Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake

This Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake is a delightful treat that brings sunshine to your table. Perfect for birthdays, brunches, or any festive gathering, this cake features moist layers filled with zesty lemon and bursting blueberries. Topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, it’s both refreshing and indulgent, making it an ideal dessert for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright flavors: The combination of lemon and blueberries offers a refreshing taste that brightens up any dessert table.
• Moist texture: With the perfect balance of ingredients, each slice is soft and moist, ensuring every bite is delicious.
• Easy to make: This recipe is straightforward, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile: Whether it’s a spring celebration or summer gathering, this cake fits seamlessly into any event.
• Stunning presentation: With its vibrant colors and layered design, this cake not only tastes good but looks fantastic too.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake successfully, you’ll need some essential tools and equipment to streamline the baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Baking pans (two 9-inch round)
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Ideal for mixing batter quickly and thoroughly, ensuring the perfect texture without much effort.
• Baking pans: Proper-sized pans are crucial for even baking and achieving the desired layer height in your cake.
• Cooling rack: Allows cakes to cool evenly, preventing sogginess at the bottom and helping maintain their shape.

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Ingredients

This vibrant Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake is soft, moist, and full of bright citrus flavor and juicy blueberries. With tender layers infused with lemon zest and juice, it’s topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting. A refreshing, luscious dessert perfect for spring, summer, or any special celebration.

For the Cake

• ½ cup 113g unsalted butter, softened
• 1¼ cups 250g granulated sugar
• ½ cup 100g packed light brown sugar
• 6 tablespoons 90ml vegetable oil, canola oil or avocado oil
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 3 cups 375g all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup 180ml buttermilk, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• ½ cup 120ml lemon juice, about 3–4 lemons, room temperature
• 1½ cups 210g fresh blueberries
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, for tossing blueberries

For the Frosting

• 8 oz 226g full-fat brick cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup 113g unsalted butter, softened
• 3½ cups 420g confectioners’ sugar
• 1 tablespoon 15ml heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

How to Make Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round baking pans with butter or non-stick spray. Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easier removal after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a stand mixer bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat until light and fluffy. Add in the vegetable oil while mixing on medium speed. Then add the eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well blended.

Step 4: Alternate Mixing Dry Ingredients with Buttermilk

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients in three parts while alternating with buttermilk. Start with dry ingredients followed by buttermilk until everything is combined. Mix in lemon zest and juice gently.

Step 5: Toss Blueberries

In a small bowl, toss fresh blueberries with a tablespoon of flour to coat them lightly. This helps prevent them from sinking in the batter.

Step 6: Fold in Blueberries

Gently fold the tossed blueberries into your cake batter until evenly distributed.

Step 7: Bake Your Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake in preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool Your Cakes

Allow cakes to cool in pans for about ten minutes before transferring them onto cooling racks to cool completely.

Step 9: Make Cream Cheese Frosting

While cakes cool down, prepare your frosting by beating together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar while mixing on low speed. Finally, mix in heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until fluffy.

Step 10: Assemble Your Cake

Once cooled completely, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top before adding the second layer. Frost the top and sides of the cake as desired.

Enjoy your vibrant Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake!

How to Serve Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake

Serving Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake is a delightful experience that enhances its vibrant flavors and beautiful presentation. Here are some creative ways to serve this luscious dessert.

For a Refreshing Finish

• Fresh Berries: Garnish each slice with a handful of fresh blueberries or raspberries for added color and flavor.
• Mint Leaves: Add a sprig of mint on top of the cake for a pop of green and refreshing aroma.

With Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Pair a slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the tartness of the cake.
• Lemon Sorbet: Serve with lemon sorbet for an extra citrus kick that complements the cake’s flavors.

As Part of a Brunch Spread

• Fruit Salad: Include a side of mixed fruit salad to add freshness and variety to your brunch table.
• Coffee or Tea: Offer a pot of brewed coffee or tea to enhance the overall experience while enjoying this delightful cake.

How to Perfect Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake

Perfecting your Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake can elevate it from good to extraordinary. Here are some essential tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Gently fold in dry ingredients and blueberries to avoid tough layers.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup instead of scooping to prevent dense cake layers.
• Cool Layers Completely: Allow cake layers to cool fully before frosting to prevent melting the cream cheese frosting.
• Taste Your Frosting: Adjust sweetness by adding more confectioners’ sugar or salt until you achieve your desired flavor balance.

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent choices.

1. Chilled Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits that complements the flavors of the cake.
2. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layers of creamy yogurt, granola, and berries provide texture and health benefits.
3. Simple Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette offers a nice contrast to the richness of the cake.
4. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese for guests who enjoy savory options alongside sweet treats.
5. Lemonade or Iced Tea: Refreshing beverages that enhance the lemony notes in the cake while providing thirst-quenching goodness.
6. Poppy Seed Muffins: These can add another layer of flavor with their nutty taste that pairs nicely with lemon.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake can be delightful, but certain mistakes can hinder your results. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Using cold ingredients: Always use room temperature eggs and buttermilk for even mixing and better texture. Let them sit out for about 30 minutes before you start.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a tough cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep it tender and fluffy.
• Ignoring oven temperature: An oven that’s too hot or too cold can ruin your cake. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperatures.
• Skipping the flour toss on blueberries: Tossing blueberries in flour prevents them from sinking to the bottom during baking. This simple step helps distribute them evenly.
• Not checking for doneness: Always test your cake with a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs, not wet batter.
• Not letting the cake cool properly: Letting the cake cool in the pan for too long can make it soggy. Cool it for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer it to a wire rack.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake

• Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm slices for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on low power for 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm each slice for a few minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake:

Can I substitute other fruits in this Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake?

You can definitely experiment with other berries like raspberries or blackberries, keeping proportions similar. They will give a different flavor but remain delicious!

How do I make this Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, frozen blueberries work as well! Just toss them with flour while still frozen to prevent them from turning mushy during baking.

What’s the best way to frost my Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake?

For easy frosting, make sure both your cream cheese and butter are softened. Spread frosting between layers first, then coat the entire cake smoothly for a beautiful finish.

How can I enhance the flavor of my Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake?

You can add more lemon zest or juice for extra citrus flavor. Additionally, incorporating lemon extract into your batter will intensify its taste!

How long does it take to prepare and bake this Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake?

The total time is approximately 300 minutes, including prep time of around 35 minutes and cook time of about 25 minutes.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake is not only visually stunning but also bursting with fresh flavors that brighten any occasion. With its moist layers and tangy cream cheese frosting, it’s perfect for spring gatherings or summer celebrations. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding different fruits or even nuts for added texture! Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!