Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake -

Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake A Perfect Spring Treat

This lemon blueberry layer cake is everything you need to brighten up your dessert table! It’s bursting with fresh, juicy blueberries and packed with a tangy, zesty lemon flavor. The cake has a tender, moist crumb and is finished off with a rich, creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for spring or summer celebrations, it’s a sweet treat that’s as refreshing as it is delicious.

I originally shared this recipe back in 2014, but after some helpful feedback from readers, I decided to make a few updates. The result is an even softer and lighter cake, while still keeping all the delicious lemony flavor.

Why This Cake Is a Must-Make

This cake has quickly become one of my favorite springtime recipes (and a hit at Easter gatherings!). Here’s why:

Bright Lemon Flavor: The cake is full of fresh lemon zest and juice for a citrus kick that balances perfectly with the sweetness of the blueberries.
Blueberries in Every Bite: Fresh blueberries are folded right into the batter, making sure you get a burst of blueberry goodness in every forkful.
Tender Texture: The cake is moist, light, and springy with a texture that’s just the right balance—no heaviness here!
Cream Cheese Frosting: The rich, slightly tangy frosting perfectly complements the cake, giving it a creamy and luxurious finish.

What’s New in the Updated Recipe

After hearing feedback about the cake being a bit too dense, I revisited the recipe and made a few key changes to lighten up the texture while maintaining that amazing flavor:

Butter + Oil Combo: I reduced the butter and replaced half of it with oil. This helped keep the cake moist without weighing it down.
Baking Soda: Instead of using all baking powder, I swapped in some baking soda, which helped with both the rise and the flavor of the cake.
Slightly Reduced Buttermilk: I decreased the amount of buttermilk to make the cake more balanced. It’s still super moist, just without feeling too wet or heavy.

These small adjustments made a big difference, resulting in a lighter, fluffier texture that still holds all the lemon-blueberry goodness we love.

Key Ingredients in Lemon Blueberry Cake

Each ingredient in this cake plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures:

Granulated & Brown Sugar: The mix of both sugars adds sweetness and moisture. Brown sugar brings a touch of depth to the flavor, while granulated sugar keeps the cake light.
Eggs: Four eggs provide structure and help the cake rise beautifully.
Buttermilk: Buttermilk helps make the cake incredibly moist and soft.
Fresh Lemons: Use both the zest and the juice of fresh lemons for that perfect lemony zing.
All-Purpose Flour: The best flour for this cake! Don’t use cake flour, as it’s too light and delicate for this recipe.
Fresh Blueberries: Fresh berries are key to ensuring your cake doesn’t turn soggy. They stay suspended in the thick batter instead of sinking to the bottom.

How to Make This Lemon Blueberry Cake

Prep the Pans: Line your 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper rounds. Lightly grease the pans and parchment for an ultra-nonstick surface.
Mix the Batter: Whisk together the dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately, then combine them. The batter will be thick and a beautiful pastel pink from the blueberries.
Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared cake pans and bake until golden brown. Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting.
Trim the Tops: After the cakes cool, trim off the tops with a serrated knife to make sure they’re level and even. This helps the layers stack better and makes the cake more stable.

Cream Cheese Frosting

This cream cheese frosting is the ideal complement to the tangy lemon cake. It’s rich, creamy, and just the right balance of sweet and tangy. Plus, it spreads on beautifully without being too thick or too thin.

Cream Cheese: The base of the frosting adds that signature tangy flavor and creamy texture.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting without making it too heavy.
Heavy Cream: Gives the frosting a silky, smooth consistency.
Lemon Zest: Adds an extra boost of lemon flavor right into the frosting.

Assembling the Cake

Once the cake layers are cooled, spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting between the layers and all over the top and sides. You can decorate the cake with fresh blueberries, extra lemon zest, or even some edible flowers for a special touch.

Tips for Success

Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake. Mix until everything is just combined for the fluffiest result.
Toss the Blueberries in Flour: Coating the blueberries in a little flour before adding them to the batter helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom.
Use Fresh Lemons: Fresh lemon zest and juice are crucial for getting that bright, fresh lemon flavor. No substitutes here!

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
A: I recommend using fresh blueberries for the best texture. Frozen blueberries can release moisture and make the cake soggy. If you must use frozen, be sure to toss them in flour before adding them to the batter.

Q: Can I use a different frosting?
A: While cream cheese frosting is ideal for this cake, you can use a lemon buttercream or vanilla frosting if you prefer something sweeter.

Q: How do I store this cake?
A: Store the cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

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

Q: How many lemons do I need for this cake?
A: For the cake, you’ll need about ½ cup of lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of zest. This usually comes from 3-4 medium to large lemons.

This lemon blueberry layer cake is a delightful dessert that combines fresh, fruity flavors with a creamy finish. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the best of spring and summer with a cake that’s as refreshing as it is delicious!

Conclusion: The Perfect Spring Dessert

This lemon blueberry layer cake is a stunning dessert for any spring or summer occasion. With its tender, flavorful cake and creamy frosting, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, Easter, or simply enjoying a warm sunny day, this cake is the perfect way to indulge in fresh, fruity flavors.