Something Sweet For Spring

One reason it's fun to attend baby showers, like the one I went to last weekend, is that you get to taste all the yummy party foods. This cake was a new-to-me recipe, made by my cousin Alyce. It was near the end of the shower before I thought to snap a photo of Alyce's cake. (I haven't had time to make one for us yet.) There wasn't much left by then.

I told her I'd love to have the recipe. Then I asked her if I could share the recipe with you. I was delighted when she said yes.  I got this email soon after Saturday's party:

Here is the blueberry cake recipe.  I have cooked it in a bundt pan as well as loaf pans.  Saturday I added about 3/4 tsp. poppy seeds to the glaze, but I don't always do that.  The original recipe did not call for it.

BLUEBERRY POUND CAKE

1 box Duncan Hines yellow cake mix
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
½ cup vegetable oil
3 eggs
2 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen.

Have all ingredients at room temp.  Mix together all ingredients except blueberries.  Blend until smooth.  Fold in blueberries.  Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour. Or, until brown and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Makes one large sheet cake or 2 loaves.

Glaze:
Whisk 1 cup confectioners sugar with just enough lemon juice to make icing.  Pour over cake while still warm.

Blueberry cake with a hint of lemon. What a perfect dessert for a spring table. I don't think I'm waiting to have guests to make this one.

Since our first email exchange, Alyce and I have continued the cake conversation--mostly about pan sizes. She said for this party, she baked the recipe in two 8-inch loaf pans. And she said to watch it close to the end because it will be done faster than the stated time. She also told me that these are not big loaves, and that it almost looks like it's not enough batter when you divide into the two pans. But it does work.

The recipe says it make two loaves or one large sheet cake. Neither Alyce or I are sure what is meant by "large sheet cake." I would probably try this in a 9x13-inch pan. Or, maybe you really can use a sheet cake pan. Just remember as you change pan sizes, you will likely need to adjust baking times. Maybe I should bake one of all sizes and find out!