Drenched Berry Cake

Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2/3 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 2 cups fresh or frozen berries

Sauce

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 9-inch round pan.
2. Sift the flour, sugar and baking powder into a large bowl. Add the shortening, milk and egg. Beat for 2 minutes, or until smooth.
3. Stir in the berries.
4. Pour into the prepared pan, smooth the top and bake for 1 hour, or until an inserted wooden pick comes out clean.
5. Transfer to a wire rack.
6. While the cake is baking, make the sauce. Melt the butter in the top of a double boiler over simmering water.
7. Add the sugar, cream and vanilla bean. Stir to mix well. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.
8. Remove the vanilla bean.
9. Serve the cake with each individual slice generously topped with the warmed sauce.