Berry and Mascarpone Layer Cake

Berry and Mascarpone Layer Cake

Ingredients:

• For the Sponge:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
• For the Filling:
  • 1 cup mascarpone cheese
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
• For the Berry Compote:
  • 1 cup mixed berries (such as raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries)
  • 1/2 cup cherry preserves
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
• For Garnish:
  • Fresh berries
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sponge:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • In a large bowl, beat eggs and granulated sugar until fluffy and light in color.
   • Mix in vanilla extract.
   • Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold into the egg mixture until combined.
   • Pour batter into a greased and floured 9-inch round cake pan.
   • Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   • Let cool completely, then slice horizontally into three layers.
2. Make the Berry Compote:
   • In a saucepan over medium heat, combine berries, cherry preserves, sugar, and lemon juice.
   • Cook until the berries are soft and the sauce is thickened, about 10 minutes. Let cool.
3. Prepare the Mascarpone Filling:
   • In a mixing bowl, combine mascarpone, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is smooth and forms stiff peaks.
4. Assemble the Cake:
   • Place one layer of sponge on your cake stand.
   • Spread half of the berry compote over the sponge, then cover with a layer of mascarpone filling.
   • Repeat with the second layer of sponge, remaining compote, and another layer of mascarpone filling.
   • Top with the final sponge layer.
   • Cover the top with the remaining mascarpone filling. Smooth out the top and sides using an offset spatula.
5. Garnish:
   • Decorate the top of the cake with fresh berries and dust lightly with powdered sugar.
6. Chill:
   • Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to set.

Serving Suggestion: Serve this luxurious cake chilled, ideally with a light, sweet dessert wine or a cup of strong coffee.