Blueberry Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

This Blueberry Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful treat that brings a burst of flavor to any occasion. Its moist layers are complemented by the tangy sweetness of lemon cream cheese frosting, making it perfect for birthdays, picnics, or just a sweet indulgence at home. The refreshing taste is especially loved in spring and summer, but it’s an enjoyable dessert year-round!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of blueberries and lemon creates a vibrant taste that everyone will love.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: This cake is great for birthdays, celebrations, or simply as an afternoon snack.
• Moist & Tender Texture: The use of sour cream ensures that each slice is incredibly moist.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can achieve impressive results.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily adjust the sweetness or add more lemon zest for extra zing.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Baking pans (two 9-inch round)
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool makes it easy to blend ingredients to a smooth consistency, ensuring your batter is light and fluffy.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes allows you to separate dry and wet ingredients easily, preventing any mix-up during preparation.

Ingredients

This moist homemade blueberry layer cake has amazing flavor- perfect no matter what time of year but we especially love it’s refreshing flavor in the spring and summer months!

For the Cake:

• 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, softened ((170g))
• 2 cups white sugar ((400g))
• 3 large eggs, room temperature ((If in a hurry, place eggs in a bowl of warm water for 5-10 minutes))
• 3 cups cake flour ((342g) See notes for substitution)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder ((8g))
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda ((3g))
• 1/2 teaspoon salt ((3g))
• 1 cup sour cream ((227g))
• 1 1/2 cups blueberries, pureed in a blender, then cooked in 1/4 cup water over medium heat until reduced to 3/4 cup (181g) Cool before using.
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil (I use canola oil) ((54g))
• Pink Coloring Gel – Optional. We used a small amount to bring out the blue color of the berries.
• 1/2 cup whole blueberries (fold in the batter at the end of mixing) ((66g))

For the Frosting:

• 3 sticks unsalted butter, slightly softened ((339g))
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened (cream cheese brick rather than tub) ((226g))
• 1/4 cup lemon juice – Approximate amount of one lemon. Adjust to your liking. ((57g))
• zest of 1 lemon
• 7 1/2 cups powdered sugar (sift then measure/weigh) ((863g))

If you need to thin the consistency (you can add milk in small amounts).

How to Make Blueberry Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you’re done mixing your batter.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pans

Grease two 9-inch round baking pans with butter or cooking spray. You may also dust them with flour for easier release.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and white sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Add Eggs One at a Time

Add eggs one at a time into the creamed mixture. Mix well after each addition until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients while alternating with sour cream.

Step 6: Incorporate Blueberries

Fold in both pureed blueberries and whole blueberries gently into the batter without over-mixing.

Step 7: Bake

Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for around 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool Layers

Once baked, let cakes cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them onto a cooling rack.

Step 9: Make Frosting

For frosting, beat softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing in lemon juice and zest until combined.

Step 10: Assemble Cake

Once cooled completely, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread frosting on top before adding the second layer. Frost the top and sides as desired.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Blueberry Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting!

How to Serve Blueberry Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

Serving a moist blueberry cake with lemon cream cheese frosting is an experience that delights the senses. Whether for a special occasion or a casual gathering, this cake can be paired beautifully to enhance its refreshing flavors.

Pair with Fresh Berries

• Fresh blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries can add a vibrant touch when served alongside the cake. Their tartness complements the sweetness of the frosting.

Enjoy with Whipped Cream

• Light and fluffy whipped cream is perfect for adding richness to each bite. A dollop on top of each slice makes it extra indulgent.

Accompany with Ice Cream

• Vanilla or lemon-flavored ice cream pairs wonderfully with this cake. The creamy texture balances the fruity flavors beautifully.

Serve with Tea or Coffee

• A warm cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee enhances the overall experience. Try pairing it with herbal tea for a refreshing twist.

Garnish with Lemon Zest

• Sprinkling extra lemon zest on top of the cake before serving adds a pop of color and an extra zing of citrus flavor.

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How to Perfect Blueberry Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

Creating the perfect blueberry cake requires some attention to detail. Here are tips to ensure your cake turns out delicious every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ingredients like eggs and butter should be at room temperature for better mixing and texture in your cake.

• Measure Flour Correctly: Use a spoon to fill your measuring cup and level it off instead of scooping directly from the bag, which can compact the flour and lead to dry cake.

• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until ingredients are combined to avoid a dense texture. Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tougher cake.

• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow the layers to cool completely on wire racks; otherwise, the frosting may melt and slide off.

Best Side Dishes for Blueberry Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

When serving blueberry cake with lemon cream cheese frosting, consider these delightful side dishes that will complement its flavors perfectly.

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the cake.

2. Citrus Salad: Combining segments of oranges and grapefruits adds a zesty flair that pairs well with lemon frosting.

3. Cheese Platter: A selection of soft cheeses, like brie or goat cheese, offers a savory balance to the sweet dessert.

4. Pistachio Muffins: Adding these nutty muffins as a side brings texture and an interesting flavor contrast to your meal.

5. Yogurt Parfaits: Layer yogurt, granola, and fresh fruit for a light side that echoes the blueberry theme without overpowering it.

6. Scones: Citrus-flavored scones can enhance your tea time while complementing both blueberries and lemons.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a delicious Blueberry Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting is simpler than you think, but common mistakes can ruin your efforts. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:

• Not measuring ingredients accurately – Using incorrect measurements can lead to a dry or overly wet cake. Always use a scale for precision.
• Skipping room temperature ingredients – Cold eggs and butter can affect the batter’s consistency. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
• Overmixing the batter – Overmixing can make the cake tough instead of light and fluffy. Mix just until combined for the best texture.
• Ignoring oven temperature – Baking at the wrong temperature can lead to uneven cooking. Invest in an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
• Not cooling properly – Removing the cake from the pan too soon can cause it to break apart. Allow it to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Blueberry Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting in an airtight container.
• It will remain fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Blueberry Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.

Reheating Blueberry Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave – Heat a slice on medium power for 15-20 seconds. Check frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop – Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, covering it until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Blueberry Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting:

What makes this Blueberry Cake special?

The combination of fresh blueberries and zesty lemon cream cheese frosting creates a refreshing and delightful flavor profile that is perfect for any occasion.

Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the batter.

How do I adjust the sweetness of the frosting?

To reduce sweetness, gradually add less powdered sugar or incorporate more lemon juice for acidity.

What can I substitute for sour cream?

You can use Greek yogurt or buttermilk as effective substitutes for sour cream in your recipe.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular cake flour to keep the same texture while accommodating dietary needs.

Final Thoughts

This Blueberry Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting is not only moist and flavorful but also versatile enough for any season. You can customize it by adding nuts or swapping out blueberries for other fruits. Give this delightful dessert a try; it’s sure to impress family and friends!