Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake

This Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake is a delightful treat that captures the essence of spring and summer. With its soft, moist layers filled with fresh blueberries and zesty lemon, it’s the perfect dessert for birthdays, picnics, or any festive occasion. The rich cream cheese frosting adds a creamy touch that balances the cake’s tanginess, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Cake
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting
• How to Make Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake
• Step 1: Prep the Pans
• Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
• Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
• Step 4: Combine
• Step 5: Add Blueberries
• Step 6: Bake
• Step 7: Make the Frosting
• Step 8: Assemble the Cake
• How to Serve Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake
• Pair with Fresh Berries
• Accompany with Whipped Cream
• Add Ice Cream
• Garnish Creatively
• How to Perfect Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake
• Best Side Dishes for Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake
• Reheating Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use frozen blueberries in my Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake?
• How do I make my Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake more lemony?
• Can I substitute cream cheese frosting with another type?
• What is the best way to decorate my Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright Flavors: The combination of lemon and blueberries creates a refreshing taste experience that is both tart and sweet.
• Moist Texture: Each layer of this cake is incredibly soft and moist, ensuring every bite melts in your mouth.
• Versatile Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a family gathering, this cake suits any celebration beautifully.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can achieve great results.
• Stunning Presentation: The vibrant colors of the blueberries against the yellow cake make for an eye-catching dessert.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen. These tools will help you achieve professional results without much hassle.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Three 8-inch round cake pans
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Rubber spatula
• Toothpick

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Ensures thorough mixing of ingredients for a fluffy batter.
• Cake pans: Having three pans allows for even baking and easy layering of the cake.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking, making it easier to remove cakes from pans without breaking them.

Ingredients

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, canola, 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 (to toss with blueberries)

For the Cream Cheese 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

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How to Make Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake

Step 1: Prep the Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease three 8-inch round cake pans thoroughly. Line the bottoms with parchment paper rounds and grease the parchment as well for easy release.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a large bowl with your mixer:
1. Beat the softened butter on high until creamy for about 1 minute.
2. Add granulated and brown sugars; beat on medium-high speed for 2 minutes until well combined.
3. Incorporate oil and continue beating for another 3 minutes until light and creamy.
4. Add eggs and vanilla; mix on medium until fully incorporated (about 1 minute). Scrape down sides as needed.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl:
1. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.

Step 4: Combine

Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture:
1. Beat on low just until mixed.
2. Gradually add buttermilk, lemon zest, and lemon juice; mix gently until just incorporated—do not overmix.

Step 5: Add Blueberries

Toss fresh blueberries with 1 tablespoon of flour to prevent sinking:
1. Gently fold into the thick batter using a rubber spatula.

Step 6: Bake

Divide your batter evenly among prepared cake pans:
1. Bake for 22–26 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
2. Allow cakes to cool completely in their pans before assembling.

Step 7: Make the Frosting

In your stand mixer:
1. Beat cream cheese and butter together on medium speed for about 3 minutes until smooth.
2. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar; then add cream, vanilla, and salt.
3. Start on low speed then beat on high for about 3 more minutes until fluffy.

Step 8: Assemble the Cake

If necessary:
1. Slice off domed tops of cooled cakes to level them.
2. Place one layer on your serving plate; spread frosting on top.
3. Repeat with remaining layers; frost top and sides with leftover frosting.
4. Garnish with extra blueberries or lemon slices if desired.

Chill your assembled cake for at least 45 minutes before slicing to help it hold its shape better when served!

How to Serve Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake

Serving your Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake is all about enhancing its delightful flavors and making it visually appealing. Whether it’s for a celebration or a casual gathering, these serving suggestions will elevate your dessert experience.

Pair with Fresh Berries

• Mixed Berries: Add a side of fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries to complement the blueberries in the cake.
• Berry Sauce: Drizzle a homemade berry sauce over each slice for an extra burst of flavor.

Accompany with Whipped Cream

• Light Whipped Cream: Serve slices topped with lightly sweetened whipped cream to balance the tanginess of the lemon.
• Flavored Whipped Cream: Consider infusing your whipped cream with lemon zest or vanilla for added depth.

Add Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of classic vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with the citrus notes of the cake.
• Lemon Sorbet: For a refreshing twist, serve with lemon sorbet to enhance the lemon flavor.

Garnish Creatively

• Lemon Slices: Decorate each slice with thin lemon slices for a pop of color and added zest.
• Edible Flowers: Use edible flowers like violets or pansies for an elegant touch that looks stunning on any dessert table.

How to Perfect Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake

To achieve the perfect Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake, consider these essential tips that will help you create an impressive dessert.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your eggs, buttermilk, and butter are at room temperature for a smooth batter.
• Don’t Overmix Batter: Mix until just combined to keep the cake light and fluffy; overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
• Toss Blueberries in Flour: Coating blueberries in flour prevents them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
• Level Your Cake Layers: Trim any domed tops off your cakes before stacking; this ensures even layers and stability.
• Chill Before Serving: Let your cake chill for at least 45 minutes after frosting; this helps it hold its shape when slicing.
• Double the Frosting if Needed: If you prefer a thicker layer of frosting or want to pipe decorations, consider doubling the frosting recipe.

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Best Side Dishes for Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake

Complementing your Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake with delicious side dishes can create a delightful dining experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances sweetness.
2. Lemonade: Serve chilled lemonade alongside for a zesty drink that ties in beautifully with the cake’s flavors.
3. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses that contrast well with the sweetness of the cake and enhance the overall flavor profile.
4. Pistachio Biscotti: These crunchy treats provide a nice texture contrast and nutty flavor that pairs well with lemon.
5. Mint Tea: A warm cup of mint tea can cleanse the palate and enhance the fresh notes of the dessert.
6. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These indulgent bites add richness while still keeping things fruity and light.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Not using room temperature ingredients – Cold ingredients can make it difficult for the batter to mix properly. Ensure all ingredients, especially eggs and buttermilk, are at room temperature for the best texture.
• Overmixing the batter – This can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined after adding the dry ingredients, as overmixing can develop gluten and toughen the cake.
• Skipping the flour toss – Not tossing blueberries in flour can cause them to sink. Lightly coat blueberries with flour before folding them into the batter for even distribution.
• Ignoring baking times – Each oven is different. Start checking your cake a few minutes before the recommended time. A toothpick should come out clean when done.
• Not leveling cakes before frosting – Unleveled cake layers can lead to a lopsided cake. Trim any domed tops before stacking layers to ensure stability and an even frosting layer.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake in an airtight container.
• It will remain fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Place slices on a baking sheet and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as this can dry out the cake.
• Stovetop – Use a skillet on low heat, covering it with a lid. Warm each slice for about 5 minutes until just heated through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen blueberries in my Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake?

Using fresh blueberries is recommended for optimal flavor and texture. If using frozen, do not thaw them first, as this may release excess moisture.

How do I make my Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake more lemony?

To increase the lemon flavor, you can add extra lemon zest or replace some buttermilk with additional lemon juice.

Can I substitute cream cheese frosting with another type?

Yes! You can use buttercream or whipped cream if you prefer a lighter frosting option with your Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake.

What is the best way to decorate my Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake?

You can top it with fresh blueberries, lemon slices, or zest. Edible flowers also add a beautiful touch!

Final Thoughts

The Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake is an irresistible dessert that combines bright flavors and moist texture. It’s perfect for spring gatherings or any celebration. Feel free to customize it by adding different fruits or adjusting sweetness levels according to your taste preferences!