The Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake is a delightful dessert that marries the tangy zest of lemon with the sweet burst of blueberries, all under a canopy of silky cream cheese frosting. This cake is a perfect choice for those who love the refreshing taste of citrus paired with the natural sweetness of berries. The use of either fresh or frozen blueberries makes this recipe versatile and convenient for all seasons.
Ingredients
- For the Cake:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 and ¼ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 Tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups (354g) sifted all-purpose flour
- 1 Tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
- 2 Tablespoons lemon zest
- ½ cup (120ml) lemon juice (from about 3 medium lemons)
- 1 and ½ cups (210g) blueberries, fresh or frozen (do not thaw)
- 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour (for coating blueberries)
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces (226g) full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 3 and ½ cups (420g) confectioners’ sugar
- 1 to 2 Tablespoons (15-30ml) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Preparation
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch cake pans, lining them with parchment paper circles for easy removal.
Step 2:
In a large mixing bowl, using a handheld or stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on high speed until creamy, about 1 minute. Gradually add granulated and brown sugars, beating until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, incorporating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
Step 3:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix on low speed just until combined. Fold in the lemon zest and lemon juice gently.
Step 4:
Toss the blueberries with 1 tablespoon of flour to prevent them from sinking in the batter. Gently fold the blueberries into the cake batter.
Step 5:
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops and tap the pans on the counter to release air bubbles. Bake for 21-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6:
For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Step 7:
To assemble the cake, trim the tops of the layers if needed to make them flat. Place one layer on your serving plate and spread with a layer of cream cheese frosting. Repeat with the remaining layers, spreading frosting on top of each. Frost the sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
COOKING Note
If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them before adding to the batter to prevent them from bleeding into the cake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cake at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. Garnish with additional blueberries and lemon zest for an extra touch of freshness and color.
Tips
- Ensure all ingredients, especially eggs and buttermilk, are at room temperature to achieve a smooth, uniform batter.
- Coat the blueberries in flour to help them distribute evenly throughout the cake without sinking.
- For a more intense lemon flavor, add extra lemon zest to the batter or frosting.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 450-550 per slice
- Protein: 6-8g per slice
- Sodium: 200-300mg per slice
The Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake is a beautiful and delicious dessert that combines the bright flavors of lemon with the sweet taste of blueberries, all wrapped up in a creamy, rich cream cheese frosting. This cake is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a delightful centerpiece for any gathering or special occasion. Enjoy the process of creating this delightful treat and the pleasure of sharing it with others.
PrintLemon Blueberry Layer Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake combines the bright flavors of lemon with the sweetness of fresh blueberries in a stunning dessert that's sure to impress. Layers of light lemon cake are dotted with juicy blueberries and frosted with a lemon cream cheese icing, making each bite a perfect blend of tart and sweet.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Unsalted butter
- Eggs
- Lemon zest and juice
- Vanilla extract
- Buttermilk
- Fresh blueberries
- For frosting:
- Cream cheese
- Butter
- Powdered sugar
- Lemon zest
- Vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare cake pans.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy, add eggs one at a time.
- Mix in lemon zest, juice, and vanilla.
- Alternately add dry ingredients and buttermilk, fold in blueberries.
- Bake until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool cakes, then layer and frost with lemon cream cheese icing.
Notes
- Toss blueberries in flour to prevent them from sinking.
- Use a simple syrup on each cake layer for extra moisture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of total)
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 66g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
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