Source: Happiness Is Baking: Cakes, Pies, Tarts, Muffins, Brownies, Cookies: Favorite Desserts from the Queen of Cake
(Little, Brown & Company, 2019), pg. 43. Also: Maida Heatter's Book of Great Desserts (Andrews & McMeel Publishing, 1999 ed.), pg. 96.
It has taken me a long time to try this wonderful recipe and it has to be one of Maida's best. Although it calls for fresh blueberries, I used frozen ones that I had in the freezer from last year. It was delicious. It is especially a wonderful treat with coffee in the morning.
A very easy recipe to put together -
Topping:
- 1/3 cup sifted all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 oz. (1/2 stick) cup butter
Cake:
- 2 cups fresh blueberries (about 1 pint)
- 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 oz. (1/2 stick) cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- Finely grated rind of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup walnuts, cut medium fine
- Confectioners sugar (0ptional)
When using frozen blueberries vs. fresh, I am usually perplexed as to whether or not you try to dry them after thawing. I did put them on a paper towel and pat them lightly. I don't think that did very much and it certainly did not seem to affect the recipe. I think the best option would be to use them frozen and not let them thaw. Nevertheless, thawing did not seem to make a difference. Sprinkle about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the dry ingredients on the berries and softly stir.
 |
| Make the topping by using a pastry blender to cut the butter into the flour, sugar and cinnamon mixture. |
 |
| Beat the butter |
 |
| Add egg and beat for one minute |
 |
| Add the sifted ingredients alternately with... |
 |
| the milk |
 |
| Add the lemon zest |
 |
| Add the batter to the berries (it will be stiff) |
 |
| Fold gently |
 |
| Spread the batter into the prepared pan |
 |
| Sprinkle the nuts on top |
 |
| Add the reserved topping. Baker in 375 degree oven for 40-50 minutes until the top is brown. Let it cool in the pan for 30 minutes before removing. |
The recipe says this is good served either warm or cold. I tried it both ways (of course!) and it is good either way. You can sprinkle confectioners sugar on it but I did not do this.Yum
6 comments:
You've not listed the oven temperature for any of the recipes, why not. I assume they all bake at 350
It is 375 - sorry about that!
hmmm, I followed all directions exactly and it's fine, but a bit dry. Is it supposed to be that way?
Simone, I would guess too long a baking time. I've had this happen with other recipes although not this particular one. I start checking about 10 minutes before the given time on any recipe because ovens are all different.
Phillip, I made this blueberry cake for company, and it received raves. Thanks very much for posting the recipe. (I couldn't find the pan size in your post so I assumed it should be 8x8" and that worked.)
Great to hear! This is a really good one and I plan to make it again this year with fresh blueberries.
Post a Comment