Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake
Easy, quick, and delicious, Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake is perfect for everything from summer BBQs to tasty snacks! This delightful dessert combines the refreshing zest of lemons with juicy blueberries, making it a standout choice for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, this cake is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and easy preparation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright Flavor: The combination of lemon and blueberries creates a refreshing taste that brightens any meal.
- Simple Preparation: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, this recipe is ideal for bakers of all skill levels.
- Versatile Serving Options: Great as a dessert, snack, or even breakfast treat; serve it warm or chilled.
- Perfect for Gatherings: This sheet cake can easily feed a crowd, making it perfect for parties or family gatherings.
- Delicious Glaze: The simple lemon glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness that elevates the dish.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. The right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: These tools make creaming butter and sugar faster and easier, allowing for a lighter cake texture.
- Rubber spatula: Perfect for gently folding in blueberries without breaking them, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.
Ingredients
Easy, quick, delicious – and perfect for everything from summer BBQs to tasty snacks!
Ingredients:
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 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
– 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries, tossed with 1 Tbs flour
– 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
– 1/3 cup lemon juice
How to Make Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish and line it with parchment paper so there’s an overhang over the two long sides of the pan. This makes removing the cake much easier!
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 use a hand mixer), cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add in the vanilla extract and buttermilk, mixing on low until combined. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients until no streaks of flour remain. Finally, mix in the lemon juice and zest before gently stirring in the blueberries with a spatula.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour the cake batter into your prepared baking dish. Bake for about 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Allow it to cool completely in the dish; you can lift it out before drizzling if you prefer!
Step 4: Make the Glaze
For the glaze, combine powdered sugar with lemon juice in a bowl until smooth. Pour it over your cooled cake. Let it sit to harden slightly before garnishing with fresh fruit if desired. Serve up slices of your delightful Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake!
How to Serve Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake
Serving your Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake can elevate any gathering or occasion. This delightful dessert pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments that enhance its fresh flavors.
With Fresh Whipped Cream
- Light and airy, whipped cream adds a creamy texture that complements the cake’s citrus notes.
On a Bed of Fresh Berries
- Serve slices on a plate with an assortment of fresh berries for an extra burst of flavor and color.
Pairing with Ice Cream
- A scoop of vanilla or lemon sorbet creates a delightful contrast to the moist cake, perfect for warm days.
Garnished with Mint Leaves
- Adding fresh mint leaves not only enhances presentation but also provides a refreshing herbal note.
Drizzled with Extra Glaze
- For those who love sweetness, an additional drizzle of glaze brings an extra layer of lemony goodness.
Accompanied by Tea or Coffee
- Enjoying the cake with a cup of tea or coffee makes for a comforting afternoon treat.
How to Perfect Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake
To ensure your Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake turns out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow butter, eggs, and buttermilk to reach room temperature; this helps create a smooth batter and better rise.
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Don’t Overmix: Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake texture.
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Check Oven Temperature: An oven thermometer can help you ensure your oven is at the correct temperature, preventing underbaking or overbaking.
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Properly Measure Flour: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off. Avoid packing the flour down, which can lead to too much flour in your batter.
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Use Fresh Blueberries: Opt for fresh blueberries for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen ones, do not thaw them prior to mixing.
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Cool Completely Before Glazing: Let the cake cool completely before adding the glaze; this ensures it doesn’t melt away and maintains its beautiful finish.
Best Side Dishes for Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake
Pairing side dishes with your Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some suggestions to consider:
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the cake.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and berries offers a creamy contrast that complements citrus flavors.
- Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a savory touch that pairs well with sweet desserts.
- Salad Greens: A light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette provides a zesty counterpoint to the cake’s sweetness.
- Pistachio Muffins: These nutty treats add crunch and richness that enhances each bite of cake.
- Lemonade Slushies: A cool beverage option that echoes the lemon flavor while keeping guests refreshed in warm weather.
- Roasted Nuts: A bowl of lightly salted roasted nuts offers great texture alongside sweet desserts.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These decadent bites introduce luxurious chocolate flavors that balance citrus notes perfectly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Skipping the Zest: Not using lemon zest can lead to a dull flavor. Always include both juice and zest for a vibrant taste.
- Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can make the cake tough. Stop mixing as soon as you see no flour streaks.
- Not Tossing Blueberries in Flour: Failing to coat blueberries in flour can cause them to sink. Toss them gently before adding to the batter.
- Ignoring Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can affect texture. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can result in uneven mixing. Allow them to come to room temperature before use.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Keep it covered with plastic wrap if not using a container.
Freezing Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake
- Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices for about 15-20 seconds for quick warming.
- Stovetop: Use a pan on low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes or until soft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake:
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just toss them in flour and add them directly to the batter without thawing.
How do I make this Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.
What’s the best way to serve Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake?
This cake is delightful when served chilled or at room temperature, often garnished with fresh fruit or whipped cream.
How long does the glaze take to harden?
The glaze usually takes about 30 minutes to set properly on the cooled cake.
Final Thoughts
Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake is not only easy and quick but also incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for summer BBQs, birthday parties, or simply as a delightful snack. Feel free to customize it by adding nuts or other berries for extra flavor!
Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 12 people 1x
Description
Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake is the ultimate dessert for any occasion, combining refreshing lemon zest with juicy blueberries for a delightful treat. This easy-to-make cake is perfect for summer BBQs, family gatherings, or simply enjoying a slice at home. With its vibrant flavors and simple preparation, it’s sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Drizzled with a luscious lemon glaze, this cake offers a light and moist texture that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup butter (2 sticks), softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- Juice and zest of 2 lemons
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries (tossed in flour)
- Powdered sugar for glaze
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In one bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla and buttermilk.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients until no flour streaks remain. Fold in lemon juice, zest, and blueberries.
- Pour batter into the prepared dish and bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before glazing with powdered sugar mixed with lemon juice.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
