Gâteau aux bleuets

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### 👨‍🍳 Instructions

#### 1. **Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan**
Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. Grease a round 9-inch (23 cm) cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. This will ensure the cake doesn’t stick and comes out beautifully.

#### 2. **Mix Dry Ingredients**
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

#### 3. **Cream the Butter and Sugar**
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3–4 minutes.

#### 4. **Add Eggs and Vanilla**
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest (if using).

#### 5. **Incorporate the Dry Ingredients**
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start with the dry ingredients, then add the milk, and finish with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

#### 6. **Fold in the Blueberries**
Gently fold in the blueberries, being careful not to break them up too much. If you’re using frozen blueberries, there’s no need to thaw them first, but toss them in a little bit of flour before adding them to the batter. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake.

#### 7. **Bake the Cake**
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for about **35-45 minutes**, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and firm to the touch.

#### 8. **Cool and Serve**
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar if desired, and serve.

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### 🍴 Serving Suggestions

Gâteau aux Bleuets is perfect on its own, but you can elevate the experience with a few simple additions:

– **Whipped Cream or Crème Fraîche**: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or tangy crème fraîche pairs wonderfully with the cake.
– **Fresh Berries**: Add a handful of fresh blueberries on top for a burst of color and an extra dose of berry flavor.
– **Vanilla Ice Cream**: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
– **Coffee or Tea**: A perfect accompaniment for your afternoon tea or coffee break.

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### 💡 Pro Tips for the Best Gâteau aux Bleuets

– **Use Fresh Berries**: While frozen blueberries work well, fresh blueberries will give the best flavor and texture. Be sure to toss them lightly in flour before adding them to the batter to prevent them from sinking.
– **Don’t Overmix the Batter**: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until everything is combined to keep the texture light and airy.
– **Add Zest**: The optional lemon zest adds a lovely fresh, citrusy note that pairs beautifully with the blueberries.
– **Let the Cake Cool**: Allow the cake to cool before cutting into it. This helps the flavors settle and makes for cleaner slices.

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### ❤️ Why You’ll Love Gâteau aux Bleuets

– **Simple and Elegant**: This cake has a rustic French charm, with simple ingredients and an elegant presentation.
– **Perfectly Moist**: The combination of butter, eggs, and milk makes for a soft and moist crumb that pairs beautifully with the burst of juicy blueberries.
– **Versatile**: Whether served as a light dessert or a breakfast treat, this cake can be enjoyed any time of day.
– **Year-Round Favorite**: Enjoy fresh blueberries in the summer or frozen ones during the colder months.

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### Final Thoughts

**Gâteau aux Bleuets** is one of those desserts that feels like a special occasion without being overly fussy. Its simplicity allows the natural sweetness of the blueberries to shine, while the tender cake offers the perfect backdrop. Whether you’re serving it for a casual gathering or a more formal affair, this French blueberry cake will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.

So, grab some fresh or frozen blueberries, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this delightful and effortless French dessert. 🍇🍰