Lemon Blueberry Cake Recipe

Tangy Lemon Blueberry Cake Recipe: A Sweet Summer Treat

Sweet summer memories dance on taste buds with this delightful lemon blueberry cake that bursts with bright, tangy flavors.

Ripe blueberries nestle perfectly within a tender, moist crumb, creating a dessert that sings of sunshine and joy.

Each slice promises a delectable balance between zesty lemon and sweet, plump berries.

The cake’s soft texture melts in your mouth, delivering pure comfort with every bite.

Fresh ingredients transform this classic recipe into a stunning centerpiece for any gathering.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this crowd-pleasing treat that promises to delight and impress.

Prepare to fall in love with a dessert that captures the essence of summer in a single, unforgettable slice.

What Makes Lemon Blueberry Cake So Irresistible

  • Burst with Flavor: Experience a delightful combination of tangy lemon and sweet blueberries that dance together in every single bite of this extraordinary cake.
  • Foolproof Baking Adventure: Designed for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe offers clear, step-by-step instructions that guarantee a successful and impressive dessert every single time.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Showstopper: Perfect for special gatherings, potlucks, or family celebrations, this stunning three-layer cake will instantly become the centerpiece that everyone talks about and craves.
  • Versatile Seasonal Treat: Adaptable to different occasions, this cake shines during summer picnics, birthday parties, or as a delightful weekend baking project that brings joy to your kitchen.

Must-Have Ingredients for Lemon Blueberry Cake

Cake Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A soft, fine powder that gives structure to the cake.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweet crystals that add delightful sweetness.
  • Cornstarch: A light powder that helps create a tender crumb.
  • Baking Powder: A magical rising agent for fluffy cakes.
  • Baking Soda: Another helper that ensures perfect cake texture.
  • Salt: A small touch that balances all the flavors.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Buttermilk, Eggs: Creamy ingredients that make the cake moist and rich.
  • Vanilla Extract: A warm, fragrant flavor enhancer.
Fat Ingredients:
  • Unsalted Butter, Vegetable Oil: Smooth ingredients that keep the cake tender and soft.
Flavor Ingredients:
  • Fresh Blueberries: Juicy blue gems that add bursts of fruity goodness.
  • Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Bright, zesty citrus that brings a refreshing tang.

Instructions for a Perfect Citrus Berry Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Get your oven ready at 350°F.

Coat three 8-inch round cake pans with grease and flour.

Line the bottom of each pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • Flour
  • Sugar
  • Cornstarch
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Step 3: Incorporate Butter Magic

Using an electric mixer on low speed, add softened butter piece by piece.

Mix until the mixture looks like coarse sand.

Step 4: Drizzle in Liquid Gold

Slowly pour oil into the butter mixture while mixing on low speed.

Blend until just combined.

Step 5: Craft Wet Ingredient Symphony

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • Buttermilk
  • Lemon zest
  • Lemon juice
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract

Ensure the mixture is smooth and well blended.

Step 6: Merge Flavor Worlds

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture.

Mix on low speed until the batter becomes silky and uniform.

Step 7: Sprinkle Blueberry Goodness

Gently fold fresh blueberries into the batter using a spatula.

Distribute them evenly throughout.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Divide the batter equally among the prepared pans.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes.

The cake is ready when the top springs back and a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 9: Cool Down Gracefully

Let the cakes rest in their pans for 10-15 minutes.

Run a knife around the edges, then flip onto a cooling rack.

Allow to cool completely.

Step 10: Dress and Serve

Once cooled, stack the layers and frost with a tangy lemon frosting.

Slice, serve, and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight!

Tips for Fluffy Lemon Blueberry Perfection

  • Toss fresh blueberries in a light dusting of flour before folding into the batter to prevent them from sinking during baking.
  • Zest lemons right before adding to the mixture to maximize the bright, citrusy aroma and ensure maximum flavor intensity.
  • Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and buttermilk to create a smoother, more even cake texture and prevent potential curdling.
  • Use the gentle press test by lightly touching the cake's center – it should spring back immediately and not leave an indentation when fully baked.
  • Wrap the unfrosted cake layers in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage, maintaining maximum moisture and freshness.

How to Keep Your Blueberry Cake Fresh

  • Store leftover cake in an airtight container or cake carrier, covering the exposed cake surfaces with plastic wrap to prevent drying out. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • For short-term storage, leave cake at room temperature for up to 2 days if covered with a cake dome or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.
  • Wrap individual cake layers or entire cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or let cake sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to restore moisture and softness.

Delicious Pairings for Lemon Blueberry Cake

  • Pair with Lavender Lemonade: Create a refreshing, floral-infused beverage that complements the cake's bright lemon and blueberry flavors, enhancing the dessert's zesty profile.
  • Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Scoop a cold, creamy vanilla accompaniment that provides a smooth contrast to the cake's texture and highlights its sweet-tart notes.
  • Match with Fresh Whipped Cream: Dollop light, airy whipped cream on the side to cut through the cake's richness and add a delicate, soft element to each bite.
  • Enjoy with Chamomile Tea: Brew a gentle, soothing tea that balances the cake's vibrant flavors and offers a subtle, calming counterpoint to the dessert's brightness.

Different Ways to Enjoy This Berry-Lemon Combo

  • Gluten-Free Lemon Blueberry Cake: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Add xanthan gum for better texture and binding.
  • Vegan Citrus Berry Cake: Substitute eggs with flax eggs or applesauce, use plant-based milk instead of buttermilk, and swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Choose dairy-free frosting options.
  • Low-Sugar Lemon Blueberry Cake: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of sugar, reduce overall sweetness, and incorporate almond flour for added nutrition. Select a sugar-free frosting alternative.
  • Keto-Friendly Berry Lemon Cake: Replace regular flour with almond or coconut flour, use erythritol as a sugar substitute, and incorporate cream cheese for added richness. Choose a keto-friendly frosting made with sugar-free ingredients.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just toss them in a bit of flour before adding to the batter to prevent sinking and bleeding.

  • How do I know if I've mixed the batter correctly?

The batter should look smooth and have a consistent pale yellow color with no lumps. When you fold in blueberries, they should be evenly distributed without breaking.

  • What if I don't have buttermilk?

You can easily make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

  • How can I prevent my blueberries from sinking to the bottom of the cake?

Coating blueberries lightly in flour before folding into the batter helps them stay suspended throughout the cake during baking.

Print
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Lemon Blueberry Cake Recipe

Lemon Blueberry Cake Recipe


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4.6 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent lemon blueberry cake whispers summer’s sweetest secrets with bright citrus and plump berries dancing through each tender slice. Refreshing zest and juicy fruit create a delightful harmony you’ll savor down to the last delectable crumb.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups (300 g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 1/2 cups (340 g) blueberries
  • 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) canola, vegetable, or avocado oil
  • 3/4 cup (180 ml) buttermilk

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 2 tablespoons lemon zest
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Stabilizers:

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon table salt

Frosting:

  • 1 batch of lemon frosting or preferred frosting

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly grease three 8-inch round cake pans and line bottoms with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring rack is positioned in center.
  2. Whisk flour, sugar, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a spacious mixing bowl until uniformly combined.
  3. Using an electric mixer, incorporate softened butter pieces gradually, blending until mixture transforms into a coarse, sandy consistency.
  4. Slowly stream oil into the butter-flour mixture, mixing on low speed until ingredients are just integrated.
  5. In a separate container, vigorously whisk buttermilk, lemon zest, lemon juice, eggs, and vanilla extract until the liquid becomes smooth and homogeneous.
  6. Gradually introduce the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, mixing at low speed until a silky, cohesive batter forms without overmixing.
  7. Delicately fold fresh blueberries throughout the batter, ensuring even distribution without crushing the berries.
  8. Portion the batter equally among prepared cake pans, spreading gently to create level surfaces.
  9. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, monitoring for a golden surface that springs back when lightly touched and a toothpick emerges with minimal moist crumbs.
  10. Remove from oven and let cakes rest in pans for 10-15 minutes to facilitate easy removal.
  11. Carefully invert cakes onto a wire cooling rack, allowing them to reach room temperature completely.
  12. Apply lemon frosting between layers and on exterior, creating a smooth, even coating. Garnish as desired and serve.

Notes

  • Gently fold blueberries to prevent color bleeding and maintain their delicate texture throughout the cake batter.
  • Use room temperature ingredients like eggs, buttermilk, and butter to ensure smooth and even cake mixing.
  • Check cake doneness by watching for golden edges and a springy center, avoiding overbaking which can dry out the cake.
  • Freeze fresh blueberries briefly before adding to prevent sinking and distribute more evenly in the cake batter.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

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