Craving a decadent dessert that’s both easy to make and bursting with flavor? Indulge in the delightful fusion of blueberries and lemon with this Blueberry Lemon Gooey Butter Cake recipe. A twist on the classic gooey butter cake, this variation offers a rich white cake mix base, topped with a luscious layer of cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a hint of zesty lemon zest, all studded with juicy blueberries.
Originating as a local specialty in St. Louis, gooey butter cake has gained popularity nationwide for its irresistibly sweet and gooey texture. Whether enjoyed for breakfast or dessert, this dessert is a true crowd-pleaser. If you’re new to the world of gooey butter cakes, this Blueberry Lemon version is a must-try for its addictive sweetness and rich flavors. Treat yourself to a slice of this heavenly dessert and experience the perfect balance of tangy lemon and sweet blueberries in every bite.
Ingredients
Creating the perfect Blueberry Lemon Gooey Butter Cake requires a careful selection of ingredients that blend harmoniously to deliver a decadent and flavorful dessert. Below are the essential components categorized by their specific roles in this delightful recipe.
For the Cake Base
- 1 box white cake mix
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- Optional: lemon zest for a citrusy kick
- Heaping 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Pinch of salt
- 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Required Equipment
When preparing the delicious Blueberry Lemon Gooey Butter Cake recipe, you will need some essential kitchen equipment to ensure a smooth baking process. Here is a list of the equipment you will need:
- 13 x 9 inch baking dish
- Stand mixer with paddle attachment
- Hand mixer (optional)
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Cake tin (9-inch circular recommended)
- Oven
- Tin foil (for covering, if needed)
Having these basic kitchen tools ready will make it easier to whip up this delightful Blueberry Lemon Gooey Butter Cake.
Instructions
Prepare the Cake Base
In a large mixing bowl or using a stand mixer, combine the melted unsalted butter and granulated sugar until fully blended. This should take about 3 minutes for a smooth consistency. Add in the large egg, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice, mixing well. Fold in the all-purpose flour and baking powder until a smooth batter forms.
Make the Gooey Lemon Blueberry Filling
Reduce the amount of confectioners sugar in the top layer of the cake mix recipe and replace it with cornstarch. The cornstarch helps in retaining moisture and achieving the desired gooey texture without making the cake overly sweet. For the filling, blend cream cheese until smooth, then add eggs, vanilla, melted butter, and powdered sugar. Spoon this creamy mixture over the cake base and spread evenly. Sprinkle fresh blueberries on top before baking.
Assemble the Cake
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 13×9-inch baking pan with nonstick spray. Pat the cake base mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Add the lemon blueberry filling over the base, spreading it evenly. Top with fresh blueberries and bake for 40 to 50 minutes until the cake is set but slightly gooey in the center. Allow the cake to cool before serving, and enjoy the delicious combination of buttery, lemony, and gooey flavors in every bite.
Baking the Cake
To bake the Blueberry Lemon Gooey Butter Cake, follow these simple steps:
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the cake.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter
- In a mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix base, melted unsalted butter, vanilla extract, one large egg, and a pinch of salt. Mix until well combined and press the batter into the bottom of a greased baking pan.
3. Make the Gooey Lemon Blueberry Filling
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until fluffy, then add in the powdered sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and two large eggs. Mix until smooth. Pour this lemony filling over the cake batter in the pan.
4. Add Fresh Blueberries
- Sprinkle a generous amount of fresh blueberries over the top of the filling, ensuring they are evenly distributed for a burst of blueberry flavor in each slice.
5. Bake the Cake
- Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40-45 minutes or until the edges are set but the center is slightly gooey.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely before slicing into delicious squares. Serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Cooling and Serving
After baking your Blueberry Lemon Gooey Butter Cake to perfection, it’s essential to follow the right steps for cooling and serving to ensure the best taste and texture.
- Cooling Properly: Allow the cake to cool completely before serving. It’s normal for the cake to sink slightly in the center as it cools, adding to its gooey texture.
- Garnishing Beautifully: Enhance the presentation by garnishing the cake with additional fresh blueberries and a dusting of powdered sugar. This adds a pop of color and a touch of sweetness.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair each decadent slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a light dusting of extra powdered sugar for an extra indulgent treat.
- Enjoying Fresh: For the best flavor and texture, serve the Blueberry Lemon Gooey Butter Cake fresh after cooling. The combination of flavors is at its peak when enjoyed soon after baking.
Storage Instructions
To store your delicious Blueberry Lemon Gooey Butter Cake, follow these simple steps to maintain its freshness and flavor:
- Cool Completely: After baking and serving your cake, allow any remaining slices to cool completely at room temperature. This ensures that the cake stabilizes and is ready for storage.
- Cover Well: Once cooled, cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Make sure the covering is airtight to prevent the cake from drying out and absorbing any odors from the surroundings.
- Refrigerate: Place the covered cake in the refrigerator to extend its shelf life. The cool temperature helps retain moisture and prevents the cake from spoiling too quickly.
- Avoid Odors: Store the cake away from foods with strong odors in the refrigerator. This will prevent the cake from taking on unwanted flavors while it sits in the fridge.
- Freezing (Optional): If you want to store the cake for an extended period, you can freeze it. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer.
By following these storage instructions, you can enjoy your Blueberry Lemon Gooey Butter Cake over multiple days, ensuring that each slice tastes just as delicious as the first.
Conclusion
With the Blueberry Lemon Gooey Butter Cake recipe, you can indulge in a delightful fusion of blueberry and lemon flavors. By following the step-by-step instructions for creating the cake base and gooey filling, you’ll achieve a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Remember, proper cooling after baking is key to preserving the gooey texture. Adding a finishing touch of fresh blueberries and powdered sugar not only enhances the taste but also makes it visually appealing. Whether served with whipped cream or a sprinkle of extra powdered sugar, this cake is a sure crowd-pleaser. By following the storage tips provided, you can enjoy this delectable treat for days to come.
