Oh, how I love the moment this lemon blueberry cream cake comes out of the oven! The scent of tangy lemon zest and sweet blueberries fills my kitchen, and I can never resist sneaking a warm bite straight from the pan. This cake became my signature dessert after I accidentally made it for my best friend’s birthday—now she requests it every year. What makes it special? That perfect balance of moist, fluffy cake with pockets of juicy blueberries, all wrapped in a cloud of lightly sweetened cream. It’s sunshine on a plate, I tell you!
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Blueberry Cream Cake
Trust me, this isn’t just any cake—it’s the one you’ll crave all summer (and let’s be real, in January too). Here’s why:
- Effortless elegance: No fancy techniques—just simple steps for a showstopper dessert
- That perfect bite: Tangy lemon and sweet blueberries play together like old friends
- The cloud-like frosting: Whipped cream lets the fruit flavors shine instead of smothering them
- No waiting around: From mixing bowl to table in under an hour (minus chilling time—we’ll talk about that later)
I’ve made this for bridal showers, potlucks, and “just because” Tuesday nights—it never disappoints.
Ingredients for Lemon Blueberry Cream Cake
Gather these goodies—and yes, every single one matters! I learned the hard way that cold eggs make dense cakes, and frozen blueberries turn batter gray. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled—don’t pack it!)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for that golden crumb)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (leave it out for 30 minutes—it should dent when pressed)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature (trust me, they blend smoother)
- 1 cup whole milk (low-fat works, but whole makes it extra tender)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (from about 2 lemons—get that yellow part only!)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (bottled lacks that bright punch)
- 1 cup fresh blueberries (frozen will bleed—save those for muffins)
- 1 tsp baking powder + 1/2 tsp baking soda (the rise dream team)
- 1/4 tsp salt (balances the sweetness)
- 1 cup heavy cream (cold, straight from the fridge)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for the frosting—sift it to avoid lumps)
See? Nothing weird—just pantry staples prepped the right way. Now let’s make magic!
Equipment Needed
You probably have most of these in your kitchen already! Here’s what I grab before starting:
- Two 8-inch cake pans (light-colored metal works best for even browning)
- Mixing bowls (one large, one medium—glass or stainless steel)
- Electric mixer (hand or stand—your arms will thank you)
- Rubber spatula (for folding in those precious blueberries)
- Measuring cups & spoons (precision is key!)
Nice-to-haves: Microplane zester for fluffy lemon zest, sieve for dusting powdered sugar, and a cake tester if you’re fancy. But honestly? A toothpick works just fine!
How to Make Lemon Blueberry Cream Cake
Okay, let’s get baking! This cake comes together like a dream if you follow these simple steps. I promise, it’s easier than it looks—just take your time and enjoy the process. That lemony aroma filling your kitchen? Pure happiness.
Preparing the Cake Batter
First things first—cream that butter and sugar like you mean it! I use my trusty hand mixer on medium until it’s light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. This step builds structure, so don’t rush it. Add eggs one at a time, letting each fully incorporate before adding the next. Now, the star of the show: zest and juice! I fold in the lemon zest first (oh, that yellow confetti!), then drizzle in the juice while mixing on low. Alternate between adding the dry ingredients and milk, starting and ending with flour—this keeps the batter smooth. Finally, gently fold in those blueberries with a spatula (I give them a quick toss in flour first to prevent sinking). Batter done!
Baking and Cooling
Divide that beautiful batter evenly between your prepared pans (I use a scale to be precise). Pop them in the center rack of your preheated oven. Set your timer for 25 minutes, but don’t wander off! Ovens vary, and mine usually needs the full 30. The cakes are done when they’re golden, spring back when touched, and a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Let them cool in pans for 10 minutes—this prevents sticking—then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. No cheating on this step! Warm cakes melt frosting into a sad puddle.
Making the Cream Frosting
Here’s my favorite part—that dreamy whipped cloud! Chill your bowl and beaters for 10 minutes first (cold tools = better peaks). Pour in the heavy cream and whip on medium-high until soft peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar, then crank up the speed until stiff peaks hold their shape when you lift the beaters. Taste it—that’s the cook’s reward! Spread it thick between layers and swirl it on top. Pop the whole cake in the fridge for at least an hour to set. The wait is torture, but oh, it’s worth it.
Tips for Perfect Lemon Blueberry Cream Cake
After making this cake more times than I can count, here are my hard-won secrets for absolute perfection every time:
- Flour those berries! Tossing blueberries in a spoonful of flour before folding them in prevents the dreaded “bottom-of-the-pan blueberry sinkage” (we’ve all been there).
- Patience with ingredients—room temp eggs and butter blend smoother, creating that signature fluffy texture. Cold equals dense!
- Mix with a light hand—stop stirring as soon as the flour disappears. Overmixed batter makes tough cakes.
- Zest first, juice after—always zest lemons before juicing them (trying to zest a limp, juiced lemon is comedy gold, but messy).
- Watch that oven—check at 25 minutes, but don’t panic if it needs 30. Every oven has its own personality!
Follow these, and you’ll have a cake that makes people ask, “Wait—you made this yourself?!”
Serving and Storage
Here’s the fun part—digging in! I always serve this beauty chilled straight from the fridge—that cream frosting holds its shape beautifully when cold. Slice with a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean cuts. Leftovers? (As if!) Store them covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. The lemon flavor actually gets better overnight—if you can resist that long!
Lemon Blueberry Cream Cake Variations
Oh, the fun you can have with this recipe! Here are my favorite twists that keep things exciting:
- Berry swap: Raspberries give a gorgeous pink hue and tart kick—just reduce to 3/4 cup since they’re juicier
- Citrus twist: Lime zest and juice instead of lemon for a tropical vibe (perfect with coconut flakes sprinkled on top!)
- Lighter frosting: Swap whipped cream for Greek yogurt sweetened with honey—still creamy but tangier
- Tea time: Add 1 tbsp dried lavender to the batter for a floral note that pairs beautifully with lemon
The base recipe is your playground—make it yours!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on what’s in each slice—but remember, these are estimates based on my exact ingredients! Your results may vary slightly depending on brands and berry sizes. One generous slice (about 1/8th of the cake) clocks in at roughly:
- 380 calories
- 28g sugar (mostly from those sweet blueberries and a touch of powdered sugar)
- 18g fat (the good kind from butter and cream)
- 50g carbs (worth every bite!)
Now go enjoy that cake—life’s too short to count every blueberry!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Oh honey, I’ve tried—and while it works in a pinch, frozen berries tend to bleed color and make the batter soggy. If you MUST use frozen, don’t thaw them first, toss in extra flour, and expect a denser cake. But trust me, fresh is worth the extra trip to the store!
How long does this cake keep in the fridge?
It stays dreamy for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The whipped cream frosting holds up beautifully when chilled. Pro tip: If it lasts that long (ha!), the lemon flavor actually gets more pronounced by day two!
Can I make this cake ahead for a party?
Absolutely! Bake the layers a day early, wrap them tightly in plastic once cooled, and frost the next day. The unfrosted cakes actually stay moister this way. Just don’t assemble with whipped cream more than 4 hours before serving—we want those peaks perky!
My blueberries sank to the bottom—what did I do wrong?
Welcome to the club! Next time, toss those berries in a tablespoon of flour before folding them in—it creates a protective coating. Also, make sure your batter isn’t too thin (properly creamed butter helps). And resist overmixing after adding berries!
Share Your Creation
I’d love to see your masterpiece! Snap a photo and leave a comment—let’s celebrate your baking win together!
PrintIrresistible Lemon Blueberry Cream Cake Recipe in 30 Minutes
A moist and fluffy lemon blueberry cake layered with creamy frosting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch cake pans.
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
- Add lemon zest and juice. Gradually mix in dry ingredients alternating with milk.
- Fold in blueberries. Divide batter evenly between pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool cakes completely.
- Whip heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Spread frosting between layers and on top.
- Chill for 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- Use room-temperature ingredients for best results.
- Toss blueberries in flour to prevent sinking.
- Store refrigerated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 85mg