving Suggestions
- Add a dollop of whipped cream.
- Serve with tea or coffee.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
FAQs about Berry Bakewell Cake
Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh ones?
Yes! Just thaw and drain them first to avoid extra moisture.
How do I store leftover Berry Bakewell Cake?
Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Refrigerate for longer shelf life but bring to room temp before serving.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely. Bake it a day or two ahead and keep it covered. Dust with icing sugar right before serving.
What can I substitute for ground almonds?
Almond flour works well. Finely ground hazelnuts can also be used, though texture may change slightly.
Is this Berry Bakewell Cake suitable for special diets?
Yes, it’s vegetarian. For gluten-free or dairy-free needs, use suitable flour and butter alternatives.
Final Thoughts
Baking this Berry Bakewell Cake is more than just following a recipe—it’s an experience filled with warmth and joy. With its sweet, nutty flavor and colorful berry bursts, it’s the perfect centerpiece for tea time or gatherings. I hope this recipe brings as much happiness to your kitchen as it has to mine. Happy baking!