There's something about the combination of tangy lemon and sweet blueberries that just screams spring and summer. We all know how refreshing and delightful these flavors can be when paired together, and when we add them to a moist, fluffy cake, it's nothing short of perfection.
This Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake is the ideal dessert for any occasion. Whether we're celebrating a birthday, hosting a party, or just craving a sweet treat, this cake is sure to impress.
Why We Love This Lemon Blueberry Cake
What makes this cake truly special is its balance of flavors. The zesty lemon brings a refreshing brightness, while the sweet blueberries provide bursts of flavor that complement the lemon perfectly. The combination of these two ingredients in a soft, buttery cake creates a light and delicious treat that we can't get enough of. And when topped with a creamy lemon frosting, this cake becomes a showstopper!
This cake is also incredibly versatile. We can serve it as a celebratory dessert for special events or as an everyday treat to brighten up our day. Plus, it's perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, and barbecues. The combination of fruit and cake is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it an ideal addition to any table setting.
What We Need to Make This Cake
To make this gorgeous lemon blueberry layer cake, we need a few simple ingredients that we likely already have in our kitchen. Here's what we'll need for the cake and frosting:
For the cake:
• 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (about one lemon)
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
For the frosting:
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt
These simple ingredients combine to create a cake that's both flavorful and soft, while the frosting adds a smooth and tangy finish.
How to Make the Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake
Making this cake is easy, and the result is absolutely worth it. Here's how we can put it all together:
1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans and set them aside.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and helps the cake rise evenly.
3. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 2-3 minutes. The butter and sugar mixture helps create the soft texture of the cake.
4. Add the eggs and flavorings: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. These ingredients provide the cake with its fresh and citrusy flavor.
5. Alternate the wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.
6. Fold in the blueberries: Gently fold the fresh blueberries into the batter, being careful not to crush them. The blueberries will provide delicious pockets of flavor throughout the cake.
7. Bake the cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Make the frosting: While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until the frosting reaches a thick, spreadable consistency. Stir in the lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. The result is a creamy, tangy frosting that perfectly complements the cake.
9. Assemble the cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving platter. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top, then place the second cake layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the entire cake, smoothing it out with a spatula. For extra decoration, we can garnish the cake with fresh blueberries or a few lemon slices.
Tips for a Perfect Lemon Blueberry Cake
To ensure our lemon blueberry layer cake turns out perfect every time, here are a few tips:
• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and zest make a big difference in the flavor of the cake. We can also use fresh blueberries for the best flavor and texture.
• Don't overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the cake tough and dense.
• Cool completely: Let the cakes cool completely before frosting them. If the cakes are still warm, the frosting might melt and slide off.
Why We Love This Cake
We love this lemon blueberry layer cake because it's light, fresh, and bursting with flavor. The combination of the tart lemon and sweet blueberries is simply irresistible. Plus, it's easy to make, so we can enjoy a delicious homemade dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether for a special occasion or just because, this cake is the perfect way to treat ourselves and our loved ones to something truly delightful.
Conclusion
This Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake is a must-try dessert that's as delicious as it is beautiful. With its bright, citrusy flavor and bursts of sweet blueberries, it's the perfect treat for any celebration. The moist cake paired with the creamy frosting creates a dessert that's truly irresistible. So, the next time we're looking for a show-stopping dessert, this cake is the way to go!
