Delicious and Nourishing Soft Blueberry Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
   • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
   • Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Incorporate Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt:
   • Mix in the sour cream or Greek yogurt until smooth and well combined.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
7. Fold in Blueberries:
   • Gently fold in the blueberries until evenly distributed throughout the batter. Be careful not to crush the berries.
8. Bake the Cake:
   • Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it out evenly.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool and Serve:
   • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
   • Once cooled, slice and serve the soft blueberry cake on its own or with a dusting of powdered sugar, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Nutrition Facts (per serving, approximate):

• Calories: 200-250 kcal
• Total Fat: 10-12 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 6-7 grams
  • Trans Fat: 0 grams
• Cholesterol: 50-60 milligrams
• Sodium: 150-200 milligrams
• Total Carbohydrates: 25-30 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: 1-2 grams
  • Sugars: 15-18 grams
• Protein: 3-4 grams

Benefits:

1. Antioxidants: Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation.
2. Fiber: The blueberries and whole-grain flour used in the cake provide dietary fiber, which supports digestive health and may help lower cholesterol levels.
3. Vitamins and Minerals: Blueberries contain vitamins C and K, as well as manganese, which are important for overall health and immune function.
4. Heart Health: The unsaturated fats in the butter and the fiber from the blueberries contribute to heart health by lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
5. Mood Booster: Enjoying a slice of soft blueberry cake can boost your mood and provide a sense of comfort and satisfaction.

FAQs:

1. Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
   • Yes, you can use frozen blueberries in this recipe. However, keep in mind that frozen blueberries may release more moisture during baking, so you may need to adjust the baking time accordingly.
2. Can I substitute the sour cream or Greek yogurt with something else?
   • Yes, you can use buttermilk or plain yogurt as substitutes for sour cream or Greek yogurt in this recipe. They will provide a similar tanginess and moisture to the cake.
3. How should I store leftover cake?
   • Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze slices of cake for up to 3 months.
4. Can I add other fruits to the cake batter?
   • Yes, you can experiment with adding other fruits such as raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries to the cake batter for different flavor combinations.
5. Is this cake suitable for vegans or those with dairy allergies?
   • This particular recipe contains butter and eggs, so it’s not suitable for vegans. However, you can explore vegan-friendly recipes that use plant-based ingredients as substitutes for dairy and eggs.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, this soft blueberry cake is a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of blueberries with the moist and tender texture of a classic cake. Packed with antioxidants, fiber, and essential nutrients, this cake not only satisfies your sweet cravings but also offers potential health benefits. Whether enjoyed as a dessert, snack, or even breakfast, this soft blueberry cake is sure to please your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied and nourished.