Introduction

There's something deeply satisfying about baking a cake that turns tradition on its head, and what better way to do that than with a blackberry cornmeal upside down cake? This luscious dessert is a wonderful marriage of sweet and earthy flavors, featuring juicy blackberries nestled on a bed of golden cornmeal cake.

Cornmeal adds a delightful texture to the cake, giving it a slightly gritty yet tender crumb that contrasts beautifully with the tartness of the blackberries. The caramelized berries provide a sticky, decadent layer that becomes the star of the show once the cake is inverted, making every bite an enticing experience.

Perfect for a weekend brunch or a special occasion, this cake is not only visually stunning but also terribly easy to make. Your guests will be charmed by the simple elegance of this dessert, leaving them to wonder how you pulled off such a delicious masterpiece.

Ingredients

1 cup cornmeal
Cornmeal is the backbone of this cake, providing a unique texture and flavor that sets it apart from traditional cake. Its earthy undertones help to balance the sweetness of the blackberries.
1 cup all-purpose flour
All-purpose flour gives the cake structure and stability, ensuring it rises well without becoming overly dense or crumbly.
1 teaspoon baking powder
Baking powder acts as the leavening agent, creating air pockets that make the cake light and fluffy. It’s essential for the proper rise in any cake.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Baking soda works in tandem with baking powder to ensure proper leavening, particularly in the presence of acidic ingredients. It contributes to the overall texture and rise.
1/2 teaspoon salt
Salt enhances the flavors present in the cake, balancing the sweetness and intensifying the taste of the blackberries.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
Butter adds richness and moisture to the cake, helping to create a tender crumb. Its fat content is crucial for a lush texture.
3/4 cup granulated sugar
Sugar not only sweetens the cake, but also aids in creating a caramelized layer when combined with the blackberries. It’s essential for that lovely gloss and flavor.
2 large eggs
Eggs provide structure and stability to the cake, as well as moisture. They also help in binding the ingredients together.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vanilla enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavor profile of the cake, making it more fragrant and aromatic.
1 cup fresh blackberries
Blackberries are the star of this cake, offering tartness and different textures. Their natural juiciness allows them to caramelize beautifully when baked.
1/4 cup brown sugar
Brown sugar, with its rich molasses flavor, helps to caramelize the blackberries at the base of the cake, creating a sweet, sticky layer.

Directions & Preparation

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Preheating the oven is a crucial first step in baking. It ensures that the cake bakes evenly from the start. An oven that isn't properly preheated may result in uneven baking and texture.

Step 2: Prepare a 9-inch round cake pan by greasing it with butter and sprinkling brown sugar evenly across the bottom.

Greasing the pan with butter prevents sticking and allows for an easy release once inverted. Sprinkling brown sugar atop adds sweetness and creates a caramelized layer that enhances the blackberries’ flavor.

Step 3: Arrange the blackberries over the brown sugar in the pan.

Carefully placing the blackberries in a single layer allows them to caramelize beautifully during baking. This arrangement ensures that each slice of cake includes both the sweet fruit and the delicious syrup they create.

Step 4: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Combining dry ingredients ensures even distribution of leaveners and salt, which is key for the overall rise and flavor consistency of the cake. Whisking helps avoid lumps.

Step 5: In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Creaming butter and sugar incorporates air into the mixture, which is vital for a light texture. This process creates tiny air pockets that will expand during baking, contributing to the cake’s fluffiness.

Step 6: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract.

Adding eggs gradually helps to maintain the mixture's emulsion, contributing to a smoother batter. Mixing well after each addition ensures a uniform texture, crucial for the cake's final consistency.

Step 7: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.

It's essential not to overmix at this stage to prevent the cake from becoming dense and tough. Stirring just until combined creates a tender crumb and maintains the cake’s delightful texture.

Step 8: Pour the batter over the blackberries and spread gently to even it out.

Spreading the batter evenly ensures uniform baking and caramelization. A gentle touch keeps the blackberries in place, preventing them from sinking completely into the batter.

Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Baking time can vary depending on your oven and the amount of moisture in the batter. A toothpick test is crucial here; it indicates whether the cake is set and ready for cooling.

Step 10: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate.

Cooling in the pan briefly helps the cake firm up, making it less likely to break during inversion. This step is key for presenting a beautiful, intact cake.

Step 11: Serve the cake warm or at room temperature, garnished with additional blackberries or whipped cream if desired.

Serving suggestions enhance the cake’s presentation and flavor. Warm cake offers a lovely experience, while garnishing with cream adds a luxurious touch that complements the tartness of the blackberries.

Blackberry Cornmeal Upside Down Cake step photo

The Appeal of Cornmeal

Cornmeal not only introduces a unique texture but also adds a distinct, rustic flavor that distinguishes this cake from typical buttery cakes. The nature of cornmeal provides a slight crunch that works wonderfully with the soft, juicy blackberries, creating a delightful interplay between textures.

Choosing the Perfect Blackberries

When selecting blackberries, look for firm, plump berries with a deep purple-black color. Their natural tartness balances the sweetness of the cake, so opt for ripe yet tangy fruit to ensure the cake is bursting with flavor. Avoid berries with any signs of mold or excessive softness.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

While delicious on its own, this cake shines even brighter when paired with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy elements provide a wonderful contrast to the moist cake and tart blackberries, elevating the dessert experience.

FAQs

What if my batter seems too thick?

If your batter appears too thick, try adding a tablespoon of milk or water at a time until you reach a smoother consistency. The batter should pour easily but still hold some shape.

My cake turned out too sweet; what happened?

If the cake is overly sweet, it may have been caused by using very ripe berries or too much sugar. For next time, consider reducing the sugar in the batter slightly.

What should I do if my cake is baking unevenly?

Uneven baking can occur if the oven temperature is too high or too low. It's best to use an oven thermometer to check accuracy. You can also rotate the cake halfway through the baking time.

Can I use frozen blackberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen blackberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture, which could alter the batter's consistency and baking time.

Is it okay to swap brown sugar with white sugar?

While you can use white sugar instead of brown, it will change the flavor profile slightly, making it less rich and caramel-like; using a mix could be a good compromise.

Can I add other fruits to the cake? What works well?

Adding sliced peaches or apples could also work well as they balance nicely with the cornmeal. Just keep in mind the moisture content and adjust baking time as necessary.

Conclusion

This blackberry cornmeal upside down cake is not only a testament to the beauty of seasonal baking but also a celebration of unique textures and flavors. The juxtaposition of the crumbly cornmeal base with the juicy blackberries creates a dessert that’s truly satisfying and enjoyable.

Whether you enjoy it at home, share it with friends, or present it at gatherings, this cake is sure to impress. Take a moment to savor each bite and appreciate the delightful contrasts in this stunning dessert.

Recipe Card

Print Pin