There's something magical about the simple act of decorating a cake with fresh blueberries. The rich, deep blue hues of the berries contrast beautifully with the light frosting, creating a treat that's not only a feast for the eyes but also for the taste buds. Today, I'm excited to share a recipe that combines the rustic charm of homemade cake with the fresh, tangy burst of blueberries. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is sure to impress both in flavor and presentation.

Recipe: Blueberry-Infused Vanilla Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 ½ cups fresh blueberries, tossed in 1 tbsp of flour

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Garnish:

• Fresh blueberries
• Edible flowers or baby’s breath (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
   
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
   
• In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
   
• Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   
• Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix just until combined.
6. Fold in the Blueberries:
   
• Gently fold the flour-coated blueberries into the batter. Be careful not to overmix.
7. Bake the Cake:
   
• Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
   
• In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
9. Assemble the Cake:
   
• Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting over the top. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake.
10. Garnish:
    
• Decorate the top of the cake with fresh blueberries. Add some edible flowers or baby’s breath for a beautiful, natural touch.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
    
• Slice, serve, and enjoy the delicious combination of vanilla, cream cheese, and fresh blueberries!

Conclusion:

This cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a centerpiece for any gathering. The combination of moist vanilla cake, rich cream cheese frosting, and the fresh burst of blueberries is simply irresistible. I hope this recipe brings a bit of joy and sweetness to your day. Don’t forget to share your creations with me in the comments below—I'd love to see how you make this recipe your own!