Craving a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors? This blueberry cake with lemon cream cheese frosting is a must-try! Bursting with juicy blueberries and topped with a luscious lemon-infused cream cheese frosting, this dessert is a true crowd-pleaser.
I love how the blueberries add a pop of freshness to the moist cake, while the zesty lemon cream cheese frosting adds a creamy and citrusy finish. It’s a match made in dessert heaven! Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging in a sweet craving, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Creating a delectable blueberry cake with lemon cream cheese frosting requires a handful of key ingredients that harmonize beautifully to bring out the perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors.
Blueberry Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries, washed and patted dry
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Required Tools and Equipment
To prepare this delectable blueberry cake with lemon cream cheese frosting, you will need the following tools and equipment:
For the Blueberry Cake:
- Two 9-inch round cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Wire rack
- Toothpick or cake tester
- Electric mixer
- Zester or grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Offset spatula or knife
Having these tools ready will make the baking process smooth and enjoyable.
Instructions
Now that we have all our ingredients and equipment ready, let’s dive into the baking process to create this delightful blueberry cake with lemon cream cheese frosting.
Preparing the Cake Batter
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your two 9-inch round cake pans, lining them with parchment paper for easy removal later.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Combine the dry ingredients in a separate bowl: all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with buttermilk and vanilla extract.
- Gently fold in the fresh blueberries until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Baking the Cake
- Divide the cake batter equally between the prepared cake pans.
- Smooth the tops with a rubber spatula and tap the pans gently to remove any air bubbles.
- Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes.
- Transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, beating until well combined and fluffy.
- Once the cakes have cooled, place one layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of the prepared frosting over the top.
- Carefully place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides with the remaining frosting.
- For a finishing touch, garnish with additional fresh blueberries or lemon zest before serving. Enjoy your delectable blueberry cake with lemon cream cheese frosting!
Assembling the Cake
After baking the delicious blueberry cake layers and preparing the lemon cream cheese frosting, it’s time to assemble this heavenly treat.
Layering
- Start by placing one of the cooled blueberry cake layers on a cake stand or serving plate.
- Gently spread a generous amount of the lemon cream cheese frosting over the top of the first cake layer, ensuring even coverage.
- Carefully place the second blueberry cake layer on top of the frosting, aligning it with the bottom layer.
- Repeat the process by spreading another layer of the lemon cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the second cake layer.
- To frost the sides of the cake, apply a thin layer of frosting around the entire cake to create a crumb coat. This initial layer will help seal in any loose crumbs.
- Once the crumb coat is applied, add a thicker layer of the lemon cream cheese frosting to the top and sides of the cake, smoothing it out with a spatula or cake scraper for a clean finish.
- For a decorative touch, use a piping bag with a decorative tip to pipe additional frosting around the top edge of the cake or create patterns as desired.
- Garnish the frosted cake with fresh blueberries, lemon zest, or edible flowers for a visually stunning presentation before slicing and serving.
Decorating Ideas
Decorating a blueberry cake with lemon cream cheese frosting adds that final touch to make it appealing and inviting. Here are some ideas to enhance the presentation:
Edible Garnishes
When it comes to garnishing your blueberry cake with lemon cream cheese frosting, think about using fresh blueberries, lemon slices, lemon zest, or edible flowers. These edible decorations not only add a pop of color but also complement the flavors of the cake.
Presentation Tips
To make your blueberry cake with lemon cream cheese frosting visually stunning, consider stacking fresh blueberries on top of the cake in a circular pattern or sprinkling lemon zest over the frosting. You can also place a few edible flowers strategically on the cake for an elegant touch. Remember, presentation plays a significant role in making your dessert not only delicious but also visually appealing.
Storage and Shelf Life
Once you’ve shared the delight of your blueberry cake with lemon cream cheese frosting, you might wonder about the best way to store it to retain its freshness and quality. Here are some tips to ensure your cake stays delicious for as long as possible.
Storage Tips:
- Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: If you need to store the cake for longer, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: For extended storage, wrap individual cake slices in plastic wrap and foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container. The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Room Temperature: Up to 2 days
- Refrigerated: Up to 5 days
- Frozen: Up to 3 months
By following these storage guidelines, you can continue to enjoy the delectable flavors of your blueberry cake with lemon cream cheese frosting over an extended period.
Conclusion
I’ve shared a delectable blueberry cake with lemon cream cheese frosting recipe that balances sweet and tangy flavors perfectly. The steps for baking, cooling, and frosting are easy to follow, resulting in a delicious treat. Enhance the cake’s presentation with edible garnishes like fresh blueberries, lemon slices, zest, or edible flowers. To keep your cake fresh, store it properly at room temperature, in the fridge, or even freeze it for later enjoyment. With these tips, you can savor the delightful taste of this blueberry cake with lemon cream cheese frosting whenever you crave a sweet and tangy treat.