Lemon-Blueberry Sheet Cake: Zesty, Fruity, and Easy to Make
A dessert that shines at any gathering with harmonious tang and sweet, creamy frosting.
Lemon-Blueberry Sheet Cake: A Celebration of Citrus and Berry Flavors
If you’re searching for a dessert that perfectly balances tangy lemons and sweet blueberries, look no further than this Lemon-Blueberry Sheet Cake. Moist, flavorful, and draped with a swoon-worthy blueberry-lemon frosting, this cake is as vibrant in taste as it is in color. Thanks to its sheet pan preparation, it’s easy to slice and serve, making it ideal for potlucks, backyard cookouts, birthday parties, or any celebration where you want to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple: Requires basic pantry ingredients and an easy-to-follow mixing method.
- Flavorful: Packed with fresh lemon zest and juice for a real citrus punch.
- Fruity: Bursts of blueberries in every bite.
- Serve-a-Crowd: Baked in a sheet pan, yielding enough for everyone.
- Eye-Catching: Finished with a blueberry-speckled lemon frosting and fresh berries on top.
Ingredients Overview
This sheet cake includes a medley of classic ingredients, each serving a purpose in creating the cake’s signature moist crumb and bright flavor profile.
For the Cake
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure.
- Baking powder & baking soda: For the perfect rise and tender texture.
- Kosher salt: Balances sweetness.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and holds onto moisture; lemon zest is worked into it for max flavor.
- Lemon zest & juice: The cake’s bright, tangy heart; both add powerful lemon aromatics and acidity.
- Large eggs: Bind and add richness.
- Vegetable oil: Ensures extra moistness compared to butter cakes.
- Vanilla & lemon extracts: Enhance and round out the lemon profile.
- Buttermilk: Delivers subtle tang and a tender crumb.
For the Frosting
- Salted butter: Rich, creamy base.
- Blueberry preserves: Infuses the frosting with berry flavor and stunning color.
- Fresh lemon juice: Adds tartness for balance.
- Powdered sugar: For sweetness and silky texture.
- Fresh blueberries: For garnish and a burst of fresh berry flavor.
Step-By-Step Directions
1. Preparing the Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 13-by-18-inch rimmed baking sheet generously with cooking spray.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Infuse sugar with lemon: In a large bowl, combine sugar and lemon zest. Rub the zest into the sugar using your fingers to release the citrus oils, making the most of the lemon’s flavor.
- Add eggs to the sugar mixture and whisk until foamy and lighter in color (about 1-2 minutes).
- Incorporate wet ingredients: Whisk in oil, vanilla, lemon extract, and lemon juice.
- Combine dry and wet: Gradually add the flour mixture, alternating with buttermilk, whisking well after each addition, until just combined and smooth.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared baking sheet, spreading evenly to the edges.
- Bake on the middle rack for 16–18 minutes, or until the cake is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even cooking.
- Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, at least 1 hour before frosting.
2. Making the Blueberry-Lemon Frosting
- In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment (or a large bowl with a hand mixer), beat softened butter on medium speed until smooth (about 1 minute).
- Add blueberry preserves and lemon juice. Beat on low just to combine, then increase speed to medium and beat for 1–2 minutes until well mixed and lightly purple.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, beating on low until combined, then scrape down sides and increase speed to medium. Beat until the frosting is fluffy and smooth, about 3–4 minutes.
3. Frosting and Finishing the Cake
- Once the cake is cooled, spread the blueberry-lemon frosting evenly across the top using an offset spatula.
- Decorate with fresh blueberries scattered over the frosting. Additional lemon zest curls can be sprinkled for extra flair.
Expert Tips for Perfect Lemon-Blueberry Sheet Cake
- Use room temperature ingredients: Eggs, buttermilk, and butter blend better, creating a smoother cake and frosting.
- Don’t overmix: Whisk until just combined after each addition to keep the cake tender.
- Check for doneness: Every oven is different—bake until a toothpick comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
- Let the cake fully cool before frosting, or the frosting may melt and slide off.
- For best presentation, top just before serving so berries stay plump and fresh.
Serving Ideas and Storage Suggestions
- Serves a crowd: Perfect for gatherings or potlucks; cut into squares for easy serving.
- Presentation: Garnish with extra lemon zest curls and a light dusting of powdered sugar, or add edible flowers like pansies for a special touch.
- Store: Keep leftovers covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4–5 days.
- Make ahead: Bake the cake a day in advance, then frost before serving for maximum freshness.
What others are reading
Why This Cake Stands Out
This Lemon-Blueberry Sheet Cake joins the lineup of classics thanks to its:
- Effortlessly chic appearance—the marbled lavender of the blueberry preserves in the frosting is visually stunning.
- Fantastic flavor balance—the tart pop of lemon and the sweet, jammy blueberries never overwhelm; instead, they create harmonious bites.
- Versatility—enjoy it as a bright brunch treat, a sunny birthday dessert, or a sweet centerpiece at summer picnics.
Explore More Lemon-Blueberry Creations
If you’re smitten with this flavor combination, consider trying other crowd-pleasers such as:
- Lemon-blueberry pancakes—for a zesty breakfast twist.
- Blueberry-lemon sweet rolls—a brunch favorite with swirls of berry and citrus.
- Lemon-blueberry muffins—perfect for snacks or breakfast-on-the-go.
Each of these dishes captures the magic of lemon and blueberry in unique and irresistible ways.
Ingredient & Step Comparison Table
| Component | Ingredients | Key Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Cake | All-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, lemon zest/juice, eggs, oil, vanilla & lemon extracts, buttermilk | Whisk dry ingredients; infuse sugar with zest; whisk in wet ingredients; alternate flour and buttermilk; bake & cool |
| Frosting | Salted butter, blueberry preserves, lemon juice, powdered sugar | Beat butter; mix in preserves & juice; incorporate sugar gradually; beat until fluffy; spread on cooled cake |
| Toppings | Fresh blueberries, lemon zest | Sprinkle over frosted cake just before serving |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
A: Yes, frozen blueberries work; do not thaw before using to prevent excess bleeding. Toss them lightly in flour to reduce color transfer, then fold gently into the batter.
Q: What if I don’t have buttermilk?
A: For a quick substitute, mix 3/4 cup milk with 2 teaspoons lemon juice or white vinegar, stir, and let sit for five minutes before using.
Q: Can I make the cake ahead of time?
A: The cake can be baked a day ahead and stored (unfrosted) covered at room temperature. Frost and garnish just before serving for best results.
Q: Can I use a different size pan?
A: While the recipe is designed for a 13-by-18-inch sheet pan, you can use a 13-by-9-inch pan for a thicker cake. Adjust baking time as needed—typically 5-8 minutes longer.
Q: Is this cake suitable for freezing?
A: Yes! You can freeze the unfrosted cake, tightly wrapped in plastic and foil, for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature, then frost and top with berries before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon-Blueberry Sheet Cake has it all: bold flavor, convenience, and the power to delight a crowd. It’s sure to become a requested favorite wherever you bring it. The marriage of zesty lemon and juicy blueberries, finished with a creamy, fruit-tinged frosting, is one that will have guests reaching for seconds—and the recipe. Happy baking!
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a64272103/lemon-blueberry-sheet-cake-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a43428601/lemon-blueberry-cake-recipe/
- https://thiscelebratedlife.com/2020/06/lemon-blueberry-sheet-cake.html
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g64756898/lemon-blueberry-recipes/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g32005659/sheet-cake-recipes/
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