Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake

This Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake is a delightful treat that combines soft, moist cake with the bright flavors of lemon and fresh blueberries. Perfect for spring celebrations or summer gatherings, this cake stands out with its beautiful layers and rich cream cheese frosting. Whether it’s a birthday or just a sweet indulgence, this dessert will impress everyone at the table.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

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 Fruits
• Add Ice Cream or Sorbet
• Drizzle with Sauce
• 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 lemon extract instead of lemon juice?
• How do I prevent my blueberries from sinking?
• Can I make this cake ahead of time?
• What’s the best way to frost my Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake?
• How should I garnish my Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of zesty lemon and juicy blueberries creates a refreshing taste that is hard to resist.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a casual family gathering, this cake fits right in.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, anyone can create this stunning cake.
• Beautiful Presentation: The layered design topped with cream cheese frosting makes for an eye-catching dessert.
• Customizable: You can easily modify the frosting or add extra toppings like fresh berries for a personal touch.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Three 8-inch round cake pans
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Essential for achieving light and fluffy cake batter seamlessly.
• Mixing bowls: Convenient for keeping wet and dry ingredients separate until they’re ready to combine.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for folding in delicate ingredients like blueberries without crushing 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, room temperature (about 3–4 lemons)
• 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

How to Make Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake

Step 1: Prep the Pans

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

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

1. In a large bowl with a mixer, beat the softened butter on high until creamy, about 1 minute.
2. Add both sugars and beat on medium-high speed for 2 minutes until combined.
3. Beat in the oil for another 3 minutes until light and creamy.
4. Add eggs and vanilla; beat on medium until fully incorporated, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides as needed.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 4: Combine

Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Beat on low just until combined. Then add buttermilk, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix just until incorporated—do not overmix.

Step 5: Add Blueberries

Toss blueberries with 1 tablespoon of flour to prevent sinking, then gently fold into the thick batter.

Step 6: Bake

Divide batter evenly among prepared cake pans. Bake for 22–26 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely in the pans before assembling.

Step 7: Make the Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter together on medium speed for 3 minutes until smooth. Add confectioners’ sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, and salt. Start on low speed then beat on high for another 3 minutes until fluffy.

Step 8: Assemble the Cake

Slice off any domed tops of cakes if necessary to level them. Place one layer on your cake stand or plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top. Repeat with remaining layers. Frost top and sides with remaining frosting. Garnish with extra blueberries or lemon slices if desired.

Chill the cake for at least 45 minutes before slicing to help it hold its shape.

Enjoy your delicious Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake!

How to Serve Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake

Serving your Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake can elevate the experience and make it even more delightful. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this vibrant dessert.

Pair with Fresh Fruits

• Mixed Berries: A medley of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries complements the cake’s flavors beautifully.
• Lemon Slices: Thin lemon slices add a zesty touch that enhances the cake’s citrus notes.

Add Ice Cream or Sorbet

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the tangy cake.
• Lemon Sorbet: For a refreshing twist, serve with lemon sorbet to amplify the citrus flavor.

Drizzle with Sauce

• Berry Compote: A warm berry compote can be drizzled over each slice for added sweetness.
• Lemon Glaze: A light lemon glaze gives an extra zing and a beautiful shine to the cake.

Garnish Creatively

• Mint Leaves: Fresh mint leaves provide a pop of color and freshness.
• Edible Flowers: Using edible flowers as garnish adds a stunning visual appeal.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!

How to Perfect Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake

Perfecting your Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake can take it from delicious to extraordinary. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out just right.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps create a smoother batter and ensures even baking.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mixing just until combined prevents a dense texture.
• Toss Blueberries in Flour: Coating blueberries in flour before adding them helps prevent sinking during baking.
• Cool Cakes Completely: Allow cakes to cool fully in the pans to avoid crumbling when assembling.
• Chill Before Serving: Chilling the assembled cake helps it hold its shape and makes slicing easier.
• Double the Frosting for Decoration: If you want to pipe decorations, consider making extra frosting for a more decorative finish.

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A simple mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness alongside the rich cake.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layers of yogurt, granola, and fresh berries create a healthy complement that balances sweetness.
3. Pineapple Upside Down Cake: Another fruity dessert option that contrasts nicely with lemon flavors.
4. Scones with Clotted Cream: Delightful scones offer a rich texture that works well with the blueberry layers.
5. Cheese Platter: A selection of soft cheeses pairs wonderfully with the sweet and tart notes of the cake.
6. Lemonade or Iced Tea: Refreshing beverages like lemonade or iced tea enhance the citrusy flavors of the dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake can be delightful, but certain missteps can lead to disappointing results. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Ignoring Room Temperature Ingredients: Using cold eggs or buttermilk can prevent your batter from mixing well. Always let these ingredients come to room temperature before starting.
• Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a light and fluffy texture.
• Not Prepping Your Pans Properly: Skipping greasing or parchment paper can cause sticking. Ensure your pans are well-prepared for easy release.
• Using Frozen Blueberries: Frozen blueberries may sink in the batter. Use fresh blueberries for even distribution and vibrant flavor.
• Skipping the Cooling Time: Cutting the cake too soon can lead to crumbling. Allow it to cool completely before assembling and slicing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator without losing its moistness.

Freezing Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake

• Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap before freezing.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Place slices on a baking sheet and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for 15-20 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet on low heat, cover, and warm slices for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making and enjoying your Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake.

Can I use lemon extract instead of lemon juice?

You can substitute lemon extract for lemon juice, but use it sparingly as it’s more concentrated. Start with 1 teaspoon and adjust according to taste.

How do I prevent my blueberries from sinking?

Tossing blueberries with flour before folding them into the batter helps keep them suspended during baking, preventing them from sinking.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the layers in advance, cool them completely, and freeze them until you’re ready to frost and serve.

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

Use an offset spatula for smooth frosting application. Start by frosting between layers, then spread over the top and sides evenly.

How should I garnish my Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake?

Consider garnishing with fresh blueberries, lemon zest, or thin lemon slices on top for a beautiful presentation.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake is not only stunning but also deliciously refreshing. Perfect for any occasion, you can customize it with different berries or even add a hint of lavender. Give this recipe a try; your family and friends will love it!