This Patchwork Quilt Cake is a delightful treat that combines a moist, tender crumb with a rich, buttery frosting. Perfect for birthdays, family gatherings, or any celebration, this cake stands out with its vibrant topping of fresh berries that give it a colorful patchwork appearance. With its homemade flavor and simple ingredients, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: The straightforward steps make it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Deliciously Moist: The combination of butter and milk ensures a rich taste and tender texture.
- Customizable Toppings: Use your favorite fruits or berries to create a unique design on each cake.
- Impressive Presentation: The colorful patchwork of berries makes this cake visually stunning for any occasion.
- Great for Sharing: This recipe yields 15 servings, making it ideal for gatherings or potlucks.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Patchwork Quilt Cake, gather the essential tools you’ll need. Having everything ready will streamline the process and ensure success.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 13×9-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wire rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: Saves time and effort in creaming butter and sugar for that light texture.
- Mixing bowls: Keeps ingredients organized during the preparation process.
Ingredients
This cake has a great homemade flavor and tender crumb. Be sure to pile on the buttery frosting, which adds a burst of vanilla. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
For the Cake
- 2/3 cup butter, softened
- 1-3/4 cups sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1-1/4 cups 2% milk
For the Frosting
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 3 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 4 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 to 4 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
For Garnish
- Assorted fresh berries
How to Make Patchwork Quilt Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 13×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
Cream together the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
1. Add in the vanilla extract.
2. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually beat this dry mixture into the creamed mixture alternately with milk until everything is combined.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, place on a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Make the Frosting
For frosting, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar until smooth and light in color (about 3 minutes).
1. Mix in vanilla extract.
2. Slowly add heavy whipping cream (starting with 3 tablespoons) until you achieve a light and fluffy consistency. If needed, add more cream to thin out.
Step 5: Assemble Your Cake
Spread the frosting generously over the cooled cake. Finally, top with assorted fresh berries arranged in a beautiful patchwork quilt pattern before serving!
How to Serve Patchwork Quilt Cake
Patchwork Quilt Cake is a delightful dessert that can be served in various ways to enhance its appeal. Whether it’s for a family gathering or a special occasion, these serving suggestions will make your cake shine.
Classic Slice
- Each slice of the Patchwork Quilt Cake is perfect on its own, showcasing the tender crumb and buttery frosting.
With Fresh Berries
- Top each piece with assorted fresh berries for a burst of color and flavor that complements the cake’s sweetness.
A La Mode
- Serve slices warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat that adds creaminess to each bite.
Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce
- Enhance the flavors by drizzling chocolate sauce over each serving, creating a rich contrast to the vanilla frosting.
Coffee Pairing
- Enjoy your cake with a cup of coffee or espresso, which balances the sweetness and enhances the overall dessert experience.
Layered Parfait
- Create individual parfaits using cake layers and frosting, alternating with berries for an elegant presentation.
How to Perfect Patchwork Quilt Cake
To achieve the best results with your Patchwork Quilt Cake, follow these helpful tips:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and milk are at room temperature for better mixing and a lighter texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined when adding flour. This helps maintain a tender crumb without making the cake dense.
- Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to verify accuracy. An incorrect temperature can lead to uneven baking.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow your cake to cool fully before applying frosting. This prevents melting and sliding of the frosting.
- Adjust Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add more heavy cream gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
- Decorate Creatively: Take time to arrange berries in a patchwork pattern on top for visual appeal as well as taste.
Best Side Dishes for Patchwork Quilt Cake
Pairing side dishes with Patchwork Quilt Cake can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:
- Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream adds extra richness and pairs wonderfully with the sweet flavors of the cake.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides balance and contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the cake.
- Chocolate Mousse: A smooth chocolate mousse offers a decadent touch that complements the vanilla notes in your cake.
- Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or mascarpone to create a sophisticated pairing alongside the sweet cake.
- Mint Tea: A warm cup of mint tea serves as a light beverage option that refreshes after enjoying dessert.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzling homemade caramel sauce adds another layer of flavor while enhancing the overall presentation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can make your Patchwork Quilt Cake even better. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using the wrong amounts can affect texture and flavor. Use measuring cups and spoons for precision.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too long can result in a dense cake. Mix just until ingredients are combined for a light and fluffy crumb.
- Skipping the cooling step: Cutting into the cake while it’s still warm can cause it to crumble. Allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
- Using cold eggs or milk: Cold ingredients can prevent the batter from blending well. Always use room temperature eggs and milk for best results.
- Neglecting to grease the baking dish: This can lead to sticking and tearing when serving. Always grease your dish thoroughly to ensure easy removal.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- The Patchwork Quilt Cake stays fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge.
Freezing Patchwork Quilt Cake
- Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating Patchwork Quilt Cake
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F, cover the cake with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for 15-20 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I customize my Patchwork Quilt Cake?
You can easily customize this cake by adding different flavors or mix-ins. Consider incorporating chocolate chips or nuts for added texture.
How do I make my frosting more colorful?
To add color to your frosting, you can use gel food coloring. Just mix a small amount until you reach your desired hue!
What is the best way to serve Patchwork Quilt Cake?
Serving it with fresh berries arranged on top makes it visually appealing and adds a burst of flavor that complements the vanilla frosting.
How should I store leftover frosting?
Leftover frosting can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Make sure to re-whip before using again.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this cake a day in advance. Just store it properly and frost it right before serving for optimal freshness.
Final Thoughts
The Patchwork Quilt Cake is not only delicious but also visually stunning, making it perfect for any occasion. Its tender crumb and buttery frosting offer endless opportunities for customization. Whether you prefer fresh fruit toppings or chocolate drizzle, this versatile recipe invites creativity. Try making it today!
Patchwork Quilt Cake
Indulge in the delightful Patchwork Quilt Cake, a stunning dessert that combines a moist, tender crumb with rich, buttery frosting. Perfect for any celebration, this cake is adorned with vibrant fresh berries that create an eye-catching patchwork appearance. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, it promises to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, bakers of all skill levels can master this recipe. Elevate your gatherings with this homemade treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 15 slices 1x
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup butter (softened)
- 1–3/4 cups sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2–1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2–1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1–1/4 cups 2% milk
- 1 cup butter (softened) for frosting
- 3 cups confectioners’ sugar for frosting
- 4 teaspoons vanilla extract for frosting
- 3–4 tablespoons heavy whipping cream for frosting
- Assorted fresh berries for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 13×9-inch baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (5-7 minutes). Add vanilla extract and eggs one at a time while mixing well.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix into the creamed mixture alternating with milk until fully combined.
- Pour batter into the greased baking dish. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.
- For the frosting, beat softened butter until creamy; gradually add confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Mix in vanilla and heavy cream until desired consistency is achieved.
- Spread frosting over the cooled cake and top with fresh berries arranged decoratively.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 70g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for optimal mixing. Avoid overmixing the batter to maintain a light texture. Decorate creatively with berries to enhance visual appeal.
