Lemon Blueberry Cake Recipe

The Cheerful Lemon Blueberry Cake Recipe: Bright & Irresistible

Lemon blueberry cake bursts with vibrant, tangy-sweet flavors that dance across your palate.

Fragrant citrus notes intermingle with plump, juicy berries in this delightful dessert.

Summer’s most refreshing combination reimagines ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Soft, moist textures promise a delectable treat that feels both comforting and exciting.

Elegant yet approachable, this cake brings sophistication to any gathering or quiet afternoon indulgence.

Rich undertones complement bright, zesty accents that awaken your taste buds.

Baking enthusiasts and casual home cooks alike will adore this simple yet impressive recipe.

Lemon Blueberry Cake with Zing and Sweetness

  • Burst of Freshness: Zesty lemon and sweet blueberries create a vibrant flavor combination that dances on your taste buds, delivering a refreshing and bright dessert experience.
  • Creamy Dream Texture: The whipped cream cheese frosting offers a luxuriously smooth and light consistency that perfectly complements the soft cake layers, making each bite melt-in-your-mouth delightful.
  • Effortless Elegance: This recipe requires minimal baking skills, with simple mixing techniques that even novice bakers can master, transforming basic ingredients into a stunning dessert that looks professionally prepared.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: The cake's ability to set and improve in flavor after chilling makes it an ideal make-ahead dessert for stress-free entertaining, allowing you to prepare it in advance and enjoy more time with guests.

Ingredients for Lemon Blueberry Cake Magic

Cake Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A classic flour providing structure and tender crumb for the cake's foundation.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a golden, soft texture.
  • Baking Powder: Essential leavening agent for a light and fluffy cake rise.
  • Salt: Balances and enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide richness and structure.
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds moisture and creates a rich, smooth cake texture.
  • Milk: Provides liquid and helps create a smooth cake batter.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet background flavor to complement other ingredients.
Fruit and Flavor Components:
  • Fresh Blueberries: Juicy burst of fruit that adds natural sweetness and color.
  • Lemon Zest: Bright, citrusy flavor that complements the blueberries and adds complexity.
Frosting Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Creamy base that provides tangy richness to the frosting.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps create smooth, spreadable frosting consistency.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds lightness and helps create a fluffy, whipped texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor of the frosting.

Step-by-Step Guide to Lemon Blueberry Cake

Step 1: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting

In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to beat cream cheese until it becomes smooth and creamy.

Add powdered sugar and continue beating until fully combined.

Gently fold in cream, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.

Start mixing on low speed to incorporate ingredients, then increase to high speed.

Beat until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and has a spreadable consistency.

Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.

Step 2: Assemble Cake Layers

Carefully divide the prepared cream cheese frosting between cake layers.

Spread the frosting evenly across each layer.

For best results, refrigerate the cake for a few hours before slicing.

This helps the frosting set and makes cutting cleaner and easier.

Step 3: Garnish and Serve

Optional: Decorate the top of the cake with additional elements like:
  • Fresh blueberries
  • Lemon zest
  • Mint leaves
  • Powdered sugar dusting
Pro Tips:
  • Keep frosting chilled for easier spreading
  • Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother mixing
  • Chill cake before serving for firmer texture and cleaner slices

Serving Suggestion:

Slice and serve chilled. This Lemon Blueberry Cake is perfect for summer gatherings or as a delightful dessert after a special meal.

Helpful Hints for Perfect Blueberry Bakes

  • Soften Cream Cheese Right: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free frosting.
  • Control Mixer Speed: Start beating on low speed to incorporate ingredients, then gradually increase to high for maximum fluffiness and volume.
  • Customize Sweetness: Taste frosting during mixing and add more powdered sugar incrementally if you prefer a sweeter result.
  • Chill for Perfect Spreading: Refrigerate frosting for 10-15 minutes if it seems too soft, which helps create cleaner, more defined cake layers.
  • Slice Strategically: Refrigerate cake for 2-3 hours before serving to allow frosting to set and make cutting clean, precise slices easier.

Lemon Blueberry Cake Storage Tips

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover cake in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and preserve its moisture.
  • Freeze: Carefully place cake slices in freezer-safe containers or wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Frozen cake can maintain quality for 2-3 months when sealed properly.
  • Thaw: Remove frozen cake from the freezer and let it defrost in the refrigerator overnight. Bring cake to room temperature before serving to restore its soft texture and enhance flavor profile. Avoid microwaving to prevent potential texture changes or soggy edges.

Best Sips and Bites to Match This Cake

  • Brew Complementary Brightness: Pair this zesty lemon blueberry cake with a crisp, light chamomile tea that echoes the cake's delicate citrus notes and enhances its subtle sweetness.
  • Create Refreshing Contrast: Serve alongside a chilled glass of prosecco or sparkling rosé, which will cut through the cake's creamy texture and highlight its fruity blueberry undertones.
  • Match Creamy Harmony: Enjoy with a scoop of vanilla bean gelato, allowing the smooth, rich ice cream to complement the cake's tangy cream cheese frosting and provide a cool, velvety counterpoint.
  • Balance Flavor Intensity: Select a mild, slightly nutty white wine like Pinot Grigio, which will not overpower the cake's delicate lemon and blueberry flavors but instead create a gentle, sophisticated pairing.

Unique Spins on Lemon Blueberry Cake

  • Lavender Lemon Bliss: Infuse the cream cheese frosting with dried lavender buds for a floral, aromatic touch that complements the bright lemon flavor.
  • Berry Medley Magic: Swap blueberries for a mix of raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries to create a vibrant, multicolored cake with a complex berry profile.
  • Citrus Sunshine Spin: Replace lemon zest with orange or lime zest, adding a different citrusy note that transforms the cake's overall flavor while maintaining its creamy texture.
  • Nutty Crunch Companion: Fold chopped toasted almonds or pistachios into the frosting and sprinkle on top for an added layer of crunch and nutty depth.
Print
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Lemon Blueberry Cake Recipe

Lemon Blueberry Cake Recipe


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4.5 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Zesty lemon blueberry cake brings Mediterranean sunshine to classic dessert lovers. Juicy blueberries dance through tender crumb, creating delightful layers of tangy sweetness you’ll savor with pure pleasure.


Ingredients

Scale

Creamy Ingredients:

  • 1 package (250 grams/8 ounces) cream cheese, room temperature
  • ¾ cup (180 milliliters) heavy whipping cream (30-35%), cold

Sweetening Ingredients:

  • 1¾ cups (220 grams) powdered sugar

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 lemon (use ½ for a milder flavor)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cream cheese frosting by placing softened cream cheese in a medium mixing bowl and using an electric mixer to whip until completely smooth and free of lumps.
  2. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar into the cream cheese, mixing thoroughly to ensure a uniform consistency without any sugar granules.
  3. Gently fold in heavy cream, freshly grated lemon zest, and pure vanilla extract, initially mixing on low speed to prevent splattering.
  4. Increase mixer speed to high and continue beating until the frosting becomes light, airy, and develops a fluffy texture that holds its shape when spread.
  5. Taste the frosting and adjust sweetness by adding more powdered sugar if desired, ensuring a balanced flavor profile.
  6. Carefully spread the whipped cream cheese frosting between each cake layer, creating an even and luxurious filling.
  7. Decorate the exterior of the cake with remaining frosting, using smooth or textured techniques as preferred.
  8. Refrigerate the assembled cake for several hours to allow the frosting to set and enhance the cake’s structural integrity, which will make slicing cleaner and more precise.

Notes

  • Chill the cake for a few hours before serving to enhance flavor and make slicing easier.
  • Beat cream cheese thoroughly to ensure a smooth, lump-free frosting base.
  • Adjust sweetness by gradually adding powdered sugar and tasting as you go.
  • Use high-speed mixing to create a light, fluffy texture that’s perfect for spreading.
  • Refrigerate frosting briefly if it’s too soft, helping it set to the ideal spreadable consistency.
  • Fresh lemon zest adds a bright, citrusy note that complements the blueberry perfectly.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 90 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 0.2 g
  • Protein: 2.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg
Liam O'Brien

Liam O’Brien

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Traditional Irish Dishes
  • Farm-to-Table Cooking
  • Recipe Creation
  • Teaching Cooking Skills
  • Sustainable Food Practices

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (now Technological University Dublin)

  • Program: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in cooking techniques, kitchen management, and exploring both Irish and international cuisines.

Ballymaloe Cookery School, County Cork, Ireland

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Farm-to-table cooking, emphasizing the use of fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

Liam O’Brien is the co-founder and kitchen soul behind Good Tasting Meals, a chef who believes that cooking shouldn’t feel stressful or complicated.

He earned his culinary stripes at Technological University Dublin and polished his farm-to-table skills at Ballymaloe Cookery School. With over 15 years flipping pans and stirring up stories, Liam has worked in family cafés, bustling bistros, and everything in between.

At Good Tasting Meals, Liam brings you recipes that feel like home: cozy, simple, and full of flavor.

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