Description
This tender lemon cake is bursting with zesty lemon flavor and dotted with plump and juicy blueberries. Paired with a creamy cream cheese frosting, this cake is fresh, tangy, sweet, and a show-stopper all at the same time.
Ingredients
LEMON CAKE
- 3 cups + 1 Tablespoon (375g) all-purpose flour, divided
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 and ⅓ cup fresh blueberries (about 3 ounces)
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 and ¾ cup (350g) granulated sugar
- Zest of 3 lemons
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120mL) fresh lemon juice
- ¾ cup (180mL) milk, room temperature
CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 8 ounces (225g) full fat block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF (177ºC). Grease and flour two 8″ round baking pans. Set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 cups of flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Toss blueberries with the remaining 1 tablespoon of flour. Set aside.
4. In a large bowl, beat butter, sugar, and lemon zest on medium-high speed until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
5. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla extract and mix to combine.
6. Stir lemon juice into the milk. Add flour mixture to the batter in 2 additions, alternating with the milk/lemon juice, mixing on low speed.
7. Remove bowl from mixer, fold in blueberries, and stir until evenly distributed.
8. Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 32–34 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Cool cakes completely in pans on a wire rack before removing.
10. In a separate bowl, beat butter and cream cheese on medium speed until smooth (about 3 minutes).
11. Reduce speed to low and add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Increase speed to high and beat until completely smooth and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
12. Trim cooled cake layers if needed. Place one layer on a stand and frost the top.
13. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake evenly.
14. Chill for 10 minutes if needed to set frosting. Serve. Store leftovers at room temperature up to 5 days or refrigerate up to 1 week.
Notes
Fresh blueberries are preferred but frozen can be used (do not thaw). For best results, use room temperature ingredients. This cake can also be made in a bundt or sheet pan. Unfrosted layers can be frozen for up to 2 months. For a citrus twist, use lemon zest in the frosting.