Growing up, my grandmother would whip up her famous ribbon cake for every family gathering, a colorful masterpiece that was as delightful to look at as it was to eat. The layers of vibrant colors reminded me of the joyful ribbons we would use to decorate our gifts. Today, I’m giving this classic a modern twist by incorporating a luscious berry swirl that not only adds a stunning visual but a burst of flavor that will leave everyone wanting more. Let’s dive into creating this irresistible dessert!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Food coloring (red, blue, yellow, green)
For the Berry Swirl:
- 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Berry Swirl:
Begin by combining the mixed berries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the berries release their juices and the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let it cool. Once cooled, blend the mixture until smooth, then set aside.
Make the Cake Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
Divide the batter equally into four bowls. Add a few drops of different food coloring to each bowl, creating vibrant shades of your choice. Mix each bowl until the color is evenly distributed.
Layer the Cake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare three 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and lining them with parchment paper.
Spoon the colored batters into the prepared pans in alternating layers, creating a marbled effect. Use a skewer to swirl the berry mixture through the batter gently.
Bake the cakes for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until fluffy, and then stir in the vanilla extract.
Assemble the Cake:
Once the cake layers are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving platter. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top, then add a layer of the berry swirl. Repeat this process with the second layer. For the top layer, frost the entire cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.
Decorate the cake with additional fresh berries and a drizzle of the berry swirl on top for a stunning finish.
Enjoy:
Slice into this vibrant ribbon cake and watch as the colorful layers and berry swirl bring joy to the table. It’s a delightful fusion of nostalgia and modern flavors that will surely become a cherished part of your family traditions, just as it was for mine. Happy baking!