Easy Berry Cake with Crumb Topping is a delightful dessert that brings together the best of sweet and tart flavors. This cake is perfect for any occasion, be it a family gathering or a simple afternoon tea. With its soft and moist texture, alongside the delicious crunch of the crumb topping, this cake is sure to impress everyone. It is easy to make, uses common ingredients, and requires minimal time in the kitchen. In this article, we will explore how to create this scrumptious cake that will have your friends and family asking for seconds.
Why make this recipe
You might wonder why you should try your hand at making Easy Berry Cake with Crumb Topping. The answer is straightforward. This dessert is not only easy to prepare, but it also showcases the beauty and flavor of fresh berries. Using a mix of berries, you get a wonderful burst of flavor in each bite. The cake itself is light and fluffy, thanks to the whipped eggs, while the crumb topping adds a satisfying crunch that perfectly complements the soft cake.
This recipe is versatile, allowing you to use whatever berries you have on hand. You can try strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries, creating a flavor combination that is refreshing and delicious. Making this cake at home also means you can control the ingredients, ensuring a fresh and wholesome treat. Plus, this recipe is perfect for those who love baking but prefer simple, straightforward steps.
Whether you are an experienced baker or a beginner looking to impress, this Easy Berry Cake with Crumb Topping is a must-try. It is a wonderful way to showcase summer’s bounty or to enjoy frozen berries during the colder months.
How to make Easy Berry Cake with Crumb Topping
Making this Easy Berry Cake with Crumb Topping is a simple process that requires minimal equipment and time. You will enjoy the ease with which everything comes together while creating something truly delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup light olive oil (60 ml)
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 g)
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 Tbsp lemon zest (finely grated)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup seltzer water or club soda (80 ml)
- 10 oz mixed berries (280 g)
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (90 g, for crumb topping)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50 g, for crumb topping)
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter (softened, for crumb topping)
- 1/4 tsp sea salt (for crumb topping)
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). As the oven heats up, prepare your springform pan by greasing it lightly with cooking spray or butter.
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In a large mixing bowl, beat the 3 large eggs and 1 cup of granulated sugar together for about 5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
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Stir in the 1/4 cup of light olive oil into the egg-sugar mixture until well combined.
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In another bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 2 1/2 tsp of baking powder.
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Gradually add half of the dry flour mixture to the egg and sugar mixture, mixing well.
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Add the 1 Tbsp of lemon zest and 1 tsp of vanilla extract to the batter. Mix to combine.
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Stir in the 1/3 cup of seltzer water or club soda. This will help give the cake a light and airy texture.
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Finally, add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
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Gently fold in the 10 oz of mixed berries into the batter, taking care not to break them apart.
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To make the crumb topping, combine 3/4 cup of flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 4 Tbsp of softened butter, and 1/4 tsp of sea salt in a small bowl. Use your fingers to mix everything until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan and gently spread it out. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter and berries.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to serve Easy Berry Cake with Crumb Topping
This Easy Berry Cake with Crumb Topping is delicious on its own, but you can enhance it further. Serve slices of the cake warm or at room temperature. For an extra touch of indulgence, you can dust the top with powdered sugar or serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
This cake pairs beautifully with tea or coffee, making it a perfect afternoon treat. You can also serve it at celebrations or brunch gatherings for a delightful surprise that everyone will love.
How to store Easy Berry Cake with Crumb Topping
To keep your Easy Berry Cake with Crumb Topping fresh, store it at room temperature, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. This will keep the cake moist and flavorful. If you need to store it for more than a few days, consider refrigerating it. It will last in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
If you want to store it for a longer time, you can freeze the cake. Let the cake cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Label it with the date and freeze. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
Tips to make Easy Berry Cake with Crumb Topping
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Use fresh berries if possible for the best flavor. If using frozen berries, do not thaw them before adding to the batter. This will help prevent the batter from becoming too watery.
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Properly measure your flour for accurate results. Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife instead of scooping directly from the container.
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Make sure your eggs are at room temperature. This allows them to whip more easily and create a light batter.
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Feel free to experiment with different types of berries or even nuts for additional flavor and texture. Personalizing your cake can lead to delightful results.
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For a more pronounced lemon flavor, increase the lemon zest or add a bit of lemon juice to the batter.
Variation (if any)
While this recipe focuses on a mixed berry cake, there are plenty of variations you can try. Substitute the berries with diced peaches or apples for a delicious twist. You could also add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the flour mixture for a warm spice flavor. If you are feeling adventurous, experiment with flavored extracts other than vanilla, such as almond or coconut, to impart a different taste to the cake.
FAQs
Q: Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free. Make sure to choose a blend that is a 1:1 substitute for all-purpose flour.
Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: Absolutely! If you want to make a larger cake, double the ingredients and use a larger pan. Just remember that baking time may vary slightly.
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the cake a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature and enjoy it the next day.
Q: Is the cake supposed to be dense?
A: No, the texture should be light and fluffy. If your cake turns out dense, it could be due to overmixing the batter or not incorporating enough air during the egg and sugar beating stage.
Q: Can I add frosting to this cake?
A: This cake is delicious on its own and does not need frosting. However, you could top it with a light glaze or cream cheese frosting if desired.
Nutritional Information (per serving, 1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 200
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 3g
In conclusion, Easy Berry Cake with Crumb Topping is not just another cake; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that you can easily prepare in your kitchen. With its straightforward steps and accessible ingredients, this recipe is perfect for anyone wanting to impress with minimal effort. Enjoy the baking process and the wonderful flavors that come together in this delightful treat!