raspberry buttermilk cake

When I first saw this recipe on Smitten Kitchen about a week ago, I knew I had to make it.

And just as I pulled this cake out of the oven, my new copy of Gourmet magazine arrived- and wouldn't you know it, there was the recipe again!



So, this isn't an original recipe, but it sure is good! And it's great for use with any summer fruits, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, even bits of strawberries would work. If you don't have buttermilk, don't worry! Add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk, let it sit for 10 minutes, and voila! buttermilk!



This cake is simple and delicious, and perfect for bringing to a barbecue or packing up for a picnic. Enjoy!



Raspberry Buttermilk Cake

1 cup (130 grams) all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon (2 grams) baking powder
1/2 teaspoon (2 grams) baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 stick (56 grams) unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup (146 grams) plus 1 1/2 tablespoons (22 grams) sugar, divided
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest (optional)
1 large (57 grams) egg
1/2 cup well-shaken buttermilk
1 cup fresh raspberries (about 5 oz)

Preheat oven to 400°F with rack in middle. Butter and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.

Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt and set aside. In a larger bowl, beat butter and 2/3 cup (146 grams) sugar with an electric mixer at medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, about two minutes, then beat in vanilla and zest, if using. Add egg and beat well.

At low speed, mix in flour mixture in three batches, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour, and mixing until just combined.Spoon batter into cake pan, smoothing top. Scatter (see Note) raspberries evenly over top and sprinkle with remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons (22 grams) sugar.

Bake until cake is golden and a wooden pick inserted into center comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes. Cool in pan 10 minutes, then turn out onto a rack and cool to warm, 10 to 15 minutes more. Invert onto a plate.