1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Coat Blueberries: In a small bowl, toss the blueberries with 1 tablespoon of flour. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake during baking.
2. Make the Cake Batter
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in Blueberries: Gently fold the coated blueberries into the batter until evenly distributed.
3. Bake the Cake
- Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Add Topping (Optional): If desired, sprinkle the top of the batter with a mixture of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for added sweetness and a slightly crunchy texture.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown on top and spring back when lightly pressed.
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Serve
- Slice and Serve: Once cooled, slice the cake and serve. It can be enjoyed on its own or with a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and eggs are at room temperature for the best texture.
- Mixing: Be careful not to overmix the batter once the flour is added to avoid a dense cake.
- Blueberries: If using frozen blueberries, add them directly from the freezer to prevent them from bleeding too much into the batter.
Variations
- Lemon Blueberry Cake: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter for a fresh, citrusy twist.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Top the cooled cake with cream cheese frosting for an extra indulgent treat.
- Blueberry Sauce: Drizzle with homemade blueberry sauce or compote for added flavor and a touch of elegance.
Conclusion
Blueberry Cake is a simple yet elegant dessert that highlights the delightful flavor of fresh blueberries. Whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of coffee or serving it at a special occasion, this cake is sure to be a hit with its moist texture and burst of fruity sweetness. Enjoy this classic treat that’s perfect for any time of the year!