Name: Raspberry Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1.5 cups All-purpose flour; 1 cup Granulated sugar; 0.5 cup Unsalted butter; 3 Large eggs; 0.5 cup Milk; 2 teaspoons Baking powder; 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract; 0.5 teaspoon Salt; 1.5 cups Fresh raspberries; 2 tablespoons Powdered sugar

A classic French dessert, this simple yet elegant raspberry cake features a tender, buttery crumb studded with fresh, juicy raspberries. It's a delightful treat perfect for any occasion, offering a harmonious balance of sweet and tart flavors. Gâteau aux framboises embodies the essence of French home baking – simple ingredients elevated to create a sophisticated yet comforting dessert. While not tied to a specific historical event, fruit-based cakes are a beloved part of French patisserie, often enjoyed during summer months when berries are at their peak freshness. This cake is a testament to the French culinary philosophy of celebrating natural flavors with understated elegance.

Instructions

1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan, or line with parchment paper.
2
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
4
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
6
Gently fold in 1 cup of the fresh raspberries into the batter.
7
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread evenly. Arrange the remaining ½ cup of raspberries on top of the batter.
8
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
9
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
10
Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.

Chef's Tips

•Store leftover raspberry cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
•Feel free to substitute other berries like blueberries or blackberries for raspberries, or a mix of several for a 'gâteau aux fruits rouges.'
•The term 'gâteau' in French can refer to a wide variety of cakes, from simple everyday bakes to elaborate celebratory confections, demonstrating the versatility of French pastry.
•Serve warm with a dollop of crème fraîche or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an extra special treat.