Amish Blueberry Cake

 

Amish Blueberry Cake is a delightful treat known for its tender crumb, bursts of fresh blueberries, and a touch of sweetness. It's a perfect tea cake or dessert that celebrates the goodness of summer berries. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect:

Ingredients:

• Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ - 2 cups All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure for the cake. The exact amount might vary depending on the juiciness of your blueberries.
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder: Leavening agent for a fluffy rise.
  • ½ teaspoon Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
  • Spices (Optional): A sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a touch of cardamom can add a warm touch, similar to Amish Coffee Cake.

• Wet Ingredients:

  • ½ cup (1 stick) Softened Butter: Adds moisture, richness, and contributes to a tender crumb.
  • ¾ cup to 1 cup Sugar: Sweetens the cake. Granulated sugar or brown sugar can be used, with brown sugar adding a deeper molasses flavor.
  • 2 large Eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute structure.
  • ½ cup Milk or Buttermilk: Adds moisture and richness. Buttermilk can add a slight tang that complements the sweetness of the cake and blueberries.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Optional): A touch of vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Blueberry Filling:

  • 1 ½ cups Fresh Blueberries: The star ingredient! You can use wild blueberries for a more intense flavor or cultivated blueberries for a sweeter taste.
  • ¼ cup Sugar (Optional): A light dusting of sugar over the blueberries can help prevent excessive sinking and add a touch more sweetness.
  • 1 tablespoon All-Purpose Flour (Optional): Coating the blueberries in a light dusting of flour can help prevent them from bleeding too much into the batter.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Get your oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or a bundt pan (depending on your desired shape).

2. Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and any spices you're using (optional).

3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Beat in Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk (or buttermilk) to the creamed butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Stir in vanilla extract (if using).

6. Prepare the Blueberries: Gently rinse the blueberries and pick off any stems. You can toss the blueberries in a light dusting of flour to prevent excessive bleeding and sinking (optional). If using sugar, sprinkle it over the blueberries.

7. Folding in Blueberries: Gently fold the blueberries into the batter. Don't overmix, as this can cause the blueberries to burst and bleed into the batter too much.

8. Pouring Batter: Pour the batter evenly into the greased baking pan or bundt pan.

9. Baking: Bake the cake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown.

10. Cooling and Serving: Let the cake cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Amish Blueberry Cake can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. It pairs well with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar.

Tips:

• Use room temperature ingredients for even mixing and a smooth batter.
• Don't overmix the batter. A few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake and can cause the blueberries to burst.
• Fresh blueberries are ideal, but frozen blueberries can be used in a pinch. Thaw frozen blueberries and drain any excess juice before folding them into the batter.
• The baking time may vary depending on the juiciness of your blueberries. Keep an eye on the cake during the last 10 minutes of baking.
• Amish Blueberry Cake can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days, or wrapped and frozen for longer storage.

Enjoy this delightful Amish Blueberry Cake! It's a perfect way to celebrate summer's bounty of fresh berries.