Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake: A Refreshing Spring Delight

If you’re craving a cake that bursts with fresh, sunny flavors, this lemon blueberry layer cake is a must-try! It’s packed with juicy blueberries in every bite and has a light, tender crumb that’s perfectly balanced with a zesty lemon flavor. Topped with rich cream cheese frosting, this cake is a luscious dessert that’s perfect for spring and summer.

I originally published this recipe back in 2014, but after receiving mixed feedback, I decided to make a few tweaks to perfect it. After some recipe testing, we managed to create a lighter, softer cake while keeping all that amazing flavor you expect from a lemon-blueberry dessert.

What Makes This Cake So Special?

This cake is everything I love about springtime: bright lemon flavor, plump blueberries, and the perfect balance of moistness and fluffiness. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

• Zesty Lemon Flavor: The perfect amount of fresh lemon juice and zest makes each bite pop with citrusy brightness.
• Bursting with Blueberries: Juicy blueberries in every bite, and they don’t sink to the bottom!
• Cream Cheese Frosting: The tangy frosting is the perfect finish to the light and moist cake.
• Updated for Lighter Texture: After revising the recipe, I achieved a softer, lighter crumb while keeping all of the delicious, fresh flavors intact.

What’s New in the Updated Recipe?

The original recipe had a denser texture that many people loved, but some found it too heavy. After some tinkering, I made three simple but effective updates that transformed the texture:

1. Butter and Oil Combo: I reduced the amount of butter and replaced half of it with oil. This helped lighten the batter without sacrificing flavor or moisture.
2. Baking Soda: Instead of using all baking powder, I swapped in a bit of baking soda. This gives the cake better rise and enhances the flavor without any chemical aftertaste.
3. Reduced Buttermilk: I scaled down the buttermilk slightly to balance the moisture, resulting in a less heavy cake that’s still incredibly moist.

These three tweaks made a huge difference, giving the cake a fluffier, lighter texture while maintaining that bright, delicious lemon flavor.

Key Ingredients in This Cake

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect lemon blueberry cake:

• Granulated & Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and depth of flavor, while granulated sugar sweetens the cake without weighing it down.
• Eggs: Four eggs provide structure and richness to the cake.
• Buttermilk: Buttermilk keeps the cake moist and tender. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute with whole milk.
• Fresh Lemons: You’ll need both lemon zest and lemon juice to achieve that perfect citrusy flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: This is the best flour for the job. Avoid cake flour, as it’s too light to hold up to the heavy wet ingredients.
• Fresh Blueberries: Use fresh blueberries for the best results. Avoid frozen, as they can make the cake soggy. Toss the blueberries in a little flour before adding them to the batter to keep them from sinking.

How to Prepare the Cake

Here’s how you can make this light, fluffy lemon blueberry cake:

1. Prepare the Cake Pans: Line your cake pans with parchment paper rounds to ensure your cake doesn’t stick. Grease both the pan and the parchment to create an ultra-nonstick environment.
2. Make the Batter: Combine your dry and wet ingredients separately, then mix them together. The batter will be thick and pastel pink in color from the blueberries and lemon zest.
3. Bake the Layers: Pour the batter into two 8-inch round cake pans. Bake and let the cakes cool completely before frosting.
4. Trim the Tops: After cooling, level the tops of the cakes to ensure they’re even and stable for layering.

Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

The cream cheese frosting is the perfect complement to the tangy, citrusy cake. It’s light, creamy, and has just the right amount of tang to balance the sweetness of the cake.

• Cream Cheese: The base of this frosting adds creaminess and that signature tang.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting without making it too heavy.
• Heavy Cream: Adds a smooth texture to the frosting.
• Lemon Zest: For extra lemon flavor and a pop of color in the frosting.

Assembling the Cake

Once the cakes are cooled and trimmed, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting between the layers and around the entire cake. Decorate with fresh blueberries, lemon zest, and perhaps even a few lemon slices for an extra pop of color.

If you want to get extra creative, you can add coconut, florals, or any other decorations that fit your theme!

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can cause the cake to become dense. Mix until everything is just combined.
• Use Fresh Lemons: Fresh lemon zest and juice are crucial for the flavor, so don’t skimp on these ingredients.
• Add Blueberries Carefully: Toss the blueberries in a little flour to help them stay suspended in the batter.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
A: Fresh blueberries are preferred for this cake because frozen blueberries can release too much moisture and weigh the cake down. If you only have frozen blueberries, make sure to toss them in flour before adding them to the batter.

Q: Can I use a different type of frosting?
A: While cream cheese frosting pairs perfectly with this cake, you could substitute with a simple vanilla buttercream if you prefer something sweeter.

Q: How do I store this cake?
A: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Q: Can I make this cake into cupcakes?
A: Yes! You can use this batter to make lemon blueberry cupcakes. Just bake them for about 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Q: How much lemon juice do I need?
A: You’ll need about ½ cup of fresh lemon juice for the cake, which typically comes from about 3-4 medium to large lemons.

This cake is bound to become a springtime favorite, and with its perfect balance of tangy lemon and juicy blueberries, it’s a dessert that will bring sunshine to any occasion!

Conclusion: A Cake That’s Full of Sunshine

This lemon blueberry layer cake is everything you want in a spring or summer dessert. It’s light, moist, and packed with bright, fresh flavors. The creamy, tangy frosting is the perfect finishing touch, making this cake an absolute standout. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this cake is sure to impress.