There's something undeniably appealing about a well-made white cake wearing only the adornment of the first fresh berries of spring. Obviously, the judges thought so as well, when they gave this cake by Misti Gerrity of Lynn the top prize in the cake competition at Massachusetts' 2011 Topsfield Fair.
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour three 9" round cake pans.
To make the cake: In a small bowl, whisk together the flours, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat the butter until smooth.
Gradually add the sugar and beat until fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk and vanilla. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl, and beat for 1 more minute.
Divide the dough among the prepared pans. If you're using a scale, put 1 1/2 pounds of batter in each pan.
Bake the cakes for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a cake tester or toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and cool in the pans for 15 minutes. Turn the cakes out of the pans and cool completely on a rack.
To make the icing: Beat the butter with 4 cups of the sugar. Alternately beat in the milk and vanilla with the remaining sugar, adding enough sugar to make icing with a nicely spreadable consistency.
To assemble the cake: Trim any domes off the tops of the layers. Place first layer of cake on a serving plate lined with parchment paper strips.
Spread the layer with frosting, and top with half the sliced strawberries and blueberries. Spread the trimmed top of the next layer with 1/4 cup of the strawberry preserves, invert and place it atop the berries. Repeat with second cake layer.
Top with third layer of cake. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining icing.
If you're in need an extra-large batch of cupcakes, this recipe will make at least 38 of them when portioned with our muffin scoop. Bake the cupcakes at 350°F for 25 to 28 minutes, until the top feels firm when lightly touched and the edges just begin to brown.
