The bright citrus notes of lemon meet the juicy burst of blueberries in this moist and fluffy cake that screams sunshine and spring. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, a birthday party, or just craving something fresh and sweet, this Lemon Blueberry Cake delivers the perfect combo of tangy and sweet.
Finished with a smooth, citrusy cream cheese frosting and garnished with extra berries and lemon zest, it’s as gorgeous as it is delicious. The soft texture, layered flavor, and eye-catching presentation make it a standout on any dessert table.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 cup butter, softened
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1-1/2 cups sugar
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4 large eggs, room temperature
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1/2 cup lemon juice
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2 tablespoons grated lemon zest
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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3 cups all-purpose flour
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2 teaspoons baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1 cup buttermilk
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1-1/2 cups fresh blueberries (or 1 cup frozen, thawed)
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Lemon Frosting:
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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1/2 cup butter, softened
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2-1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
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2 tablespoons lemon juice
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1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Garnish:
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Additional fresh blueberries
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Extra lemon zest
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line the bottoms of three 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (5-7 minutes).
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Beat in eggs one at a time. Add lemon juice, zest, and vanilla, and mix until smooth.
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In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together.
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Add dry mixture to the creamed mixture in thirds, alternating with buttermilk. Beat gently after each addition.
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In a small bowl, toss the blueberries with cornstarch to prevent sinking.
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Fold blueberries into the batter. Divide evenly among prepared pans.
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Bake for 20–25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks. Let cakes cool completely.
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Meanwhile, beat the cream cheese and butter for the frosting until fluffy. Add sugar, lemon juice, zest, and vanilla, and beat until smooth.
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Spread frosting between cake layers and over the top and sides. Garnish with extra blueberries and zest if desired.
Prep Time: 35 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: 630 kcal per slice | Servings: 12 slices
Why Lemon and Blueberry Work So Well Together
From a culinary perspective, lemon and blueberry are a dream team. Lemon offers sharp acidity, brightness, and a clean citrus aroma that cuts through richness and enhances sweetness. Blueberries, on the other hand, bring a juicy, slightly tangy sweetness that balances the citrusy sharpness.
The acidity in lemons also reacts with baking soda or baking powder in cake recipes, giving the cake a better rise and a fluffier texture. When blueberries are folded into lemon-infused cake batter, their natural juices caramelize slightly during baking, creating delicious little pockets of berry goodness in each slice. This flavor contrast is what elevates the Lemon Blueberry Cake from a simple fruit cake to a standout dessert.
The Texture Factor: Light, Moist, and Tender
A great cake is not just about flavor — texture is equally important. This cake achieves an incredible balance between density and lightness. The use of buttermilk in the batter brings tanginess and moisture, helping to create a tender crumb that stays moist even after a few days. Properly creamed butter and sugar introduce air into the batter, making it fluffy and light, while the eggs help bind the ingredients and give structure.
Another texture consideration is the blueberries themselves. Tossing them in cornstarch before folding them into the batter is a small but critical step — it prevents them from sinking to the bottom and distributes them evenly throughout the layers. This ensures that every bite includes the perfect mix of lemony cake and blueberry bursts.
The Role of Frosting in Balance and Beauty
One of the crowning glories of this Lemon Blueberry Cake is its luscious cream cheese frosting. Unlike buttercream, which can be overly sweet, cream cheese provides a richer, tangier taste that complements the cake’s citrus notes. This frosting isn’t just a sweet layer — it’s an essential element that unites all the flavors.
The inclusion of lemon juice and zest in the frosting deepens the citrus flavor and maintains consistency with the cake layers. The result is a smooth, zesty, and creamy finish that coats the palate without overpowering it.
Visually, the frosting also acts as a canvas. Garnishes like fresh blueberries and extra lemon zest not only enhance flavor but add contrast and texture. These touches make the cake feel fresh and elegant — ideal for special occasions.
Perfect for Spring and Summer Occasions
This cake is often associated with spring and early summer, and for good reason. It’s light, fruity, and beautifully colored — exactly the kind of dessert you want when the weather is warm and fresh produce is in season.
Think of Easter, Mother’s Day, bridal showers, baby showers, or even birthdays — Lemon Blueberry Cake is suitable for all. Its colors and flavors naturally fit into outdoor gatherings, tea parties, and casual brunches alike. Plus, its bright profile cuts through the richness of heavier meals, making it a refreshing end to any feast.
Adaptability and Flavor Variations
One of the strengths of this cake is how versatile it is. While the lemon and blueberry duo is classic, the recipe lends itself to customization:
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Berry Swaps: Try raspberries or blackberries for a deeper berry flavor or a mix of berries for a rustic touch.
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Add Lemon Curd: A layer of lemon curd between the cake layers adds a tangy richness that intensifies the citrus experience.
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Coconut Add-In: Stirring shredded coconut into the batter introduces a tropical twist.
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Nutty Touch: Almond extract in the frosting adds complexity and enhances the fruit flavors with a subtle nutty aroma.
Whether you want to stay true to the classic or experiment, this cake gives you room to play without compromising its structure or appeal.
Tips for Best Results
A few simple techniques can ensure your Lemon Blueberry Cake turns out perfectly every time:
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Always use room temperature butter, eggs, and buttermilk. This helps them blend evenly, leading to a smoother batter and better cake structure.
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Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until the flour disappears. Overmixing can make the cake tough.
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Even Layers: Weigh your batter to divide it equally between pans. This ensures uniform baking and presentation.
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Cool Completely Before Frosting: Frosting a warm cake causes the icing to melt and slide. Make sure your layers are fully cool before you assemble.
These small considerations make a big difference in taste, texture, and appearance.
Storing and Freezing the Cake
Because the cake uses cream cheese frosting, it should be stored in the refrigerator. When properly covered, it keeps well for 5 to 7 days without drying out. However, for best flavor and texture, let the cake come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
If you want to make this cake ahead of time or save leftovers, it also freezes well. For best results:
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Freeze the unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic and foil.
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To freeze a fully assembled cake, freeze it uncovered for a few hours to set the frosting, then wrap it well.
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Always thaw in the fridge overnight, and bring to room temperature before serving.
Presentation and Serving Suggestions
Serving this cake is a chance to get creative. A slice looks stunning on its own, but a few presentation ideas can take it to the next level:
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Add a Dollop of Whipped Cream: Light whipped cream on the side adds a touch of decadence.
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Drizzle with Berry Sauce: A blueberry or raspberry reduction can enhance the berry flavor.
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Serve with Tea or Sparkling Wine: The cake pairs beautifully with lightly brewed teas or a dry sparkling wine, both of which complement the citrus and berry notes.
Conclusion: A Classic Worth Making Again and Again
Lemon Blueberry Cake isn’t just another dessert — it’s a celebration of color, flavor, and texture. From its sunny citrus aroma to the juicy pop of blueberries in every bite, this cake brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels fresh, comforting, and just a little luxurious.
It’s a testament to how thoughtful flavor pairing and careful technique can result in something truly special. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone who bakes only on special occasions, this cake is approachable yet impressive. With its balance of tart and sweet, light and rich, it’s a dessert that earns its place as a seasonal favorite — and maybe even a year-round staple.