Three Berry Kuchen
A vibrant and fruity cake featuring three berries, light and moist with a crunchy topping, perfect for brunch, dessert, or a casual gathering with friends.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups flour, divided ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 4 egg whites ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons white sugar ⓘ
- 2/3 cup applesauce ⓘ
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest ⓘ
- 2 cups assorted berries (blueberries, blackberries, raspberries) ⓘ
- 1/4 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons margarine ⓘ
Instructions
- Spray a 10-inch round spring-form pan with cooking spray.
- Combine 1 1/2 cups flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- In a large bowl, whisk egg whites, sugar, applesauce, yogurt, and lemon zest until smooth.
- Add the flour mixture all at once to the wet ingredients and stir until blended.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Distribute the assorted berries on top of the batter.
- In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/4 cup flour and brown sugar.
- Cut in the margarine until the mixture is evenly blended.
- Sprinkle the topping over the berries and batter.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50 to 55 minutes.
- Cool for 20 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. You can also replace the margarine with coconut oil or butter for a richer flavor. If you don’t have applesauce, mashed bananas or pureed pumpkin can be used in equal amounts. Make sure to use fresh berries for the best flavor, but frozen berries can work too; just thaw and drain them first.
Serving Suggestions
This Three Berry Kuchen is delightful served warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a breakfast treat, enjoy it alongside a cup of coffee or tea. Consider serving it with Cheese Bites for a brunch spread that will impress guests.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover kuchen in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Three Berry Kuchen contains roughly 615 calories, with 7g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is a good source of protein (14% of the Daily Value) and calcium (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1950mg per serving (85% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of berries in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute with any berries you prefer, such as strawberries or even diced peaches. Just ensure the total amount remains around 2 cups for the best texture and flavor. Mixing berries can also enhance the taste, adding a variety of sweet and tart notes.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make the kuchen healthier, consider reducing the sugar content by using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. Additionally, you can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber. Using Greek yogurt in place of regular yogurt can also boost the protein content.
Can I freeze the kuchen?
Yes, you can freeze the kuchen! Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as desired.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).