Mixed-Berry Spoon Cake

• Recipe by Grace Parisi

To vary the filling here, use 4 pounds of stone fruit (peaches, nectarines and apricots) cut into large wedges; or 4 pounds of plums, cut into 1-inch cubes; or 6 pints of blueberries plus 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.

Ingredients

FILLING

1. 4 pints strawberries (2 pounds), hulled and quartered
2. 2 pints blackberries (12 ounces)
3. 2 pints raspberries (12 ounces)
4. 3/4 cup sugar
5. 2 tablespoons cornstarch

BATTER

1. 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2. 1 cup sugar
3. 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
4. 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
5. 1 teaspoon kosher salt
6. 2 eggs
7. 1/2 cup milk
8. 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
9. 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, melted

Directions

1. Make the filling: In a bowl, toss the berries with the sugar and cornstarch and let stand for 10 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, make the batter: Preheat the oven to 375°. In a medium bowl, whisk the flour with the sugar, lemon zest, baking powder and salt. In a small bowl, whisk the eggs with the milk and vanilla. Whisk the liquid into the dry ingredients until evenly moistened, then whisk in the melted butter until smooth.
3. Spread the filling in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Spoon the batter on top, leaving small gaps. Bake in the center of the oven for 1 hour, until the fruit is bubbling and a toothpick inserted into the topping comes out clean. Let cool for 1 hour before serving.