This Blueberry Cornmeal Pound Cake is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, combining the subtle sweetness of cornmeal with the tanginess of buttermilk. Topped with a luscious blueberry crème fraîche whipped cream, this cake offers a moist crumb and a unique twist on traditional pound cake.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Pound Cake:
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (70g) fine cornmeal
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk
For the Blueberry Whipped Cream:
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons blueberry powder (made from freeze-dried blueberries)
- 1/4 cup (60g) crème fraîche
Directions
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Prepare the Pound Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8.5×4.5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, fine cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream the room-temperature butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top.
- Bake for 75-80 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Prepare the Blueberry Whipped Cream:
- In a large bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and blueberry powder. Whip the mixture until soft peaks form.
- Gently fold in the crème fraîche until fully incorporated.
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Assemble:
- Once the pound cake has cooled completely, spread the blueberry whipped cream over the top.
- Slice and serve.
Nutrients (per serving, approximate values)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Sugar: 25g
A Unique Twist on Traditional Pound Cake
Pound cake is a classic for good reason—its rich, dense, and buttery texture makes it an ideal dessert for a variety of occasions. Traditionally made with equal parts butter, sugar, eggs, and flour, pound cake is beloved for its simplicity and versatility. However, Blueberry Cornmeal Pound Cake incorporates two unique ingredients that elevate this dessert to a new level.
The first twist comes from the addition of cornmeal, which gives the cake a delightful texture. Cornmeal is made from ground corn, and when used in baking, it imparts a subtle crunch and a slight sweetness. This texture contrast, combined with the smooth crumb of the pound cake, creates a perfect balance. The cornmeal also adds depth to the flavor profile, making the cake more complex than a traditional pound cake.
The second twist comes from the use of buttermilk in the batter. Buttermilk is known for its tangy flavor and ability to tenderize baked goods. In this cake, the buttermilk adds a pleasant tang that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the cake. It also helps to create a soft, moist crumb, giving the cake a lightness despite its dense nature.
The Importance of Fresh Blueberries and Blueberry Powder
No blueberry cake would be complete without the star ingredient—blueberries. The Blueberry Cornmeal Pound Cake incorporates fresh blueberries to enhance the flavor and color of the cake. Blueberries are naturally sweet and slightly tart, making them the perfect fruit to pair with the richness of the pound cake. They also add bursts of color and juicy texture, creating pockets of fruity goodness within the cake.
To take the blueberry flavor to the next level, the cake is topped with a blueberry whipped cream made from freeze-dried blueberry powder. Freeze-dried blueberries are dried to remove moisture, leaving behind concentrated fruit flavor. When ground into a powder, the freeze-dried blueberries can be used to flavor frostings, cakes, or whipped cream without the extra moisture that fresh berries would add. The blueberry powder adds a deep berry flavor to the whipped cream, giving it a beautiful color and a tangy taste that complements the richness of the pound cake.
A Luscious Blueberry Crème Fraîche Whipped Cream
The topping on this cake is just as important as the cake itself. Blueberry whipped cream is the perfect finishing touch, adding a creamy and slightly tangy contrast to the dense cake. The whipped cream is made with a base of heavy whipping cream, which is whipped until soft peaks form, creating a light and airy texture. The addition of crème fraîche, a cultured cream with a subtle tang, brings an added richness to the whipped cream. Crème fraîche is thicker and less tart than sour cream, making it an ideal addition to the whipped cream to balance the sweetness of the cake.
As the blueberry whipped cream is spread over the cooled cake, it provides both a visual contrast and a flavor balance. The vibrant purple color of the blueberry cream beautifully contrasts with the golden brown cake, making the dessert not only delicious but also visually stunning.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This Blueberry Cornmeal Pound Cake is versatile enough to be enjoyed for any occasion. Whether it’s a casual afternoon treat with a cup of tea, a sweet addition to a brunch spread, or the star of a dinner party, this cake fits the bill. Its combination of flavors—rich buttery cake, tangy buttermilk, and juicy blueberries—makes it a dessert that will appeal to a wide range of tastes.
This cake is also easy to make in advance, which makes it ideal for meal prepping or preparing ahead of time for a busy week. The cake itself can be baked a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature, and the whipped cream topping can be prepared just before serving. The cake’s rich flavor and moist texture only improve after resting, allowing the flavors to meld together even further.
Additionally, this cake’s blueberry whipped cream topping makes it stand out as a sophisticated yet simple dessert that feels perfect for special occasions. The blueberry powder used in the whipped cream can also be adjusted to your preference, allowing you to customize the level of blueberry flavor. You can also decorate the top of the cake with fresh blueberries for a colorful, vibrant finish.
A Healthy, Yet Indulgent Dessert
One of the best aspects of Blueberry Cornmeal Pound Cake is its ability to deliver indulgence without compromising on flavor. The cake’s combination of cornmeal and buttermilk gives it a unique texture and depth of flavor that sets it apart from traditional pound cakes. With its sweet, buttery base and the addition of fresh blueberries, it’s a dessert that feels both comforting and elevated.
Moreover, the cake’s use of fresh, wholesome ingredients like blueberries, buttermilk, and crème fraîche means that you’re getting a dessert that is both satisfying and nourishing. While this cake is undeniably rich, it can be a great way to enjoy a treat while still incorporating nutritious ingredients into your diet.
Conclusion: A Dessert That Delights the Senses
In conclusion, the Blueberry Cornmeal Pound Cake is a dessert that will leave a lasting impression. Its rich, buttery flavor combined with the unique texture of cornmeal and the tangy buttermilk makes for a moist and delicious cake. The addition of fresh blueberries and the blueberry crème fraîche whipped cream takes the cake to another level, providing bursts of color and flavor in every bite.
This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re enjoying a quiet afternoon at home or celebrating a special event with loved ones. The ease of preparation and the ability to make it ahead of time make it a go-to dessert that you can rely on time and time again. Try this Blueberry Cornmeal Pound Cake today and experience the perfect balance of flavors and textures in every slice.