Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake
Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake is an easy, quick, and delicious dessert that shines at summer BBQs and casual gatherings. This moist cake combines the bright flavors of lemons with fresh blueberries, making it a perfect treat for all occasions. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this sheet cake’s light texture and zesty glaze will leave everyone wanting more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake can be made in just over an hour, making it an ideal choice for last-minute desserts.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a snack, dessert at a gathering, or even a breakfast treat. It fits perfectly into any meal plan!
- Bright Flavor Profile: The combination of lemon and blueberry provides a refreshing taste that’s sure to delight your palate.
- Easy to Customize: You can easily add more berries or adjust the sweetness according to your preference.
- Crowd-Pleasing Size: With 16 servings, this cake is perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather all necessary tools to ensure a smooth baking process. Having the right equipment makes preparation easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- 9×13 baking dish
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: This tool helps cream butter and sugar efficiently, ensuring a light and fluffy batter.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking success; these tools help achieve that precision.
Ingredients
Easy, quick, delicious – and perfect for everything from summer BBQs to tasty snacks!
For the Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, 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 tablespoon flour
For the 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 the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish and line it with parchment paper so there’s an overhang on the two long sides. This will make 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 using a hand mixer), cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk; mix on low until fully incorporated. Gradually add in the dry ingredients until no streaks of flour remain. Finally, mix in the lemon juice and zest gently before stirring in the blueberries with a spatula.
Step 3: Bake
Pour the cake batter into your 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.
Step 4: Add the Glaze
For the glaze, combine powdered sugar with lemon juice in a bowl until smooth. Pour this mixture over the cooled cake. Let it harden slightly before garnishing with fresh fruit if desired.
Now you have an enticing Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake that’s sure to be a hit!
How to Serve Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake
Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether it’s a summer barbecue, a birthday party, or a cozy family gathering, these serving suggestions will enhance your cake experience.
Individual Servings
- Serve each slice on a colorful plate for a festive touch.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra creaminess.
With Fresh Fruits
- Pair with fresh blueberries or raspberries for added flavor and color.
- Slice some lemons to place alongside the cake for decoration.
As Part of a Dessert Table
- Include it in a dessert spread with other cakes and pastries.
- Offer small slices to encourage guests to try multiple desserts.
With Beverages
- Serve with iced tea or lemonade to complement the citrusy flavors.
- Pair with coffee or herbal tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
For Celebrations
- Top with candles for special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries.
- Garnish with mint leaves for an elegant presentation.
How to Perfect Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake
To ensure your Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake turns out perfectly every time, follow these handy tips.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your butter, eggs, and buttermilk sit out before mixing. This creates a smoother batter and better texture.
- Gently Fold in Blueberries: Avoid overmixing when adding blueberries. This helps keep them intact and prevents the batter from turning blue.
- Check Doneness Early: Start checking your cake at 35 minutes. Ovens can vary, so adjust accordingly to avoid overbaking.
- Cool Completely Before Glazing: Allow the cake to cool fully before adding the glaze. This prevents it from melting into the cake and ensures a nice finish.
Best Side Dishes for Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake
Pairing side dishes with your Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake can create a balanced dessert experience. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and complements the citrus notes of the cake.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess of vanilla ice cream provides a rich contrast against the tangy lemon flavor.
- Lemon Sorbet: A refreshing sorbet enhances the lemon taste while keeping things light and zesty.
- Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese; they offer a savory balance to the sweetness of the cake.
- Nuts and Dried Fruits: A selection of nuts, like almonds or walnuts, mixed with dried fruits can provide crunch and additional flavor profiles.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy option that pairs well with dessert flavors.
- Chocolate Fondue: For chocolate lovers, offering fondue allows guests to dip fruit slices, enhancing their dessert choices.
- Tea Selection: A variety of herbal teas can complement the cake’s flavors while providing warm comfort.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common pitfalls can make your Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake turn out perfectly every time.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Always use the correct measuring cups and spoons. Baking is a science, and even a slight variation can affect your cake’s texture.
- Skipping the parchment paper: Forgetting to line your baking dish can lead to sticking. Use parchment paper for easy removal of the cake after baking.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can make your cake dense. Mix until just combined to keep it light and fluffy.
- Not letting the cake cool completely: Drizzling glaze on a warm cake can cause it to melt away. Ensure the cake is fully cooled for the best results.
- Using old baking powder or soda: Expired leavening agents won’t provide proper rise. Check expiration dates to ensure freshness for a fluffy cake.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Keep it covered to maintain freshness and moisture.
Freezing Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil for up to 3 months.
- Thaw in the refrigerator before serving for best texture.
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 skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake.
Can I use frozen blueberries for Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries! Just toss them in flour before adding them to the batter to prevent them from sinking.
How do I know when my Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake is done?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs but not wet batter.
Can I customize my Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake?
Absolutely! You can add nuts or other fruits like raspberries or blackberries for added flavor and texture.
What should I serve with Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake?
This delightful cake pairs well with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or fresh fruit on the side.
Final Thoughts
The Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake is an easy and delicious dessert perfect for any occasion. Its bright flavors and moist texture make it a favorite among family and friends. Feel free to customize it with different fruits or toppings to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a slice of joy!
Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 16 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake is a refreshing and delightful dessert that captures the essence of summer in every bite. This moist cake features the zesty brightness of lemons paired with juicy blueberries, making it an ideal treat for gatherings, BBQs, or just to satisfy your sweet cravings. Easy to prepare and perfect for sharing, this sheet cake will be a showstopper at any occasion. With its light texture and tangy glaze, it’s no wonder everyone will be coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, 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
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish and line it with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar together until fluffy. Add eggs, buttermilk, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and zest; mix well.
- Gradually add dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in blueberries gently.
- Pour batter into prepared dish and bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely before glazing with powdered sugar mixed with lemon juice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
