Berry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

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INGREDIENTS

For the cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1 cup sour cream
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 cups mixed fresh berries (such as raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries), washed and dried

For the cream cheese frosting:
– 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

PREPARATION METHOD

**1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.

**2. Mix Dry Ingredients:**
– In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

**3. Cream Butter and Sugar:**
– In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, using a hand mixer or stand mixer.

**4. Add Eggs and Flavorings:**
– Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and continue mixing until well incorporated.

**5. Alternate Mixing Dry and Wet Ingredients:**
– Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

**6. Fold in Berries:**
– Gently fold in the mixed fresh berries into the cake batter using a spatula, being careful not to crush them too much.

**7. Bake:**
– Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

**8. Cool:**
– Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

**9. Make Cream Cheese Frosting:**
– While the cake is cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.

**10. Add Sugar and Vanilla:**
– Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating well after each addition until the frosting is smooth. Mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.

**11. Frost the Cake:**
– Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the cake.

**12. Garnish (Optional):**
– Garnish the cake with additional fresh berries on top if desired.

**13. Serve:**
– Slice and serve the berry cake with cream cheese frosting. Enjoy!

**Note:** Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.