Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake
Easy, quick, and delicious, Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake is the perfect treat for summer BBQs, birthday parties, or just a tasty snack. This cake combines zesty lemon and fresh blueberries, creating a delightful flavor that everyone will love. It’s simple to make and can be served as a centerpiece dessert or cut into smaller pieces for gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of lemon and blueberries creates a refreshing taste that is perfect for any occasion.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create this delightful cake without much effort.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a dessert or a sweet snack; it fits well into various settings and events.
- Quick Prep Time: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can have this cake ready to bake in no time.
- Generous Servings: This recipe yields 16 servings, making it ideal for parties or family gatherings.
Tools and Preparation
Before starting your baking adventure, gather essential tools to ensure a smooth process. Having the right equipment will make the preparation easier and more efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- 9×13 baking dish
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: This tool helps cream butter and sugar quickly, which is key for achieving a light texture in your cake.
- 9×13 baking dish: The perfect size for this sheet cake ensures even baking and easy serving.
- Parchment paper: Lining your baking dish with parchment makes it simple to remove the cake once it’s cooled.
Ingredients
Easy, quick, delicious – and perfect for everything from summer BBQs to tasty snacks!
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup butter (2 sticks), softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- Juice and zest of 2 lemons (about 1/4 cup lemon juice)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries, tossed with 1 Tbs flour
Glaze
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup lemon juice
How to Make Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish and line it with parchment paper. Leave an overhang on the two long sides of the pan; this will help you lift the cake out easily later.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
In a medium mixing bowl:
Whisk together the dry ingredients: flour through salt. Set aside.
In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer):
Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Pour in the buttermilk and vanilla extract; mix on low until incorporated.
Now add:
The dry ingredients gradually until no streaks of flour remain.
Finally:
Mix in the lemon juice and zest gently.
Carefully fold in the blueberries using a spatula.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour your batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake for about 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs. Allow the cake to cool completely before glazing.
Step 4: Glaze Your Cake
For the glaze:
Combine powdered sugar and lemon juice in a bowl until smooth.
Once cooled:
Pour the glaze over your cake evenly. Let it harden before garnishing with fresh fruit if desired. Serve and enjoy!
How to Serve Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake
Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re at a summer gathering or simply indulging at home, here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your experience.
With Whipped Cream
- Light and fluffy whipped cream adds a rich texture that complements the citrusy flavors of the cake.
Fresh Fruit Garnish
- Top each slice with fresh blueberries or lemon slices for an extra burst of freshness and color.
A Scoop of Ice Cream
- Serve warm slices alongside vanilla or lemon ice cream for a delicious contrast in temperature and flavor.
Dusting of Powdered Sugar
- A simple dusting of powdered sugar gives the cake an elegant finish, making it perfect for special occasions.
Lemon Zest Sprinkle
- Adding a sprinkle of lemon zest on top enhances the citrus aroma and brightens the presentation.
Glazed Serving
- For a decadent treat, drizzle extra glaze over individual slices just before serving for added sweetness.
How to Perfect Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake
Creating the perfect Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out wonderfully every time.
-
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature for better mixing and a lighter texture.
-
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix until just combined to avoid developing gluten, which can make the cake dense.
-
Toss Blueberries in Flour: Coating blueberries in flour before adding them to the batter helps prevent them from sinking during baking.
-
Check Doneness with Care: Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time to prevent overbaking.
-
Allow Cooling Time: Let the cake cool completely before glazing for the best presentation and texture.
-
Experiment with Flavor: Feel free to add lemon extract or other fruits for variations on this classic recipe.
Best Side Dishes for Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake
Pairing side dishes with your Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake can create a more rounded meal experience. Here are some delightful options to consider:
-
Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits like strawberries, melons, and kiwis provides a light contrast to the cake’s sweetness.
-
Greek Yogurt Parfait – Layer Greek yogurt with granola and more fresh blueberries for a healthy side that complements the cake’s flavor.
-
Pineapple Salsa – This sweet and tangy salsa adds an exciting twist that pairs well with the citrus notes in the cake.
-
Chilled Mint Tea – A refreshing mint iced tea can cleanse your palate between bites, enhancing the overall experience.
-
Cheese Platter – A selection of mild cheeses such as brie or goat cheese balances sweetness with creaminess.
-
Lemonade Spritzer – A sparkling lemonade drink provides a bubbly refreshment that matches perfectly with lemon flavors.
-
Granola Bars – Homemade granola bars offer a crunchy texture that pairs well with soft cake slices for an enjoyable snack option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking a Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake can be simple, but there are common mistakes you should avoid for the best results.
- Overmixing the batter: This can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep it light and fluffy.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using incorrect amounts can ruin your cake’s texture. Always use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
- Skipping the lemon zest: Zest adds a bright flavor that enhances the cake. Don’t skip it; it’s essential for that fresh lemon taste.
- Underbaking or overbaking: Baking time varies by oven; always check doneness with a toothpick. Aim for moist crumbs, not wet batter or dry cake.
- Using cold ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can affect mixing and texture. Let them sit at room temperature before starting.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- It will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
Freezing Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake
- Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 20-30 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place in a covered skillet on low heat for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake.
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen blueberries work well! Just ensure they are thawed and drained before adding them to the batter.
How do I make my Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake more lemony?
To boost the citrus flavor, increase the lemon juice and zest in both the batter and glaze.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
How should I serve Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake?
This sheet cake is delightful on its own, but you can serve it with whipped cream or ice cream for an extra treat!
Final Thoughts
Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake is an easy, delicious dessert perfect for any occasion. Its bright flavors make it great for summer gatherings, while its simple preparation means you can whip it up anytime. Feel free to customize it by adding different fruits or adjusting sweetness levels to suit your taste!
Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 16 1x
Description
Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake is a delightful dessert that perfectly balances zesty lemon and sweet blueberries, making it an ideal treat for summer gatherings or casual snacks. This easy-to-follow recipe allows even novice bakers to create a stunning centerpiece that will impress guests at BBQs, birthday parties, or any celebration. With its fluffy texture and refreshing flavors, this cake is not just a dessert; it’s a joyful experience that everyone will love. Serve it plain or elevate it with whipped cream, fresh fruit garnishes, or a drizzle of creamy glaze for an irresistible touch.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- Juice and zest of 2 lemons
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries (tossed with 1 Tbs flour)
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a mixer, cream together softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time.
- Mix in buttermilk and vanilla. Gradually incorporate dry ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in lemon juice, zest, and blueberries gently.
- Pour batter into the prepared dish and bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow cooling completely before glazing with a mixture of powdered sugar and lemon juice.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (90g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
