Quatre-Quarts Cake with Apple and Berry Compote

Name: Quatre-Quarts Cake with Apple and Berry Compote
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 8 slices
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature); 1 cup granulated sugar; 4 large eggs (room temperature); 1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and levelled); 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 medium apples (peeled, cored, and diced); 1 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen); 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice

60 min 8 slices Medium

All Recipes

A classic quatre-quarts cake topped with a delightful apple and mixed berry compote, perfect for any dessert lover.

Prep

20 min

Cook

40 min

Total

60 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

The Quatre-Quarts Cake, a French classic, is wonderfully versatile and beloved for its simplicity and rich, buttery flavour. The name translates to 'four quarters', referring to the equal parts of flour, sugar, butter, and eggs used in the recipe. This version elevates the classic cake with a vibrant compote made from apples and mixed berries, adding a refreshing contrast to the cake's richness. The use of compote brings a delightful moistness and sweetness that pairs beautifully with the dense and buttery texture of the quatre-quarts. This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether as a delightful treat at a family gathering or a sophisticated dessert at a dinner party.

Ingredients

Servings

Quatre-Quarts Cake

Apple and Berry Compote

Instructions

Prepare the oven and pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.

Pro tip: Ensure the parchment paper fits snugly to avoid batter sticking.

Cream the butter and sugar

In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.

Pro tip: Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.

Add the eggs and vanilla

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Pro tip: Adding eggs one at a time helps to keep the batter smooth and emulsified.

Mix dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.

Pro tip: Do not overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.

Bake the cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.

Pro tip: Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even cooking.

Prepare the compote

While the cake bakes, combine apples, berries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 10-15 minutes until the fruit is tender and the mixture thickens.

Pro tip: Stir frequently to prevent sticking and burning.

Cool and assemble

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Top with the compote before serving.

Pro tip: Cooling the cake completely prevents the compote from sliding off.

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Tips & Tricks

<ul><li>Ensure to spoon and level the flour for accurate measurement.</li><li>Use room temperature butter for better mixing.</li><li>Fresh or frozen berries work equally well for the compote.</li><li>Let the cake cool completely before adding the compote.</li></ul>

Serving Suggestions

To serve, slice the cake and add a generous spoonful of the apple and berry compote on top. This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The cake can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container. The compote can also be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to three days, making it a convenient and impressive dessert option.