Mixed Berry Pimms Cake

Wow, I just had to tell you about this cake! It’s my new favorite summer treat. You won’t believe how good it tastes.

So, you know how I love berries, right? Well, this cake has tons of them. Plus, it has Pimms in it too.

The berries are so sweet and juicy. The Pimms makes it taste fancy. And honestly, it’s way easier than you think to make.

Trust me, this cake is perfect for parties. Let me show you how I make it step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Refreshing & Light: The Pimms adds a touch of sophistication with its refreshing flavors, while the cream and berries keep it light and fruity.
• Simple to Make: You can have this cake ready in no time! The sponge cake, berries, and mascarpone cream come together effortlessly.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s a summer picnic or a dinner party, this cake will impress everyone with its beautiful layers and vibrant flavors.
• Perfectly Boozy: The Pimms provides a subtle, herbal undertone that elevates the dessert without overpowering the freshness of the fruit.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The components of the cake can be made ahead of time, and then it’s just about assembling before serving!

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we dive into the recipe, here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need to prepare this amazing cake:

• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a few large mixing bowls for combining the mascarpone, cream, and fruit.
• Electric Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: This helps with whipping the cream and mascarpone to perfection.
• Whisk: A whisk will come in handy for any additional mixing of smaller quantities.
• Cake Pan (if making your own sponge): You can either make your own sponge cake or use a store-bought one (like the Coles Unfilled Double Sponge Cake for convenience).
• Serving Tray: To display this gorgeous cake beautifully once assembled!

Ingredients

This dessert uses fresh, simple ingredients that combine into a showstopper dessert! Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

• Pimm’s No.1 (or Cranberry Juice): This is the key ingredient that gives the cake its distinctive, fresh herbal flavor. It’s a gin-based liqueur flavored with herbs and spices, making it ideal for summer desserts.
• Caster Sugar: A finely ground sugar that dissolves easily, making it perfect for the whipped cream and mascarpone mixture.
• Vanilla Bean Paste: Adds an extra layer of flavor to the mascarpone cream, making it rich and aromatic.
• Fresh Strawberries (250g): Sweet and juicy, these strawberries are halved to sit perfectly within the layers of the cake.
• Fresh Raspberries (250g): Their tartness balances the sweetness of the other fruits, giving the cake a wonderful contrast.
• Fresh Blueberries (125g): Tiny, sweet, and slightly tangy, they add to the fruitiness and provide pops of color.
• Mascarpone (500g): A rich and creamy Italian cheese that forms the base of the cake’s filling. It’s much creamier than regular cream cheese, providing a luxurious texture.
• Thickened Cream (375ml): Whipped together with mascarpone, this creates the perfect smooth and velvety filling.
• Icing Sugar Mixture (1 tbsp): This lightly sweetens the whipped cream, giving the cake the perfect balance of flavors.
• Coles Unfilled Double Sponge Cake (450g): This ready-made sponge cake is soft, airy, and the perfect base to layer with the berries and cream. If you prefer, you can bake your own sponge cake from scratch, but using a store-bought one makes this cake a breeze to prepare.

Variations for Mixed Berry Pimms Cake

While this recipe is delicious as-is, here are a few variations to help you customize it to your preferences:

• Add More Liquor: If you like your cakes extra boozy, you can increase the amount of Pimms. Just be mindful not to oversaturate the sponge, as it might become soggy.
• Swap the Berries: Use any combination of seasonal berries like blackberries, gooseberries, or even tropical fruits like mango or pineapple for a fun twist.
• Non-Alcoholic Version: If you want to make this cake kid-friendly or alcohol-free, simply replace the Pimms with cranberry juice or lemon-lime soda for that same refreshing zing without the alcohol.
• Add a Lemon Zest: A teaspoon of lemon zest in the mascarpone mixture will enhance the citrusy flavors of the Pimms and brighten the whole cake.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Mixed Berry Pimms Cake

Let’s get into the fun part — making this gorgeous cake! Follow these simple steps to create a show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

1. Prepare the Sponge Cake

If you’re using a store-bought sponge cake (like the Coles Unfilled Double Sponge Cake), you’re halfway there! Simply take the cakes out of the packaging and set them aside. If you’re making your own, bake your sponge according to your favorite recipe and let it cool completely before continuing.

2. Make the Pimms Syrup

In a small saucepan, combine the Pimms No.1 (or cranberry juice) with caster sugar over medium heat. Stir until the sugar has dissolved, then bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly, then remove it from the heat. Allow the syrup to cool to room temperature.

3. Whip the Cream & Mascarpone

In a large mixing bowl, whip the thickened cream with the icing sugar mixture until soft peaks form. In another bowl, beat the mascarpone with vanilla bean paste until smooth and creamy. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until well combined. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream too much.

4. Assemble the Cake

Once your sponge is ready and the Pimms syrup has cooled, it’s time to assemble the cake. Place one layer of the sponge on your serving tray. Using a spoon or brush, generously soak the cake with the Pimms syrup, allowing it to soak in for about 5 minutes.

Next, spread a layer of the mascarpone and cream mixture over the soaked sponge. Layer your fresh strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries on top of the cream.

Add the second layer of sponge cake and repeat the process of soaking the cake with the Pimms syrup. Spread another layer of mascarpone cream on top and finish with more berries for decoration. You can also sprinkle a light dusting of icing sugar on top to add a touch of elegance.

5. Chill & Serve

Once the cake is fully assembled, place it in the fridge to chill for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve it chilled, and enjoy!

Serving and Decoration Ideas

This Mixed Berry Pimms Cake is stunning as is, but here are a few ideas to elevate your presentation:

• Fresh Mint Leaves: Garnish the top of the cake with a few fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and extra freshness.
• Edible Flowers: Adding edible flowers like pansies or violets around the edges of the cake can take it to the next level for a beautiful touch.
• Extra Pimms Syrup: Serve with a small pitcher of extra Pimms syrup on the side, so guests can drizzle more on top of their slices.

Storing Mixed Berry Pimms Cake

This cake is best enjoyed within 1-2 days of making it, as the sponge can become soggy if left too long. To store:

• Refrigeration: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: While it’s not ideal to freeze the whole cake, you can freeze the layers separately if needed. Just assemble the cake fresh before serving.

Nutrition Information

Since this cake is rich and indulgent, it’s important to enjoy it in moderation. Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutrition per serving:

Nutrient	Amount (per serving)
Calories	350 kcal
Protein	5g
Fat	25g
Carbohydrates	30g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	20g

Conclusion:

Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this Mixed Berry Pimms Cake is sure to impress. It’s the perfect dessert to bring to your next summer party, barbecue, or family gathering. With the refreshing flavors of Pimms, a luscious mascarpone cream, and the burst of fresh berries, this cake is a flavor-packed treat that will leave your guests asking for the recipe.

The best part is that it’s easy to make ahead of time, meaning you can focus on enjoying your event rather than stressing in the kitchen. The delicate layers, the balance of sweetness and tartness, and the subtle boozy kick will have everyone coming back for seconds. So, grab your ingredients, preheat the oven (or grab your sponge cake!), and let’s get baking!