Description
This elegant three-layer cake combines a moist, tender crumb with the bright tang of fresh citrus and juicy, flour-dusted blueberries. Topped with a rich and silky lemon cream cheese frosting, it is a timeless dessert that celebrates the simple beauty of summer fruit.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for coating berries)
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Granulated sugar
- Fresh lemon zest
- Fresh lemon juice
- Buttermilk, room temperature
- Vegetable oil
- Sour cream
- Pure vanilla extract
- Large eggs, room temperature
- Powdered sugar
- Brick-style cream cheese, softened
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease three 8-inch round cake pans, lining the bottoms with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, toss 2 cups of blueberries with 1 tablespoon of flour to prevent them from sinking, then set aside.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
- In a separate container, whisk the buttermilk, oil, sour cream, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and lemon zest for 4-5 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well and scraping the sides of the bowl after each addition.
- On low speed, add the dry ingredients in three parts alternating with the buttermilk mixture in two parts, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
- Spread a thin layer of plain batter into the prepared pans, then fold the floured blueberries into the remaining batter and divide it among the pans.
- Bake for 28 to 33 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow cakes to cool in the pans for 20 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- To make the frosting, beat the butter and powdered sugar until smooth, then add lemon juice, zest, and cubed cream cheese, mixing until creamy.
- Assemble the cake by stacking layers with frosting, applying a thin crumb coat, chilling for 10 minutes, and then finishing with the remaining frosting.
Notes
For the best texture, ensure all your refrigerated ingredients like eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature before you begin mixing. This prevents the batter from curdling and ensures a smooth, even rise. If you find your frosting is becoming too soft to work with, chill it in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to firm up the cream cheese.
- Prep Time: 40 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American