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Blueberry Lemon Layers

Featured in: Desserts to Satisfy Every Craving

Loaded with lemony flavors and bursting blueberries, this cake has soft layers topped with tangy, smooth frosting. Whether it's fresh or frozen berries, it's great for every celebration!

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Updated on Thu, 01 May 2025 15:03:26 GMT
A vibrant slice of blueberry and lemon cake layered with frosting, topped with fresh berries, placed on a white plate. Pin it
A vibrant slice of blueberry and lemon cake layered with frosting, topped with fresh berries, placed on a white plate. | cookingkitchn.com

Gotta tell you about my go-to spring treat! This Blueberry Lemon delight packs a punch with bright flavors - zingy lemon, juicy blueberries, and the creamiest cheese frosting you'll ever taste. Whenever I bring it to Easter gatherings or Mom's Day celebrations, folks always want my secret.

Why This Cake Stands Out

I've tweaked this cake many times until it was perfect. What makes it work? Using actual lemons instead of artificial stuff, and loads of blueberries scattered throughout. The buttermilk gives it amazing moisture, and that cheese frosting? It's unbelievable! My little girl says it's like eating sunshine.

What You'll Need

  • Lemons: We'll grab both zest and juice for maximum punch!
  • Blueberries: Don't worry if they're frozen or fresh.
  • Buttermilk: This makes everything incredibly soft.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds richness and keeps the cake moist.
  • Cream Cheese: Get the full-fat kind for truly dreamy frosting.

Baking Steps

Getting Started
First tackle your wet stuff - zest and squeeze those lemons, combine with brown sugar, eggs, and buttermilk. Here's a smart move: dust your blueberries in a bit of flour so they stay put in the batter!
Baking Time
Transfer your mixture to greased pans - I always use parchment paper underneath for easy cake removal. Cook at 350°F until they bounce back when touched.
Frosting Magic
As cakes cool down, whip up that incredible frosting. Mix cream cheese with butter until light and airy, then mix in powdered sugar and vanilla. You'll want to lick the bowl clean!
Assembly
Stack those cake layers with thick frosting between each one. Cover the whole thing next - don't stress about making it flawless, a rustic look works great too!

Insider Tricks

Don't skip dusting those berries with flour - that's how you get them floating nicely throughout the cake. Let all ingredients warm to room temp before you start. And go easy on the mixing or you'll end up with a tough cake! I love throwing fresh berries and lemon zest on top as the final touch.

A blueberry cake slice with creamy frosting rests on a plate, with scattered fresh blueberries and a soft blue napkin visible behind it. Pin it
A blueberry cake slice with creamy frosting rests on a plate, with scattered fresh blueberries and a soft blue napkin visible behind it. | cookingkitchn.com

Storage Advice

You'll need to store this cake in your fridge - it'll stay yummy for around 5 days. Just remember to take it out early so it warms up before serving. If you want to plan ahead, you can wrap the unfrosted cake layers tight and freeze them for up to 3 months.

Fun Variations

I sometimes swap in raspberries for a change - they work amazingly well! Adding vanilla ice cream on the side takes it to another level. When I'm feeling extra fancy, I grab some pretty edible flowers from my local market to top it off - makes everyone think I bought it from a fancy bakery!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can frozen berries work?

Definitely! Use them cold. Don’t let them thaw, and coat them with flour to keep them from sinking.

→ Why use room temp items?

Using things like room temp butter or eggs means everything mixes better and gives the cake a great texture.

→ Can I make it beforehand?

Sure! Bake the layers a day early or freeze them for up to two months.

→ Why chill it first?

Putting it in the fridge before cutting helps set the frosting, so your slices stay neat.

→ What if I want other shapes?

This works for a sheet cake, cupcakes, or a 9x13 pan. See notes for guidance.

Blueberry Lemon Layers

A fluffy lemon cake studded with blueberries and blanketed in creamy frosting, perfect for any gathering.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
23 Minutes
Total Time
53 Minutes
By: Sophia

Category: Sweet Delights

Difficulty: Difficult

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (1)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1/4 cup light brown sugar.
02 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries.
03 4 large eggs, at room temp.
04 3 cups all-purpose flour, sifted.
05 1/2 cup lemon juice.
06 1 cup unsalted butter, softened for mixing.
07 1 tablespoon vanilla extract.
08 1 1/4 cups granulated white sugar.
09 2 tablespoons lemon zest.
10 1 tablespoon baking powder.
11 1 cup buttermilk.
12 1 tablespoon flour to coat berries.
13 8 ounces cream cheese, softened.
14 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
15 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar.
16 2 tablespoons heavy cream (or less if you prefer stiffer frosting).
17 1/2 cup soft butter for frosting.
18 Pinch of regular salt.
19 1/2 teaspoon salt for the batter.

Instructions

Step 01

Set your oven to 350°F and line three 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.

Step 02

Whip the butter until it’s fluffy, then add both sugars. Mix it all together for about 2-3 minutes.

Step 03

Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract, letting it blend well for 2 minutes.

Step 04

In a separate bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients. Gradually add them to the butter mix, alternating with the buttermilk.

Step 05

Carefully mix in the lemon zest, juice, and blueberries that were tossed in a bit of flour. Don’t overdo it.

Step 06

Pour the batter evenly into the cake pans and bake for about 21-25 minutes. They should spring back slightly when ready.

Step 07

Wait until the cakes are completely cool to start adding frosting.

Step 08

Beat the cream cheese and butter together for about 3 minutes until smooth.

Step 09

Slowly mix in the powdered sugar, cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend it until you get a creamy consistency.

Step 10

Slice off the tops of your cakes if needed, and layer them with frosting in between each one.

Step 11

Cover the outside of the cake with frosting and let it chill for at least 45 minutes before eating.

Notes

  1. You can make this ahead of time.
  2. Freezing leftovers works great.
  3. A fantastic choice for special events.
  4. Fresh or frozen blueberries are fine.

Tools You'll Need

  • Three 9-inch round cake pans.
  • Mixer, either stand or handheld.
  • Parchment paper for lining pans.
  • Optional: A turntable for decorating.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy like butter, cream cheese, and buttermilk.
  • Contains eggs.
  • Uses wheat flour.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: 22 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 65 g
  • Protein: 6 g