A lemon blueberry layer cake with creamy lemon frosting, blueberry filling, and fresh blueberries on top, sliced to show fluffy layers.
This lemon blueberry layer cake is bright, fluffy, and packed with fresh flavor. You get tender lemon cake layers, juicy blueberries, and a creamy lemon frosting that tastes like sunshine. If you need a show-stopping dessert that still feels doable, this lemon blueberry layer cake is it.
Introduction
You’ll love how cozy and celebratory this cake feels, even if you’re baking it on a regular weekend. The standout trick is tossing the blueberries with a little flour so they don’t sink, plus using lemon zest for that big lemon smell and flavor.
This is the kind of cake people ask for again and again. It’s a true fan-favorite for spring, showers, birthdays, and brunch tables.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake
- Better than bakery: Fresh lemon zest makes the flavor pop.
- Soft and fluffy layers: Gentle mixing keeps the crumb tender.
- Beautiful for parties: A bright, pretty cake for any celebration.
- Make-ahead friendly: Bake layers ahead and frost later.
- Crowd-pleaser: Sweet, tart, and totally irresistible.
Ingredients for the Best Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake
Image: Ingredients on a counter including flour, sugar, butter, eggs, lemons, milk, blueberries, powdered sugar, and a cake pan set.
Lemon Cake Layers
- All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): Gives structure; a 1:1 gluten-free blend can work.
- Baking powder (2 tsp): Helps the layers rise.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (3/4 cup, softened): Rich flavor; don’t melt it.
- Sugar (1 1/2 cups): Sweetness and tenderness.
- Eggs (3): Structure and lift.
- Lemon zest (2 Tbsp): Big lemon flavor without extra liquid.
- Lemon juice (3 Tbsp): Bright tang.
- Milk (1 cup): Moist crumb; buttermilk works too.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Makes the cake extra tender; plain Greek yogurt works.
- Blueberries (1 1/2 cups): Fresh is great; frozen works if you don’t thaw (toss with flour).
Lemon Frosting
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Creamy base.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Adds tang and stability.
- Powdered sugar (4 cups): Sweetens and thickens.
- Lemon juice (2 Tbsp) + zest (1 tsp): Bright, fresh finish.
Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake Recipe Step-by-Step
Image: Four panel collage showing batter in pans, blueberries folded in, baked layers cooling, and frosting the cake with blueberries on top.
- 1. Prep the pans.
Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment.
- 2. Mix the dry ingredients.
Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- 3. Cream butter and sugar.
Beat butter and sugar 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time.
- 4. Add lemon and dairy.
Mix in lemon zest and lemon juice. Add sour cream. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, mixing just until combined.
- 5. Fold in blueberries.
Toss blueberries with 1 Tbsp flour, then fold in gently. Pour into pans.
- 6. Bake and cool.
Bake 24–30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool fully.
- 7. Frost and assemble.
Beat frosting until smooth and fluffy. Frost between layers and all over. Top with blueberries and zest.
Tips for Perfect Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake
- Don’t overmix: Keeps the cake soft.
- Flour the blueberries: Helps prevent sinking.
- Cool completely: Warm cake melts frosting fast.
- Zest first: Zest lemons before juicing.
Variations & Substitutions
- Lemon raspberry: Swap blueberries for raspberries.
- Sheet cake: Bake in a 9×13-inch pan (check at 30–35 minutes).
- Lighter frosting: Use lemon buttercream instead of cream cheese frosting.
Make-Ahead & Freezing
- Fridge: Store frosted cake 3–4 days (covered).
- Freeze layers: Wrap cooled layers and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw, then frost.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Serve with fresh berries and coffee
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Perfect for showers and brunch tables
Reader Review
“Everyone thought this came from a bakery! The lemon flavor was so bright and the blueberries were perfect.”
Make it soon, and don’t forget to leave a rating, drop a comment, and share it with a friend. How would you customize your Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake?