Name: French Blueberry Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1.5 cups All-purpose flour; 0.67 cup Granulated sugar; 1.5 teaspoons Baking powder; 0.5 teaspoon Salt; 2 Large eggs; 0.5 cup Whole milk; 0.5 cup Unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract; 1.5 cups Fresh or frozen blueberries; 1 teaspoon Lemon zest; 1 Powdered sugar

A classic French blueberry cake, or Gâteau aux Myrtilles, is a simple yet elegant dessert showcasing the fresh, sweet-tart flavor of blueberries. This moist, tender crumb cake is perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a light dessert, celebrating the seasonal bounty of berries. While not as historically grand as some French pastries, the Gâteau aux Myrtilles embodies the French appreciation for fresh, seasonal ingredients and rustic elegance. It is particularly popular in regions where wild blueberries (myrtilles) are abundant, often found in mountain areas, and is a staple of home baking, offering a comforting taste of French countryside simplicity.

Instructions

1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour an 8 or 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan.
2
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. If using lemon zest, add it here.
3
In a separate medium bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are fine.
5
Gently fold in the fresh or frozen blueberries. If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them first.
6
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread evenly.
7
Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
9
Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.

Chef's Tips

•Storage: Store leftover Gâteau aux Myrtilles at room temperature, covered tightly, for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. It also freezes well for up to 2 months.
•Substitutions: Feel free to substitute blueberries with other berries like raspberries or mixed berries for a different flavor profile. A tablespoon of plain yogurt or sour cream can be added to the batter for an even moister crumb.
•Fun Fact: 'Myrtilles' in French specifically refers to bilberries or wild blueberries, which are smaller, darker, and more intensely flavored than the cultivated highbush blueberries commonly found in North America.
•Serving Suggestion: Serve warm with a dollop of crème fraîche, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or a light dusting of powdered sugar for an authentic French touch.