Description
Lemon blueberry cake is the ultimate citrus dessert—moist, fluffy, and bursting with blueberries. Learn how to make it with easy steps, pro tips, and the best frosting options.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries (if using frozen, do not thaw)
1 tablespoon flour (for tossing the blueberries)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pans and Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy release.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
2 ½ cups flour
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of softened butter and 1 ¾ cups sugar until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).
Add lemon zest, then beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
Step 4: Add Flavorings
Mix in ¼ cup lemon juice and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (plus almond extract if using). The mixture may look slightly curdled—this is normal.
Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk
On low speed, add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with 1 cup of buttermilk (starting and ending with dry). Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
Step 6: Fold in Blueberries
Toss the blueberries with 1 tablespoon of flour to prevent sinking.
Gently fold them into the batter with a spatula.
Step 7: Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Make the Frosting
While the cake cools, prepare your chosen frosting (cream cheese or lemon buttercream).
Beat all frosting ingredients together until smooth and fluffy.
Step 9: Assemble and Frost
Once cakes are completely cool, level the tops if needed.
Place one layer on a serving plate, spread a generous amount of frosting, then top with the second layer.
Frost the top and sides. Garnish with fresh blueberries, lemon slices, or extra zest if desired.
Notes
Notes:
Blueberries: If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them before adding them to the batter. This helps prevent the color from bleeding and keeps the texture intact. Tossing the blueberries in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter also helps keep them evenly distributed throughout the cake.
Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle and thicken.
Cake Storage: The cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container. If you need to store it for a longer period, refrigerate it for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months (without frosting). Let frozen cake layers thaw in the fridge overnight and frost the next day.
Frosting Tips: If you prefer a lighter frosting, you can opt for whipped cream instead of cream cheese frosting. For an extra lemony kick, add more lemon zest to the frosting or a bit of lemon extract.
Make-Ahead Tip: The cake layers can be baked in advance and stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Frost the cake just before serving to prevent it from getting soggy.
- Prep Time: PT20M
- Cook Time: PT35M
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 350-400 kcal
- Sugar: 35-40 g
- Sodium: 150-200 mg
- Saturated Fat: 8-10 g
- Fiber: 1-2 g
- Protein: 4-5 g
- Cholesterol: 55-70 mg
Keywords: Lemon Blueberry Cake,Blueberry Cake,Lemon Blueberry Cake Recipe