Blackberry Lemon Cake with White Chocolate and Olive Oil

1. Prepare Equipment

Start by preparing your equipment: grease a Bundt pan with butter and dust it lightly with flour, ensuring a non-stick surface for your cake. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) so it's ready for baking.

2. Cream Butter, Sugar, and Lemon Zest

To begin the batter, cream together the butter, sugar, and lemon zest using an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer. Mix until the combination is light and fluffy, as this will incorporate air and result in a tender cake texture.

3. Add Eggs, Lemon Juice, and Vanilla

Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until everything is smoothly combined. Incorporate the lemon juice and vanilla extract into the mix, blending gently to maintain the creamy texture.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk

In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt. This dry mix should be uniform in color and texture. Alternate adding the dry flour mixture and the buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to gently combine the mixtures, stopping when the batter appears streaky.

5. Layer Batter and Blackberries

Pour a third of the batter into the prepared Bundt pan, then scatter half of the blackberries over it. Repeat with another layer of batter and the remaining blackberries, finishing with the last of the batter. Grate the white chocolate over the top for a delicate flavor that complements the lemon and berries.

6. Bake the Cake

Place the pan in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The cake should be golden and a skewer inserted into the center should come out clean. Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before gently unmolding it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

7. Serve the Cake

For serving, place the cooled cake on a platter. Accompany it with fresh blackberries, a dollop of whipped cream, shavings of white chocolate, and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. This combination of flavors and textures makes for a truly delightful and elegant dessert experience.