Mary Berry Blueberry Loaf Cake Recipe

Discover the delight of Mary Berry's Blueberry Loaf Cake – a perfect treat for any occasion. This moist, tender cake, laden with juicy blueberries, is crowned with luscious cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of toasted almonds for a delightful crunch. It’s a straightforward, yet indulgent dessert that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Mary Berry, a celebrated UK chef known for her simple yet elegant culinary creations, brings you this signature recipe. With over 70 cookbooks and appearances on shows like The Great British Bake Off, Mary Berry's expertise shines in this delightful cake.

In this article, we'll guide you through the steps of making the Mary Berry Blueberry Loaf Cake. Plus, we'll share some handy tips to ensure your baking success.

What You'll Create:
The Mary Berry Blueberry Loaf Cake is an irresistibly moist and flavorful cake, loaded with blueberries and finished with a creamy frosting and crunchy almonds. It's a simple yet satisfying treat.

Ingredients:

• 175g golden caster sugar
• 250g self-raising flour
• 2 large eggs

Baking Steps:

Step 1: Oven Preparation:
Preheat your oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas mark 4. Grease and line a 900g/2lb loaf tin with butter and baking paper for easy cake removal.

Step 2: Creating the Batter:
In a large bowl, whip the butter and sugar using an electric mixer or whisk until pale and creamy (about 5 minutes). Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring thorough mixing after each addition.

Step 3: Adding Blueberries:
Toss the blueberries in a tablespoon of flour to prevent them from sinking in the batter. Gently fold them into the batter using a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 4: Baking the Cake:
Pour the batter into the tin, smoothing the top. Optionally, sprinkle cinnamon for added flavor. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool slightly in the tin before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 5: Preparing Cream Cheese Frosting:
Melt butter in a saucepan, adding lemon juice and zest. Let it cool slightly. In a separate bowl, mix soft cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Gradually incorporate the butter mixture to achieve a spreadable consistency.

Step 6: Toasting Almonds:
Toast sliced almonds with a teaspoon of butter and a pinch of salt in a frying pan until golden. Let them cool on a plate.

Decorating the Cake:
Once cool, frost the cake with cream cheese icing, and garnish with blueberries and toasted almonds.

Mary Berry blueberry loaf cake is a delicious and easy cake recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a moist and tender cake that’s bursting with juicy blueberries. It’s topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting and sprinkled with toasted almonds for extra crunch. It’s a simple and satisfying treat that everyone will love.

What To Serve With Blueberry Loaf Cake

This cake is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with some extra toppings or accompaniments to make it even more special.

Here are some suggestions:

• Whipped cream: You can whip some heavy cream with a little sugar and vanilla and dollop it on top of each slice of cake. This will add some lightness and creaminess to the cake.
• Ice cream: You can scoop some vanilla ice cream or your favorite flavor and serve it alongside the cake. This will add some coldness and contrast to the warm cake.
• Fresh berries: You can add some more fresh blueberries or other berries such as raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries to the cake. This will add some more color and freshness to the cake.
• Lemon curd: You can spread some lemon curd on top of the cake or drizzle it over each slice. This will add some more tanginess and brightness to the cake.

Enhancing Your Cake: Helpful Hints and Variations

Enhance your baking experience with these useful suggestions for the Mary Berry Blueberry Loaf Cake:

1. Choice of Blueberries: Both fresh and frozen blueberries work well for this recipe. If opting for frozen, add them directly without thawing to prevent excess moisture, which could lead to a soggy cake.
2. Berry Variations: Feel free to experiment with other types of berries like raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries. Remember to dust them with flour just as you would with blueberries.
3. Lemon Zest Addition: For an extra zing, consider adding lemon zest to your batter.
4. Storage Tips: This cake can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container. It stays fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days and in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you need to freeze it, do so without the frosting for up to 3 months, and thaw at room temperature before frosting and serving.
5. Baking Tin Options: You're not limited to a loaf tin; a round or square tin can also be used. Just be sure to adjust the baking time as needed.

Storing Your Blueberry Loaf Cake Leftovers

Here’s how you can keep your leftover blueberry loaf cake fresh and delicious:

1. Short-Term Storage: Place the cake in an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it for up to 5 days.
2. Freezing Options: If you wish to keep the cake for longer, freeze it without the frosting. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it at room temperature, then add frosting and serve.
3. Maintaining Moisture: For optimal freshness, wrap the cake in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You might also consider slicing the cake and storing individual portions for easy access and portion control.
4. Reheating Tips: To warm up the cake, a few seconds in the microwave will suffice, or you can heat it in a low-temperature oven for a few minutes. Alternatively, it’s just as delightful enjoyed cold or at room temperature, based on your preference.

Common Queries About Blueberry Loaf Cake

Find answers to some of the most common questions about the Blueberry Loaf Cake recipe:

1. Substituting Golden Caster Sugar:
   Yes, regular caster sugar can replace golden caster sugar. While golden caster sugar adds a caramel undertone, regular caster sugar is perfectly suitable too.
2. Using Plain Flour Instead of Self-Raising Flour:
   Plain flour can be used as an alternative to self-raising flour. Simply add 2 teaspoons of baking powder to each cup of plain flour and blend thoroughly.
3. Margarine Instead of Butter:
   Margarine can be used in place of butter, but for a richer taste, butter is recommended. Margarine may alter the cake's texture and color slightly.
4. Cream Cheese Spread vs. Soft Cheese:
   It is advisable to avoid cream cheese spread as a substitute for soft cheese. The spread is too runny for frosting, whereas soft cheese provides a thicker, smoother consistency.
5. Choosing Different Nuts:
   Feel free to experiment with different nuts such as pecans, walnuts, pistachios, or hazelnuts. Toasting them prior to adding to the cake enhances flavor and crunch.

Concluding Thoughts

Mary Berry's blueberry loaf cake is an effortlessly delightful recipe that's sure to impress. Its moist and tender texture, enriched with the flavor of blueberries, and topped with velvety cream cheese frosting and crunchy toasted almonds, makes it an ideal choice for any event - be it a birthday celebration, a casual picnic, or an elegant tea party.

I trust you found this blog article informative and inspiring for your baking endeavors. Should you have any inquiries or thoughts, don't hesitate to share them in the comments. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!