As the days grow warmer and the flowers begin to bloom, I find myself daydreaming of sweet springtime desserts that awaken the senses. The moment the vibrant blueberries hit the mixing bowl, their rich, juicy essence fills the air, promising a delightful treat. One afternoon, while experimenting with a creamy lemon frosting, I had a revelation—what if I combined the tartness of lemon with the sweetness of blueberries in a cake? The result was nothing short of magical.
This Moist Blueberry Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect centerpiece for any gathering, whether it’s a sunny picnic or a backyard barbecue. With each slice, you’ll enjoy a symphony of flavors—a moist cake bursting with juicy blueberries, layered generously with a tangy lemon-infused frosting that adds a refreshing twist. It’s a dessert that not only pleases the palate but also invites joy and celebration into every bite. So roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s sure to brighten any occasion!
Why Will You Love Blueberry Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting?
Deliciously Fresh: This cake combines the vibrant flavors of summer, making it an instant crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Moist Texture: Each bite is filled with juicy blueberries, ensuring a moist and fluffy cake experience you won’t forget.
Tangy Contrast: The creamy lemon frosting beautifully balances the sweetness, adding a zing that elevates every slice.
Simple to Craft: With straightforward steps and accessible ingredients, even novice bakers will shine in the kitchen.
Versatile & Fun: Perfect for picnics, birthdays, or brunches, this cake transitions effortlessly across occasions.
Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delightful dessert that captures the essence of spring and summer!
Blueberry Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients
For the Cake
- Unsalted Butter – 1 ½ sticks (170g); make sure it’s softened for easy creaming.
- White Sugar – 2 cups (400g); provides sweetness and can be swapped with coconut sugar for a unique flavor.
- Eggs – 3 large; at room temperature, they help bind the ingredients perfectly.
- Cake Flour – 3 cups (342g); creates a tender crumb, or use all-purpose flour with slight adjustments.
- Baking Powder – 2 teaspoons (8g); acts as a leavening agent for that perfect rise.
- Baking Soda – ½ teaspoon (3g); it enhances the cake’s fluffiness by reacting with acids.
- Salt – ½ teaspoon (3g); brings out the sweetness and balance in flavors.
- Sour Cream – 1 cup (227g); keeps the cake moist with a slight tang; yogurt can be a substitute.
- Blueberries, pureed – 1 ½ cups (198g); the heart of this cake! Cook down for a concentrated flavor.
- Vegetable Oil – ¼ cup (54g); adds extra moisture; feel free to substitute with melted coconut oil.
- Pink Coloring Gel – optional; a touch of color to enhance the cake’s visual appeal.
- Whole Blueberries – ½ cup (66g); fold into the batter for delightful bursts of flavor.
For the Frosting
- Unsalted Butter – 3 sticks (339g, softened); provides a rich base for a creamy frosting.
- Cream Cheese – 8 oz (226g); ensures a smooth, creamy texture; use brick-style for the best results.
- Lemon Juice – ¼ cup (57g); infuses the frosting with tangy brightness, adjust to taste.
- Lemon Zest – adds aromatic citrus notes to elevate the frosting’s flavor.
- Powdered Sugar – 7 ½ cups (863g); sweetens and thickens the frosting; sift for best texture.
This Blueberry Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting promises to be a delicious delight at your next gathering!
How to Make Blueberry Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
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Prepare Blueberries: Start by pureeing the blueberries, then cook them with a splash of water over medium heat until reduced to about ¾ cup. Set aside to cool.
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans to ensure easy release after baking.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well mixed. This ensures an even rise in the cake.
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Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, blend the sour cream, blueberry puree, and oil together until fully combined, creating a deliciously moist batter.
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Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add in the white sugar, creaming until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
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Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure they’re fully integrated into the batter.
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Alternate Mixing: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the sour cream blend, and start and finish with the dry ingredients.
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Add Gel Color (optional): If you’re using pink coloring gel, add a small amount to the batter and mix until it’s evenly incorporated, creating a lovely hue.
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Fold in Whole Blueberries: Gently add the ½ cup of whole blueberries to the batter, folding them in carefully to avoid breaking them.
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Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the middle.
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Cool: Let the cake layers cool in the pans for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
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Make Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and lemon juice, mixing until creamy and fluffy.
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Assemble Cake: Layer the cake by placing frosting between each layer, then frost the sides and top of the cake decoratively for a delightful finish.
Optional: Garnish with extra blueberries or a sprinkle of lemon zest on top for added flair.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Blueberry Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting?
Nothing elevates a homemade dessert like the perfect accompaniments that enhance its flavor and appeal.
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Fresh Berries: Serve a mix of juicy strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries to complement the cake’s fruity goodness, bringing a burst of freshness with each bite.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a luxurious creaminess that pairs beautifully with the tangy frosting.
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Mint Tea: The refreshing, aromatic qualities of mint tea offer a delightful contrast to the rich frosting, making it a perfect beverage choice for afternoon gatherings.
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Lemon Sorbet: A chilled lemon sorbet provides a zesty and refreshing palate cleanser, enhancing the citrus notes of the frosting while balancing the cake’s sweetness.
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Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or blueberry ice cream creates an indulgent treat, adding a creamy texture that harmonizes wonderfully with the moist cake layers.
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Cheese Platter: A selection of soft cheeses, like brie or goat cheese, brings a savory contrast that can enhance the dessert experience, making your spread even more inviting.
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Lemonade: Freshly squeezed lemonade adds a sweet and tangy note that complements the cake’s flavors, making it a bright and invigorating drink option for warm days.
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Fruit Salad: A colorful fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits can brighten the plate and provide a refreshing, light side that pairs well with the rich cake.
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Dark Chocolate Drizzle: A simple drizzle of melted dark chocolate over cake slices enhances the flavor profile, creating a delightful contrast to the fruity and creamy elements.
Variations & Substitutions for Blueberry Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
Customize your cake with these exciting twists and alternatives to make each bake uniquely yours!
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Berry Swap: Replace blueberries with raspberries or strawberries for a different fruity flavor profile.
Fresh berries add delightful tartness and vibrant color, creating an equally tasty cake experience. -
Yogurt Option: Swap sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative.
This not only keeps the cake moist but adds a protein boost that’s sure to please the health-conscious. -
Flavored Frosting: Use vanilla buttercream instead of lemon for a classic sweet finish.
The simple transformation allows you to focus on the cake’s berry flavors without the citrus twist. -
Nutty Texture: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a delightful crunch.
Toasted nuts not only enhance the texture but also introduce a warm, earthy flavor that complements the berries. -
Lemon Zest Boost: Add more lemon zest into the cake batter for a vibrant lemony flavor.
This gives an extra zing, making each bite a refreshing taste of summer! -
Plant-Based Delight: Make the cake vegan by using flax eggs or unsweetened applesauce as an egg substitute.
Replace butter with vegan butter and opt for plant-based cream cheese in the frosting for a compassionate treat. -
Infused Syrup: Drizzle a lemon or berry syrup over the cake before frosting for added moisture and flavor.
A little drizzle of syrup will soak into the cake layers, enhancing every slice and providing a burst of juiciness. -
Spiced Variation: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter for a cozy, spiced cake twist.
Warm spices can elevate the flavor profile, making it a perfect transition dessert for cooler days!
Expert Tips for Blueberry Cake
- Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh blueberries for the best flavor. If using frozen, thaw and drain excess moisture to avoid a soggy cake.
- Room Temperature Eggs: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better emulsion, which contributes to a fluffier Blueberry Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting.
- Do Not Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined; overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
- Check for Doneness: Start checking the cake a few minutes before the recommended baking time to avoid over-baking and drying out the layers.
- Chill the Frosting: If the lemon cream cheese frosting becomes too soft during assembly, chill it briefly to make it easier to work with.
How to Store and Freeze Blueberry Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
- Room Temperature: If enjoyed within a day, keep the cake covered with a cake dome or wrapped in plastic wrap to maintain moisture.
- Fridge: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to keep it fresh and prevent drying out.
- Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To enjoy frozen slices, simply thaw in the fridge overnight, then bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Make Ahead Options
These Moist Blueberry Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the cake layers up to 24 hours in advance; simply bake, cool, and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before refrigerating. The frosting can also be made ahead—store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, just re-whip the frosting for the best texture. As you assemble the cake, keep in mind that it will taste just as delicious when prepped ahead, allowing you more time to enjoy the moment with family and friends!
Blueberry Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe FAQs
What type of blueberries should I use for the cake?
Absolutely! Fresh blueberries are best to ensure maximum flavor and texture. If using frozen, make sure they are properly thawed and excess moisture is drained to avoid a soggy cake. Look for firm, plump berries with smooth skin and no dark spots.
How should I store leftover Blueberry Cake?
To keep your cake fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to preserve it for longer, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can enjoy the cake for up to 3 months!
Can I freeze the Blueberry Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting?
Certainly! To freeze, follow these steps:
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- Allow the cake to cool completely after frosting.
- Cut it into individual slices for convenient servings.
- Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring no air escapes.
- Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Label with the date before freezing for easy tracking.
When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and bring to room temperature before serving.
How do I prevent the blueberry cake from becoming dense?
Very! To avoid a dense texture, avoid overmixing your batter. Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix only until just combined—this helps to retain air in the mixture for a fluffy cake. Additionally, ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature, especially the eggs, as this promotes a better emulsion.
Is this recipe suitable for those with cream cheese allergies?
If someone has a sensitivity to cream cheese, you can substitute it with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative or a simple whipped coconut cream. This will change the flavor profile slightly, but it will still be delicious! Just make sure to adjust the sugar quantity accordingly if you’re using a different sweetener.
Can pets eat blueberry cake?
While blueberries are safe for dogs in moderation, it’s important to note that this cake contains sugar and cream cheese, which are not suitable for pets. It’s best to keep the cake as a delightful human treat and offer your furry friends plain blueberries instead.
Delicious Blueberry Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Ingredients Â
Equipment
MethodÂ
- Prepare Blueberries: Start by pureeing the blueberries, then cook them with a splash of water over medium heat until reduced to about ¾ cup. Set aside to cool.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well mixed.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, blend the sour cream, blueberry puree, and oil together until fully combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add in the white sugar, creaming until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Alternate Mixing: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the sour cream blend.
- Add Gel Color: If using pink coloring gel, add a small amount to the batter and mix until evenly incorporated.
- Fold in Whole Blueberries: Gently add the whole blueberries to the batter, folding them in carefully.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cake layers cool in the pans for 5-10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
- Make Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and lemon juice.
- Assemble Cake: Layer the cake by placing frosting between each layer, then frost the sides and top of the cake.