When it comes to vibrant, fruity desserts that delight the palate and impress on sight, nothing beats a lemon blueberry layer cake. This heavenly combination of zesty lemon and juicy blueberries creates a moist, flavorful dessert that’s perfect for birthdays, weddings, or any celebration. If you’ve been searching for the ultimate recipe to make a show-stopping cake, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s how you can create the best lemon blueberry layer cake from scratch.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Blueberry Cake
- Moist and Flavorful: Bursting with the tartness of lemons and the sweetness of blueberries, this cake is a balance of perfection.
- Versatile: Whether you’re preparing a lemon blueberry birthday cake, a wedding cake, or a treat for yourself, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
- Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant yellow and deep blue layers are visually stunning, making it a centerpiece for any table.
For more irresistible cake recipes, check out our Triple Chocolate Layer Cake or Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe for variety.
Ingredients for Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake
For the Cake:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries (tossed with 1 tablespoon of flour to prevent sinking)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh blueberries
- Lemon slices or zest
- Edible flowers for decoration
How to Make Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three 8-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy release.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, sugar, and lemon zest until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk/lemon juice to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Gently fold in the floured blueberries.
Read more : homemade strawberry layer cake
Step 2: Bake the Layers
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Prepare the Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the lemon juice and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread an even layer of cream cheese frosting on top.
- Repeat with the remaining layers, finishing with frosting on the top and sides of the cake.
- Decorate with fresh blueberries, lemon slices, or your preferred garnish.
For more baking inspiration, don’t miss our How to Make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread.
FAQs About Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake
1. Can I use frozen blueberries in this recipe?
Yes, frozen blueberries work just as well. Make sure to toss them in flour before adding them to the batter to prevent sinking.
2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the layers a day in advance and store them tightly wrapped at room temperature. Assemble and frost the cake the day you plan to serve it.
3. How do I achieve moist cake layers?
Using buttermilk and freshly squeezed lemon juice adds moisture to the cake. Avoid overbaking to keep it soft and tender.
4. What other frostings pair well with this cake?
While cream cheese frosting is a classic choice, you can try lemon buttercream or a whipped mascarpone frosting for a lighter touch.
5. Can I turn this recipe into cupcakes?
Yes, this recipe makes about 24 cupcakes. Adjust the baking time to 18-22 minutes.
Final Thoughts
This lemon blueberry layer cake is more than just a dessert—it’s an experience. With its vibrant flavors and beautiful presentation, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Happy baking!
