Blackberry Peach Teacake

It is no exaggeration to say that this Blackberry Peach Teacake was devoured in twenty-four hours between Thom and me. I have a spectacular fondness for cake... which you... uh... probably already knew considering the name of this blog... but anyway... this style of teacake is one of my particular favorites. The cake is dense and rich while remaining moist. The fruit on top adds a wonderful fresh burst of natural flavor to the mildly spiced and creamy cake.

If you've been reading this blog regularly you know this cake is a springtime variation on a theme; the Pear Marzipan Teacake is brilliant in early autumn and the Orange-Fig Teacake with Caramel Glaze is perfect for bridging the gap between the fall and winter seasons. For spring I lightened up the cake a bit with less sugar and cream as well as added richness to the flavor with almond flour and almond extract. Some slivered almonds on top of the cake would be great, too.

Blackberry Peach Teacake
1 cup fresh or frozen peaches, thawed & drained
2 cups fresh blackberries
1/2 cup butter, softened
3 eggs
3/4 cup sugar + 1 tablespoon
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1.75 cups AP flour + 1 tablespoon
1/2 cup almond flour
1/4 tsp cardamom + a pinch
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
dash cinnamon

preheat oven to 350º F.

Prepare a 9" springform pan with Bak-Klene or butter and flour. Set aside.

Mix peaches with one tablespoon sugar and one tablespoon flour. Add a dash of cinnamon and toss to coat. Set aside.

Cream together the butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time, incorporating after each addition. Add vanilla and almond extracts as well as cream. Add almond flour and sift in remaining dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not over-mix.  Spread into pan and top with with fruit. I like to fan out the peaches and then dot with blackberries. Bake for 45 minutes or until tester comes out clean.

I can see myself brewing a giant pitcher of blackberry iced tea with lemon and sitting outside on a sunny day with this cake... er... a slice... yes, just a slice... of this cake.

Enjoy!