a recipe for a delicious cake featuring cranberries, blackberries, chocolate, and vanilla. This cake will have layers of flavor and a moist texture that complements the tartness of the berries with the richness of chocolate.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar)
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (you can use frozen if fresh are not available)
- 1 cup fresh blackberries (you can use frozen if fresh are not available)
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or dark chocolate)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Decoration (optional):
- Additional cranberries and blackberries
- Mint leaves
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer (about 3-5 minutes).
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in Berries: Gently fold in the cranberries and blackberries. Be careful not to overmix to keep the berries intact.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
- Pour and Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove from the pans and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Chocolate Ganache
- Heat Cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
- Add Chocolate: Remove from heat and add the chocolate chips. Stir until smooth and fully combined. Stir in the vanilla extract. Let it cool slightly to thicken.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Layer the Cakes: Place one layer of the cake on a serving plate. Spread a layer of chocolate ganache on top.
- Add Second Layer: Place the second layer on top and pour the remaining ganache over the top, allowing it to drizzle down the sides.
- Decorate: Garnish with extra cranberries, blackberries, mint leaves, and a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.
Step 5: Serve
- Allow the cake to set for a few minutes before slicing. Serve and enjoy your delicious cake with cranberries, blackberries, chocolate, and vanilla
Tips
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar based on your preference.
- You can also add a layer of whipped cream between the cakes for additional creaminess.
Enjoy baking and indulging in this deliciously fruity and chocolatey cake.
