Vanilla Blackberry Cake Food

VANILLA BLACKBERRY CAKE

Steps:

• 1. Mix 1 cup sugar in with blackberries and set aside while you prepare the cake batter. Grease and flour Bundt pan. Sift together flour and cornstarch and set aside.
• 2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg yolks one at a time, then beat in the vanilla.
• 3. Beat in the flour mixture alternately with the milk and cream mixing until incorporated.
• 4. Pour half of the batter into the Bundt pan. Spoon blackberries onto that batter.
• 5. Cover the blackberry layer in the Bundt pan with the remaining batter. Bake at 350 for approximately 1 hour. (Adjust time based on your pan and oven. I used stoneware and it took right at an hour to cook.)
• 6. Cool about 10 minutes and then turn onto a cake server. The blackberries will then be on the top of the cake.
• 7. Garnish the serving plate with a few blackberries and fill the hole of the cake with more blackberries, if desired. This cake was delicious without a glaze. However, I'm sure a simple glaze would be good with it, too.

VANILLA CAKE WITH BLACKBERRY BUTTERCREAM

Steps:

• Make the cake. Preheat the oven to 180C (350F). Lightly spray three 15cm (6in) cake tins with cake release and line with baking paper.
• Add all the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder/soda and salt) to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse briefly to mix together.
• Add the cubed butter and pulse again until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
• Mix the eggs and vanilla together. Gradually add the eggs through the feeding tube and process for a minute until well incorporated.
• Gradually pour the milk into the processor through the feeding tube and process together until you have an evenly mixed batter. Stop the mixer and use a spatula to scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl to make sure the batter is thoroughly mixed.
• Divide the batter between the tins (each will be around 210g/ 7.4oz) and bake for 20-22 minutes until the cakes are springy to the touch and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Leave to cool in the tins for 10 minutes then turn out to a wire rack.
• Brush the sponges with a little sugar syrup while they are still a little warm and leave to cool completely.
• Wrap well in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge, ideally overnight. Level the cake layers, if needed, using a large serrated knife before frosting the cake.
• Make the frosting. Put the butter and icing sugar in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat well, starting on low speed setting and increasing to maximum speed once ingredients are incorporated.
• Keep beating until light and fluffy, scraping the bottom and sides of the bowl halfway through.
• Add the vanilla paste and jam and beat until smooth.
• Transfer a third of the buttercream into a large piping bag fitted with a plain round tip.
• Add about 10 tablespoons of jam into a smaller piping bag fitted with a plain round tip.
• Pipe a ring of buttercream around the edge of the bottom cake layer.
• Pipe or spread jam inside the ring and spread to fill.
• Pipe more buttercream on top of the jam and smooth.
• Top with the second layer and repeat the process.
• Pipe or smooth a thin layer of buttercream (crumb coating) over the entire cake. Use a palette knife to smooth the top of the cake letting the buttercream spread over the edges.
• Use a side scraper to smooth the buttercream on the side of the cake - using a turntable will make this easier.
• Freeze the cake for 30 minutes before applying a second layer of buttercream to cover the cake. Repeat the process to smooth the buttercream for a clean finish.
• Pipe any extra buttercream on top of the cake using a selection of small or large star tips.
• Decorate with a few fresh blackberries and some edible flowers if you like. Add a little gold dust or pastel sprinkles and serve.

CLASSIC VANILLA CAKE

Steps:

• For the cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter the bottoms and sides of two 9-inch round cake pans; dust with flour, and tap out the excess.
• Whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.
• Beat the butter, sugar and oil in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until light in color and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and then the vanilla until combined.
• Alternate folding the flour mixture and the milk into the batter with a spatula, adding the flour in three additions and the milk in two, starting and ending with the flour, until just smooth. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
• Bake the cakes on the same oven rack until golden on top and the centers spring back to the touch, 35 to 40 minutes. Rotate the pans about halfway through if they seem to be browning unevenly. Let cool in the pans about 10 minutes, then turn out onto cooling racks and let cool completely.
• For the frosting: While the cakes cool, beat the butter and salt in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Gradually beat in the confectioners' sugar. Once it's all been added, increase the speed to medium-high, and beat until white and fluffy. Add 2 tablespoons of the milk, and beat to incorporate. Beat in the remaining milk, one tablespoon at a time (the frosting will be spreadable but not runny).
• To assemble: Place 1 cake layer right-side up on a cake plate or stand, and spread with 1 cup of the frosting. Top with the second cake layer. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.

VERY BERRY VANILLA LAYER CAKE

Steps:

• Vanilla Cake
• Heat oven to 350°F. Prepare three 9-inch round cake pans with nonstick baking spray.
• In a large mixing bowl, add flour, granulated sugar, baking powder and salt. Mix by hand or with hand mixer until well combined. Then set aside.
• In a separate medium mixing bowl, add milk, vegetable oil, eggs and vanilla. Mix well, then add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients in the large mixing bowl. Mix until well combined.
• Gradually add the water to the batter and mix slowly or on low speed until well combined.
• Evenly divide the batter among the 3 prepared cake pans.
• Add 2/3 cup fresh blueberries to each of the 3 prepared cake pans. Gently press into batter.
• Bake for 26 to 30 min. or until cakes pass the toothpick test.
• Let cakes cool for 10 to 15 min., then remove from cake pan to cooling rack to completely cool. Note that the blueberries are dense and will likely sink to the bottoms of the cake pans during bake time and that is okay.
• Blackberry Cream Cheese Frosting
• In a blender or food processor, purée the blackberries.
• Using a strainer, separate the blackberry purée and seeds. Throw out the seeds, then set purée aside.
• In a stand mixer, mix butter and PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese until well combined.
• With mixer on low, add powdered sugar 1/2 cup at a time and adding the vanilla after half of the powdered sugar has been added.
• Add blackberry purée and mix until well combined. (The frosting will go from a white color to a light purple color.)
• Assembly
• Place the first cake round on a cake stand, serving plate or cardboard cake round.
• Spread a thin layer of Blackberry Cream Cheese Frosting over the top of the first cake round. (I use an angled icing spatula, but a silicone spatula or spreading knife will work as well.)
• Repeat process with second and third cake rounds until all three cake rounds are stacked and frosted. (Note: The top layer should be a moderate layer of icing where the bottom layers should be thin.)
• With the remaining frosting, spread frosting around the outside of the cake using a cake scraper, spreading knife or silicone spatula. To achieve the "naked cake" look, scrape icing from the cake layers until visible through the frosting. The goal of a naked cake is to allow parts of the cake to show with no exact pattern. All frosting may not be used, depending on how thick you want to layers to be. Any excess frosting can be refrigerated for up to 7 days.
• Cut half of the strawberries into halves. Place halved strawberries, whole strawberries, blueberries, red raspberries and blackberries on top of the cake and around the base of the cake. (There is no exact pattern to placing the berries on or around the cake so place them however you would like.)
• Let cake sit in refrigerator for 45 to 60 min. for frosting to firm.
• Serve and enjoy!

BLACKBERRY ICEBOX CAKE

Steps:

• Measure out 2 cups blackberries from 2 pints. Slice berries in half lengthwise and transfer to a medium bowl. (Save remaining berries for decorating later.)
• Add 1/2 cup blackberry jam to bowl with sliced berries. Using a citrus juicer, juice 1 lemon over berry mixture. Let sit 10 minutes.
• Using an electric mixer, beat 2 cups heavy cream in a large bowl, starting on low speed and increasing to high, until soft peaks form.
• Beat in 1/4 cup powdered sugar and a pinch of salt just to combine.
• Line a medium bowl (6-cup capacity) with plastic wrap, pressing into bottom and up sides and leaving plenty of overhang. Line the bottom of bowl with a layer of vanilla wafers.
• Spoon about 1/4 cup berry mixture over wafers. Scoop 1 1/2 cups whipped cream into a small bowl; cover and save in fridge for later. Spread 1/2 cup of the remaining whipped cream evenly over wafer and berry layers. Repeat layers with wafers (breaking to fit as needed-no one will know), blackberry mixture, and whipped cream, using more for each layer as the bowl gets wider, until you run out of all the components.
• Bring up plastic overhang to cover and chill at least 24 hours.
• Unwrap plastic from top of cake and place a large cake stand or platter firmly over it. Flip over and lift bowl away; peel away plastic wrap. (Ta-da!)
• Using a whisk, beat reserved whipped cream back to soft peaks, then use a spoon to dollop cream all over cake and spread around evenly.
• Cut reserved berries in half lengthwise and arrange them on top.
• Slice cake into 8 pieces to serve.
• Do Ahead
• Cake can be assembled 2 days ahead and can also be unmolded and covered in cream 1 hour ahead; either way, keep in the fridge until the last minute.

BLACKBERRY AND CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM ICEBOX CAKE

Steps:

• Line a 9x5" loaf pan with plastic wrap, leaving a few inches of overhang on all sides. Chill pan until ready to use. Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat cream and powdered sugar in a large bowl until stiff peaks form, about 3 minutes. Place jam in a medium bowl and whisk to loosen, then gently mix in half of whipped cream. Mix vanilla and salt into plain whipped cream.
• Scoop half of vanilla whipped cream into prepared loaf pan and spread into an even layer. Arrange a layer of graham crackers on top, breaking or cutting to fit as needed. Add half of blackberry whipped cream, smooth into an even layer, and top with another layer of graham crackers. Dollop ice cream across top and smooth into an even layer. Add a third layer of crackers, followed by remaining blackberry whipped cream. Repeat with a fourth layer of graham crackers and finally spread remaining vanilla whipped cream over (don't worry if it's a little higher than edges of pan). Crumble some graham crackers over. Cover with plastic overhang and freeze until set, at least 6 hours.
• To serve, using plastic overhang, unmold cake (if it's hesitant to come out, run the sides of the pan under warm water for a few seconds to loosen) and cut into slices. Do ahead: Cake can be made 2 days ahead. Keep frozen.

JAMMY BLACKBERRY & ALMOND CRUMBLE CAKE

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4, butter a 20cm square tin and line with baking parchment. Beat 200g of the butter and 200g of the sugar together in a large bowl using an electric whisk until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well combined. When smooth and creamy, add 225g of the flour, the baking powder, almonds, milk and vanilla, and mix to combine.
• Scrape the mixture into the tin and level the surface with a spatula. Dot over teaspoons of jam, then scatter over the blackberries, pressing them in gently.
• To make the crumble topping, weigh the remaining 25g butter and 25g sugar into a bowl, add the rest of the flour and a pinch of salt. Rub the ingredients together between your fingertips until they are a crumbly consistency. Mix in the flaked almonds, then scatter the crumble over the cake. Scatter with the 1 tbsp caster sugar and bake for 45 mins until a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean.
• If the cake isn't ready, return to the oven for 5-10 mins more, then check again. Leave to cool for at least 20 mins in the tin before slicing and serving.

VANILLA BUTTER CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and lightly flour three 8-inch round pans.
• Combine the buttermilk, eggs, vegetable oil and vanilla in a bowl or large measuring cup and whisk until smooth.
• Combine the sugar, cake flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in the bowl of your stand mixer. Whisk to combine the dry ingredients.
• Place the mixer bowl on the mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. With the mixer on low, begin adding chunks of softened butter and continue blending until the mixture is sandy and no visible chunks of butter remain. Add 1/4 of the liquid ingredients to the dry ingredients and blend on low to combine. Raise the mixer to medium-high speed and beat for 2 minutes, scraping the bowl and beater halfway through beating. Add half of the remaining liquid ingredients to the bowl, blend on low to combine and then scrape the bowl. Add the remaining liquid ingredients and continue to blend on the lowest speed for 2 minutes.
• Divide the batter into the prepared pans and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out with a few most crumbs stuck to it, 25 to 30 minutes.
• Cool the layers in their pans for 15 minutes, then turn them onto a cooling rack and carefully wrap them in plastic wrap while they cool completely.

BLACKBERRY PUDDING CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
• Mix flour, 1/2 cup sugar, baking powder and salt in medium bowl.
• Stir in milk, vanilla and melted butter.
• Spread batter in greased 9 inch deep dish glass pie plate (or 10 x 6 baking dish).
• Scatter blackberries over the batter and sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup sugar.
• Pour boiling water over berries, place dish in oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until top is golden brown.
• Serve with ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.
• I have also substituted Italian prune plums, peaches and raspberries for the blackberries- all are good!

BLACKBERRY COFFEE CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Mix together flour, baking powder and the 1 cup of sugar.
• Add the beaten egg, milk, melted butter and vanilla; mix until smooth.
• Mix together the 1/2 cup sugar and the blackberries, stirring to coat the berries evenly; set aside.
• Pour cake mixture into a well-greased 9" round cake pan.
• Top cake batter with sugared berries; swirl around gently with a spoon, leaving some on top.
• Bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle of the cake comes out clean (if it hits a berry, try somewhere else).
• Cool in pan on a wire rack.

BLACKBERRY & ORANGE CAKE

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/ gas 4. Butter two 20cm loose-bottomed cake tins and line with baking parchment. Beat the butter and caster sugar together in a large bowl using an electric whisk until pale and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, until combined. Tip in the vanilla, flour and baking powder and fold until smooth, then gently fold in the orange zest and blackberries, being careful not to overmix.
• Divide the batter between the two tins and bake for 35-40 mins until golden and a skewer inserted into the middles comes out clean. Cover with foil after 30 mins if they start to colour too quickly.
• Meanwhile, make the drizzle. Put the orange juice, zest and sugar in a small pan and simmer for 4-5 mins until a thin syrup forms. Pour into a heatproof bowl and set aside.
• When the sponges are ready, drizzle the syrup over both while still warm and brush over evenly using a pastry brush. Leave to cool completely in the tins.
• Meanwhile, make the buttercream for the topping. Beat the butter and icing sugar in a large bowl with an electric whisk until light, pale and fluffy. Whisk in the orange zest and milk until loosened slightly. Spoon into a piping bag fitted with a large round nozzle. Beat the marmalade to loosen, then transfer a little to a piping bag fitted with a small round nozzle.
• Remove the cooled sponges from the tins, and place one on a cake board or plate. Pipe buttercream dots on top in a circle around the edge, then three dots in the middle. Spoon some marmalade into the gaps between the buttercream, then top with the second sponge. Pipe more buttercream dots all over the surface, then fill in the gaps by piping in the remaining marmalade. To finish, scatter with the blackberries and extra orange zest.

BLACKBERRY-SWIRL POUND CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly butter a 5-by-9-inch loaf pan and line with parchment, leaving a 2-inch overhang on all sides; butter parchment. In a food processor, puree blackberries with 2 tablespoons sugar. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder.
• In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together butter and 1 1/4 cups sugar until light and fluffy, 5 minutes. Add eggs and vanilla and beat to combine, scraping down bowl as needed. With mixer on low, add flour mixture in 3 additions, alternating with sour cream, beginning and ending with flour mixture.
• Transfer half the batter to pan and dot with 1/2 cup blackberry puree. Repeat with remaining batter and puree. With a skewer or thin-bladed knife, swirl batter and puree together. Bake until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean, about 1 1/4 hours. Let cool in pan on a wire rack, 30 minutes. Lift cake out of pan and place on a serving plate; let cool completely before slicing.