Buttermilk Blueberry Breakfast Cake A Sweet Start to Your Day
Treat yourself and your family to a delightful Buttermilk Blueberry Breakfast Cake, a deliciously moist and flavorful way to start any morning. This cake combines the light tang of buttermilk with the sweet burst of blueberries, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a lovely tea-time snack. Not only is this cake scrumptious, but it’s also packed with nutrients from natural ingredients that contribute to a healthy lifestyle.
Ingredients
- Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Fruit:
- 1 and 1/2 cups fresh blueberries (if using frozen, do not thaw)
Preparation Steps
- Preheat and Prepare Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line it with parchment paper or dust with flour.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air and provides a light base for your cake.
- Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla:
- Add the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting helps to aerate the flour, making the cake lighter.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake tough.
- Fold in Blueberries:
- Gently fold in the blueberries to distribute them evenly throughout the batter without breaking them.
- Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, slice and serve, perhaps dusting with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Health Benefits
- Blueberries: Known as a superfood, blueberries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They contribute to heart health and brain function, and provide dietary fiber.
- Buttermilk: Lower in fat than regular milk and containing probiotics, buttermilk is beneficial for digestion and adds a delicious tanginess to baked goods.
- Whole Grains: Using whole grain flour instead of all-purpose can enhance the fiber content, supporting digestive health.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cake as part of a balanced breakfast with a side of yogurt or cottage cheese for protein, or enjoy it as a light dessert after a healthy meal.
This recipe is not just a treat for the taste buds but also aligns with a healthy lifestyle, providing a perfect example of how nutritious ingredients can be incorporated into delicious everyday meals.