Zesty Lemon Blueberry Cake
Bright, fresh, and bursting with flavor, this Zesty Lemon Blueberry Cake is the perfect dessert for spring and summer gatherings. Soft lemon cake layers filled with juicy blueberries and topped with creamy lemon frosting create a refreshing treat everyone will love.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- Zest of 2 lemons
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1½ cups fresh blueberries
- 1 tbsp flour (for coating blueberries)
For the Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4–5 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven
Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).
Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
3. Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Mix in:
- Vanilla extract
- Lemon zest
- Lemon juice
4. Combine the Batter
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk.
Mix until just combined.
Toss the blueberries with 1 tbsp flour, then gently fold them into the batter.
5. Bake
Divide the batter evenly between the cake pans.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow cakes to cool for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
6. Make the Frosting
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add powdered sugar until fluffy.
Mix in:
- Vanilla extract
- Lemon zest
- Lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
7. Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes are fully cooled, spread frosting between the layers and over the top.
Decorate with:
- Fresh blueberries
- Lemon slices
- Extra lemon zest
Tips for Best Results
- Use room-temperature ingredients for a smoother batter
- Coat blueberries in flour to prevent sinking
- Do not overmix the batter
- Chill the cake slightly before slicing for clean layers
Variations
- Add poppy seeds for extra texture
- Swap blueberries with raspberries or strawberries
- Use whipped cream frosting for a lighter version
Storage
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Blueberry Cake is soft, refreshing, and packed with bright citrus flavor in every bite. The sweet blueberries and creamy lemon frosting make it a beautiful dessert for birthdays, tea parties, or weekend baking.
