BLUEBERRY ORANGE LAYER CAKE

This Blueberry Orange Layer Cake topped with Mascarpone Vanilla Frosting is the ideal dessert or afternoon treat for spring celebrations and gatherings with friends and family. Each layer is bursting with juicy blueberries and crowned with a vibrant, refreshing, not overly sweet Mascarpone Frosting. It’s a perfectly balanced delight, with just the right amount of tartness and sweetness.

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp sea salt

1 cup cane sugar

3 eggs

1/2 cup unsalted, melted butter

1 tbsp orange zest

1 tbsp orange extract

2 tbsp vanilla extract

1 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice

1 + 1/2 cup homemade ricotta cheese

1 cup frozen blueberries

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray two 7-inch springform pans with non-stick spray. In a mixing bowl, sift together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp sea salt. Mix in 1 cup of sugar and set aside. In a separate mixing bowl, combine 3 eggs, 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter, 1 tbsp orange zest, 1 tbsp orange extract, 2 tbsp vanilla extract, 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice, and 1 + 1/2 cup homemade ricotta cheese. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and fold gently with a rubber spatula until well combined. Gently fold in 1 cup of frozen blueberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed without breaking them. We are using frozen blueberries to prevent them from breaking and tinting the batter blue. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared springform pans and bake for 45 minutes. Allow the cakes to cool completely before removing them from the pans.

1 cup heavy whipped cream

8 oz Mascarpone cheese

1 cup powdered sugar

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp creme of tartare

Place the heavy whipped cream into a mixing bowl and use a hand mixer to whisk the cream. Keep the mixer at a speed between medium and medium-high. Once the cream forms stiff peaks, add the mascarpone and continue mixing on medium speed. Gradually add the powdered sugar, followed by the vanilla extract and cream of tartar. Mix until well combined and a smooth frosting has formed. Cover the frosting and refrigerate it until ready to use. Once your two cake layers are completely cooled, assemble, and decorate the cake!