Strawberry, Blueberry, and Cream Cheese Cake

How to Make Strawberry, Blueberry, and Cream Cheese Cake

1. Prepare the Cake Base

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
• In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
• Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
• Gradually add the flour mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk and sour cream. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined; do not overmix.
• Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling

• While the cake is cooling, prepare the cream cheese filling. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth.
• Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and continue beating until fully combined.
• In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this.
• Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and fluffy. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream too much. Set aside in the fridge to firm up a bit while you prepare the fruit.

3. Prepare the Fruit Topping

• In a small bowl, toss the sliced strawberries and blueberries with the granulated sugar (if using) and lemon juice. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes to release some of their juices and soften slightly. This step helps to sweeten the berries and create a natural syrup for the topping.

4. Assemble the Cake

• Once the cake has cooled completely, slice it in half horizontally to create two layers.
• Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the bottom layer of the cake. Be generous, but leave a small border around the edges so it doesn’t spill out.
• Carefully place the second layer of cake on top.
• Spoon the macerated strawberries and blueberries onto the top of the cake, spreading them out evenly. Pour any syrupy juice from the berries over the top to add extra flavor and moisture.

5. Garnish and Serve

• Garnish the cake with a few fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and a touch of freshness.
• Lightly dust the cake with powdered sugar just before serving for a classic finish.

6. Serve and Enjoy!

• Slice and serve immediately, or refrigerate the cake for a couple of hours to allow the flavors to meld together. This cake is best enjoyed the same day but will keep well in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.

Tips for the Perfect Strawberry, Blueberry, and Cream Cheese Cake

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, make sure your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing. This helps everything blend together smoothly.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can result in a dense, tough cake.
• Chill the Cream Cheese Filling: Chilling the cream cheese filling for a bit makes it easier to spread and helps it firm up, giving the cake a more structured appearance.
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the cake base and the cream cheese filling a day ahead. Just assemble the cake before serving for a fresher presentation.
• Customize the Topping: Feel free to add other fruits, such as raspberries, blackberries, or even kiwi, to the topping for more variety. You could also drizzle a bit of honey or chocolate sauce over the fruit for extra indulgence.
• Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice: The lemon juice brings a fresh zing to the fruit and helps balance out the sweetness, making the flavor profile more dynamic.

Why You’ll Love Strawberry, Blueberry, and Cream Cheese Cake

• Fruity and Fresh: The combination of fresh berries adds a natural sweetness and tartness that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling.
• Creamy and Decadent: The rich cream cheese filling gives the cake a luxurious texture that’s smooth, tangy, and indulgent.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, a birthday party, or just want to enjoy a sweet treat at home, this cake is a showstopper. The bright colors and delicious flavor make it perfect for any celebration.
• Balance of Sweet and Tart: The cream cheese filling offers just the right amount of tang to balance the sweetness of the cake and fruit, creating a harmonious and refreshing flavor profile.

Conclusion

Strawberry, Blueberry, and Cream Cheese Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the best of creamy, fruity, and sweet. With its light, fluffy cake, decadent cream cheese filling, and fresh, juicy fruit topping, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving something delicious, this cake offers the perfect balance of flavors and textures. So, gather your ingredients, get baking, and enjoy a slice of this heavenly dessert that’s sure to impress!