Delight in the vibrant flavors of summer with this mixed berry lemon cake, where the tang of fresh lemon meets the sweetness of luscious berries.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 3 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp freshly grated lemon zest
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ⅔ cup sour cream
- ⅔ cup blueberries, fresh or frozen
- ⅔ cup strawberries, diced
Instructions:
- Start by heating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper for easy release.
- In a spacious bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, lemon zest, and kosher salt until evenly mixed.
- Toss the blueberries and strawberries with a small amount of the flour mixture. This will help to evenly distribute them throughout the cake and prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
- Pour in the vegetable oil, sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract into the dry ingredients. Gently mix everything together with a whisk until the batter is smooth and no dry flour pockets are evident.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared cake pan. Using a spatula, even out the surface, and sprinkle additional berries on top if desired.
- Bake the cake in the preheated oven for about 45 to 55 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it emerges with a few moist crumbs attached, the cake is ready.
- After baking, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar and serve alongside your favorite hot beverage!
Pro Tips:
- For best results, ensure your eggs and sour cream are at room temperature to integrate seamlessly into the batter.
- When combining your batter, a light hand is key. Overmixing can result in a denser, less tender cake.
- Accurate flour measurement is critical: fluff the flour with a spoon, spoon it into the measuring cup, and level it off with a knife for the perfect measure.
- Feel free to personalize your cake with a variety of mix-ins or toppings like nuts, chocolate, or different fruits to suit your taste.
- Patience pays off! Give your cake ample time to cool to ensure the best texture and ease of slicing.
Enjoy the burst of berry and lemon flavors in each bite of this delightful cake, perfect for any occasion or a simple daily treat.
