A surprising burst of berries before summer in this humble moist crumb cake. A touch of lemon adds a nice bit of zing and the almond flavour connects the two with a sweet comforting nutty flavour. You can choose to dust with icing sugar, as I often do, or drizzle a wee bit of icing over top however, if you just can't wait like me, I think this cake is just as luscious without too.
Mixed Berry Loaf Cake
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2 cups (250 g) unbleached all purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups (250-300g) fresh or frozen mixed berries
3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
1/4 cup (50 g) dark brown sugar
1 large egg
1 cup (250 ml) milk
1/3 cup (80 ml) olive oil
2 teaspoons almond extract
zest and juice of 1 lemon or 1 orange, optional
Preheat oven to 350ºF (180ºC).
Lightly grease and flour a 2lb. loaf tin and line the bottom with baking parchment.
Place the mixed berries in a bowl and toss with 1 tablespoon of flour. This helps prevent them from sinking in the cake.
In a large bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Then add the floured mixed berries.
In a medium bowl whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, milk, olive oil, almond extract and the zest and juice of 1 lemon, if using, until well combined. Carefully pour the now wet ingredients into the flour mixture. Gently stir until just combined and moist. Do not over mix. Spoon the batter into the prepared baking tin.
Bake for about 55 - 70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean, a few moist crumbs are fine. If you find that the cake is browning too quickly loosely cover the top with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.
Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 30 minutes before carefully removing from the tin and then place the cake directly onto the wire rack to cool completely.
Notes: Ovens vary so do check the cake at the 30 minute mark. If you are using frozen fruit, defrost and drain off any excess juice.