
A classic Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake featuring tender vanilla cake layers dotted with fresh blueberries and brightened with fresh lemon zest. Each slice reveals moist, delicate crumb enrobed in silky lemon buttercream frosting.
This elegant cake captures the essence of summer baking. The natural sweetness of ripe blueberries paired with bright citrus creates an unforgettable combination of flavors and textures.
Key Ingredients List
- Fresh Blueberries: Ripe and firm
- Fresh Lemons: For zesting and juicing
- Unsalted Butter: Softened
- Large Eggs: At room temperature
- Whole Milk: For moisture
- All-Purpose Flour: For proper texture
- Pure Vanilla Extract: For flavor
- Baking Powder: Must be fresh
- Kosher Salt: Balances sweetness
Preparation Method
- 1. Preparation:
- Heat oven to 350°F. Line two 9-inch cake pans with parchment, grease well. Ensure ingredients reach room temperature. Mix lemon zest with sugar until aromatic.
- 2. Mix Base:
- Cream butter and citrus sugar until pale, about 4 minutes. Add eggs individually. Alternate dry ingredients with milk, starting and finishing with flour mixture.
- 3. Layer Assembly:
- Pour plain batter base into pans. Mix remaining batter with 1 cup berries, divide between pans. Top with extra berries.
- 4. Bake:
- Place in oven for 35-42 minutes until golden and springy. Rest 15 minutes before removing from pans to cool completely.
- 5. Frosting:
- Whip butter until creamy. Add sifted sugar gradually, then incorporate lemon juice and vanilla. Beat until fluffy, 4-5 minutes.

Success comes from precision. Each step builds flavor and ensures proper texture in the final cake.

Storage Instructions
Unfrosted layers keep one day at room temperature when properly wrapped. Refrigerate frosting separately. Before assembly, let frosting soften and rewhip. Finished cake stays fresh in refrigerator for 5 days. Serve at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions
Allow cake to reach room temperature for optimal flavor release and texture. During summer, decorate with fresh berries and mint sprigs. For celebrations, consider edible blooms or crystallized lemon. Pairs beautifully with seasonal fruit desserts.

Recipe Variations
Adapt throughout summer using different berries - raspberries, blackberries, or mixed varieties work well. Consider adding almond extract or experimenting with orange or lime zest. Layer with lemon curd or berry preserves for special occasions. The traditional lemon-blueberry combination remains a timeless favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Is it okay to use frozen blueberries?
- Absolutely, just toss them in frozen so the color doesn’t spread.
- → What’s the purpose of layering the batter with berries?
- It keeps the blueberries from sinking to the bottom of the cake.
- → Can this be made ahead of time?
- Yes, bake the cake layers a day before and do the frosting fresh on the day you’ll serve it.
- → Do I have to use room temperature ingredients?
- Yes, they mix more easily to create a smooth batter and even texture.
- → Can I freeze this cake?
- Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to a month. Thaw them when ready to frost.