Ingredients
Cake Part (Top)
- ½ cup butter, softened (one stick or 8 tbsp)
- ¼ cup white sugar
- 2 eggs, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional, from about ½ medium orange)
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour (scooped and leveled)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Berry Part (Bottom)
- 3¼ cups mixed berries, fresh or frozen
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon flour (only if using frozen berries)
Berry Compote (Optional Garnish)
- ¾ cup mixed berries, fresh or frozen
- 2 tablespoons orange juice (from ½ medium orange)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
Instructions
- Heat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the cake.
- Make Cake Batter: Using an electric hand mixer or a fork, blend the softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, milk, and orange zest. In a separate bowl, combine the flour and baking powder (and a pinch of salt if using unsalted butter). Gently fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients with a rubber spatula until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Prepare Berries: Grease an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking dish thoroughly with butter or cooking spray. Add the berries to the dish. If using frozen berries, sprinkle the teaspoon of flour over them to help absorb excess moisture. Drizzle the maple syrup over the berries and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Assemble and Bake: Spoon the cake batter evenly over the berry layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes if using fresh berries or 35-38 minutes for frozen berries, until the cake top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the cake layer comes out clean.
- Make Berry Compote (Optional): While the cake bakes, place ¾ cup berries in a microwave-safe bowl. Add orange juice and maple syrup. Microwave for 3 minutes, mash the berries slightly, then microwave for another 1 minute or until the compote thickens slightly as it cools.
- Serve: Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes before serving. Spoon onto plates and top with a scoop of vanilla or your favorite ice cream. Drizzle with the warm berry compote if desired for an extra fruity finish.
Notes
- If using frozen berries, toss them with 1 teaspoon of flour to reduce excess moisture and avoid a soggy cake.
- Room temperature eggs mix better and create a smoother batter; if cold, run them under warm water to warm slightly.
- The orange zest is optional but adds a bright citrus note that complements the berries well.
- Use an 8×8 inch baking dish or similar to ensure proper cake thickness and baking time.
- The berry compote can be made on the stovetop as an alternative by simmering berries, orange juice, and maple syrup until thickened.
- Serve warm with ice cream for the best experience; leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
