Here’s a delightful Blueberry Buttermilk Snack Cake recipe, perfect for anyone exploring cake recipes for beginners. You’ll love how simple and satisfying this easy cake recipe is to make, bringing a burst of berry flavor to your kitchen with minimal fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Buttermilk: You can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- Blueberries: Fresh is best, but frozen blueberries (don’t thaw them) work well too.
- All-Purpose Flour: A good base for many cake recipes for beginners.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Tools Needed: 8×8 inch baking pan, mixing bowls, whisk
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven
You will want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease and flour an 8×8 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This ensures your delicious snack cake doesn’t stick.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, you’ll whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined; this creates the base for your perfect beginner cake.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, you will whisk together the melted butter, buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract. Combine these until they are smooth. These wet ingredients add moisture and flavor to your cake.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently with a spatula or spoon until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can make your cake tough. A few lumps are perfectly fine.
5. Fold in Blueberries
Gently fold in the blueberries until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. This ensures every slice of your snack cake has a delightful burst of fruit. This is a simple step for any of the cake recipes for beginners.
6. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared 8×8 inch baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool before slicing.
Variation Ideas:
- Lemon Zest: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the batter for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Cinnamon Swirl: Swirl 1 teaspoon of cinnamon mixed with 1 tablespoon of sugar into the top of the batter before baking.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans over the top before baking for added texture.
Storage Instructions:
You can store your Blueberry Buttermilk Snack Cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can gently warm individual slices in the microwave if you prefer it warm.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use frozen blueberries for this cake recipe for beginners?
A: Yes, you can use frozen blueberries directly without thawing them.
Q: Why is my cake tough?
A: You likely overmixed the batter; remember to mix until just combined.
Q: Can I make this cake in a different size pan?
A: An 8×8 inch pan works best, but you can use a 9-inch round pan, adjusting baking time as needed.
Q: What if I don’t have buttermilk?
A: You can easily make a substitute by adding lemon juice or white vinegar to regular milk.
Q: Can I add other fruits to this snack cake?
A: Absolutely! Raspberries or mixed berries would also be delicious in this easy cake recipe.
Q: Is this a good recipe for new bakers?
A: Yes, this is one of the easiest cake recipes for beginners, designed for simplicity and delicious results.