Emancipation Breakfast Cake

Recipe by Adrian Lipscombe
27 Reviews 4.9 out of 5 stars

This summer breakfast cake is positively bursting with flavor! From the fresh blueberries and lemon zest in the cake to the walnuts and cinnamon sugar in the copious amounts of buttery topping, we’re both thrilled and thankful that chef Adrian Lipscombe shared this recipe with us. She notes, “Historically this cake was served during Juneteenth celebration in Texas … It was made with seasonal berries in June, which is a small berry season in Texas. This is one of many cakes that represents freedom, justice, and celebration.”

Prep
20 mins
Bake
45 to 50 mins
Total
1 hr 30 mins
Yield
one 9” square cake
Emancipation Breakfast Cake - select to zoom
Emancipation Breakfast Cake - select to zoom
Emancipation Breakfast Cake - select to zoom

Instructions

Prevent your screen from going dark as you follow along.

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease (or line with parchment) a 9” square pan.

  2. To make the streusel: In a medium bowl, stir together the sugars, salt, flour, and spices.

  3. Work in the cold butter until the mixture is evenly crumbly, then stir in the chopped walnuts. Set aside.

  4. To make the cake: In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder.

  5. Cut the butter into small pieces and add to the bowl of dry ingredients. Beat at low speed until the mixture is sandy looking.

  6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, extracts, and lemon zest. Add the liquid ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until combined. Note: the batter will be very thick.

  7. Using a spatula, carefully fold the blueberries into the batter.

  8. Spoon the batter into the prepared pan, gently spreading it evenly across the bottom.

  9. Sprinkle the streusel topping over the batter, shaking the pan to distribute it evenly.

  10. Bake the cake for 45 to 50 minutes, until it's brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

  11. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature, right in the pan, before serving.

  12. Storage information: Store any leftover cake at room temperature, covered, for up to a week. Freeze for longer storage.

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