Blueberry-Lemon Cake

8 Ratings
  • 5 3
  • 4 1
  • 3 4
  • 2 0
  • 1 0

Two great flavors in one delicious layer cake.

By Pam Lolley

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Read the full recipe after the video.

Recipe Summary

bake:
25 mins
cool:
1 hr
chill:
30 mins
total:
2 hrs 40 mins
active:
45 mins
Servings:
12
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If you've never paired blueberries with lemon before, you're in for a real treat. These two flavors are simply a match made in heaven, and they come together in perfect harmony in our Blueberry-Lemon Cake. This lovely layer cake will be the belle of the ball at any spring soiree.

The fruit's sweet, floral flavor pairs well with tart and tangy lemons and buttermilk—both of which star in these tender cake layers. The cake layers are perfumed with a subtle hint of lemon, and the frosting is light and fluffy with more intense lemon notes. Tossing the blueberries with a little flour and gently folding them into the batter prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the pans when baking. Pureed berries give the frosting its naturally beautiful hue. You'll have about 1/4 cup of puree left over; stir it into smoothies or yogurt.

If you're new to decorating layer cakes, don't worry—this cake doesn't require much fuss. A simple garnish of fresh blueberries goes a long way (if you're feeling fancy, feel free to add some candied lemon peels). No time to put together an entire layer cake, but still want a dessert that will impress? This recipe would also make great cupcakes.

Ingredients

Cake Layers
Frosting

Directions

  • Prepare the Cake Layers: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease (with shortening) and flour 3 (8-inch) round cake pans, and set aside. Beat butter with a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment on medium speed until creamy, about 1 minute. Gradually add sugar, beating until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating just until blended after each addition.

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  • Whisk together baking powder, salt, baking soda, and 3 cups of the flour in a medium bowl until well blended. With mixer running on low speed, gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture, alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture, beating until blended after each addition. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla. Toss together blueberries and remaining 1 tablespoon flour in a small bowl; gently fold blueberry mixture into batter. Spoon batter into prepared pans.

  • Bake in preheated oven until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean, 23 to 25 minutes. Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely, about 1 hour.

  • Meanwhile, prepare the Frosting: Process blueberries and 1 tablespoon of the lemon juice in a blender or food processor until completely smooth, 1 to 2 minutes (about 1/2 cup puree). Beat butter and lemon zest with a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment on medium speed until creamy, 1 to 2 minutes. With mixer running on low speed, gradually add powdered sugar, alternately with blueberry mixture, beating until blended after each addition. Increase speed to medium; beat until light and fluffy, about 1 minute. Beat in remaining 1 tablespoon lemon juice, as needed, to loosen frosting and adjust flavor. If desired, reserve 1 cup Frosting; place in a piping bag fitted with a star tip.

  • Place 1 Cake Layer on a platter or cake stand. Spread 1 cup Frosting over top. Add a second Cake Layer; spread top with 1 cup Frosting. Top with third layer. Using a large offset spatula, spread a thin layer of Frosting (about 1 cup) over top and sides of cake. Chill until Frosting is firm and set, about 30 minutes. Frost top and sides of cake with remaining Frosting. If desired, pipe reserved Frosting around outer edge of cake. Garnish with blueberries. Refrigerate cake until frosting is firm, if needed.

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