A berry cake recipe that is perfect for your next grand party

Let’s just say that this berry cake recipe is opulent, and elegant and will be a great dessert item next time you are hosting a sophisticated gathering of dessert connoisseurs. This cake is perfect for summer gatherings, birthdays, or any special occasion where you want to impress with both flavor and presentation. Every bite of this berry cake offers a balance of creamy richness, zesty freshness, and the natural sweetness of seasonal fruits, making it a showstopper for any gathering.

The cake itself is light yet rich. It flaunts a perfect balance of almond extract and zesty lemon and its flavors are enhanced by the added moisture of yogurt. Topped with a bounty of fresh, sweet berries, this cake is both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious. Furthermore, the addition of edible flowers like rose geranium adds a fragrant, elegant touch, making this cake ideal for special occasions.

Ingredients

For the cake:

• 325 gm butter, at room temperature (plus extra for greasing tins)
• 425 gm caster sugar
• 2 tsp almond extract
• Zest of ½ lemon
• 250 gm plain yogurt
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 375 gm self-raising flour
• 225 gm ground almonds

For the Filling and Decoration:

• 200 gm mascarpone
• 300 ml double cream
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Icing sugar, to taste (plus extra for dusting)
• 1-2 tsp rose water, to taste
• 800 gm mixed summer berries (such as raspberries, blackberries, redcurrants, blackcurrants, hulled strawberries, and loganberries)
• 4 tbsp caster sugar
• Edible flowers (like rose geranium flowers) for decoration

Method

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Grease and line the bases of three 23 cm cake tins.
• In a large bowl, cream the butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy. Add the almond extract and lemon zest.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the yogurt and eggs. With the mixer on low, gradually add the flour, ground almonds, and ½ tsp salt to the butter mixture, alternating with the yogurt-egg mixture until fully incorporated.
• Divide the batter evenly among the prepared tins. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Allow the cakes to cool in their tins for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the cream filling:

• In a mixing bowl, beat the mascarpone to soften. Whip the double cream until it holds its shape, then fold it into the mascarpone along with the lemon juice.
• Gradually add icing sugar and rose geranium water (or rose water) to taste.

Assemble the Cake:

• Just before serving, toss the berries with the caster sugar.
• Place the flattest cake layer on a serving plate and spread with half of the mascarpone cream. Arrange half of the sugared berries on top. Add the second cake layer, spread with the remaining cream, and top with the remaining berries.
• Place the final cake layer on top, sift icing sugar over it, and decorate with edible flowers for a beautiful presentation.

For a flawless finish and extra flavor, here are some tips and tricks to elevate this berry and almond cake. First, ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature, especially the butter and eggs, for a smoother batter that rises evenly.

When folding the yogurt-egg mixture into the batter, be gentle to avoid over-mixing, which can make the cake dense. To enhance the almond flavor, try toasting the ground almonds briefly before adding them. For a more stable mascarpone cream, chill your mixing bowl and whisk – this helps the cream hold its shape longer.

As for the berries, be gentle and pat them dry with a dry kitchen towel before use to prevent extra moisture from seeping into the cake layers. Finally, if you're using edible flowers for decoration, add them just before serving to keep them looking fresh and vibrant. You don’t want dry flowers to kill your dessert vibe! These small touches will ensure your cake not only looks beautiful but also tastes incredible!

If you’re looking to expand your dessert repertoire, dive into Berry, Berry Good: These Are The 5 Best Desserts To Make With Strawberries for more berry-inspired delights. And if you’re in the mood for something comforting, check out theComforting Flavors with Blueberry Pie: Easy Sweet Recipes at Home. These recipes will surely elevate your dessert game at your next party and keep your gatherings sweet and memorable! Enjoy your baking adventures!