Blueberry Lemon Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

This Blueberry Lemon Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect balance of zesty lemon and sweet, juicy blueberries, topped with a rich and creamy frosting that makes every bite irresistible. The cake is tender, moist, and bursting with fresh flavors, while the frosting adds a luxurious finish. Whether for a special occasion or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this cake will surely impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines the bright, citrusy notes of lemon with the natural sweetness of blueberries, creating a delightful contrast that is both refreshing and indulgent. The cream cheese frosting brings a tangy richness that complements the cake perfectly. It’s simple to make, yet elegant enough to serve at any gathering.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• Cake Flour: 200 g (1 3/4 cups)
• Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
• Unsalted Butter: 110 g (1/2 cup), softened
• Vegetable Oil: 40 g (3 tablespoons)
• Granulated Sugar: 200 g (1 cup)
• Milk: 120 g (1/2 cup)
• Lemon Juice: 30 g (2 tablespoons)
• Eggs: 2 large
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
• Lemon Zest: 1 teaspoon (optional, for extra lemon flavor)
• Blueberries: 200 g (1 cup), fresh or frozen

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• Cream Cheese: 120 g (1/2 cup), softened
• Whipping Cream: 300 g (1 1/4 cups)
• Icing Sugar: 60 g (1/2 cup)
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
• Salt: A pinch

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 360
• Protein: 4 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Dietary Fiber: 1 g
• Sugars: 28 g
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg
• Sodium: 180 mg

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

1. Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). Ensure your oven rack is in the center position for even baking.
2. Grease and line a 9 x 11 inch (23 x 28 cm) baking pan with parchment paper. This will help the cake release easily once baked.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the vegetable oil and mix well until combined.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated.
5. Mix in the vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest (if using). The zest will add a more pronounced lemon flavor to the cake.
6. Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the batter, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
7. Gently fold in the blueberries with a spatula, being careful not to crush them. If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them before adding to the batter.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

1. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Use a spatula to smooth the top.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This helps the cake set and makes it easier to frost.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Make sure there are no lumps.
2. Add the whipping cream, icing sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
3. Beat on medium-high speed until the frosting is light, fluffy, and holds stiff peaks. Be careful not to overbeat, as the frosting can become too stiff.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

1. Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using an offset spatula.
2. Cut the cake into slices and serve.

Tips for the Best Blueberry Lemon Cake

• Coat Blueberries in Flour: Toss the blueberries in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter to prevent them from sinking to the bottom.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemons and high-quality vanilla extract will make a noticeable difference in flavor.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter frosting, add more icing sugar to taste.

Variations to Try

• Add a Streusel Topping: For extra texture and flavor, sprinkle a streusel made of flour, butter, sugar, and lemon zest on top of the cake before baking.
• Switch Fruits: Substitute blueberries with raspberries, blackberries, or chopped strawberries for a different berry flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour to make this cake suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

This Blueberry Lemon Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will have everyone coming back for seconds. It’s a perfect dessert for gatherings, birthdays, or just because you deserve a treat. Enjoy every luscious bite!