This Blueberry Lemonade Buttermilk Cake is a refreshing and vibrant dessert that combines the tangy brightness of lemon with the sweet juiciness of blueberries. Made with buttermilk for a tender crumb and topped with a zesty lemonade glaze, this cake is perfect for brunches, potlucks, or afternoon tea. Light, moist, and bursting with flavor, it’s a treat you’ll want to make again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Bright & Refreshing: The combination of lemon and blueberries creates a perfectly balanced sweet-tart flavor.
- Moist & Tender: Buttermilk ensures a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this cake a breeze to prepare.
Ingredients (Serves 10–12):
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour 🌾
- 1½ tsp baking powder 🧂
- ½ tsp baking soda 🧂
- ½ tsp salt 🧂
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter , softened 🧈
- 1¼ cups granulated sugar 🫚
- 2 large eggs 🥚
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (from about 1 large lemon ) 🍋
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice 🍋
- ¾ cup buttermilk , room temperature 🥛
- 1½ cups fresh blueberries (or frozen, do not thaw ) 🫐
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (for tossing the blueberries ) 🌾
- 1 tsp vanilla extract 🌿
For the Lemonade Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar 🍬
- 2–3 tbsp fresh lemon juice 🍋
- Optional: Extra lemon zest for garnish 🍋
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare 🔥
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) .
- Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish , or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients 🥄
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour , baking powder , baking soda , and salt . Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar 🧈
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat for 2–3 minutes , until light and fluffy. This step is key to creating a soft and tender cake.
Step 4: Add Eggs, Lemon, and Vanilla 🍋
- Beat in the eggs , one at a time, until fully incorporated.
- Mix in the lemon zest , lemon juice , and vanilla extract until smooth and fragrant.
Step 5: Alternate Flour and Buttermilk 🥛
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions , alternating with the buttermilk . Start and end with the dry ingredients.
- Example: Add ⅓ of the dry ingredients, mix slightly, then add ½ of the buttermilk. Repeat, ending with the final ⅓ of the dry ingredients.
- Mix until just combined—do not overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
Step 6: Fold in Blueberries 🫐
- Toss the blueberries with 1 tablespoon of flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake.
- Gently fold the floured blueberries into the batter using a spatula.
Step 7: Bake the Cake ⏳
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes , or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before glazing.
Step 8: Cool and Glaze 🍋
- While the cake is still slightly warm, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2–3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the lemon juice to achieve your desired consistency.
- Drizzle the glaze generously over the cake.
- Optional: Sprinkle with extra lemon zest for a pop of color and added citrus aroma.
💡 Tips for Success:
- Frozen Blueberries: If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them before tossing with flour. This prevents them from bleeding into the batter.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days . Bring to room temperature before serving.
- Glaze Consistency: For a thicker glaze, use less lemon juice; for a thinner drizzle, add more.
⏰ Time Breakdown:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
📊 Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Makes 12):
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fat: 9g
This Blueberry Lemonade Buttermilk Cake is a delightful celebration of flavors, combining the tangy zest of lemon with the sweet burst of blueberries in every bite. Its moist crumb and luscious glaze make it a standout dessert for any occasion—or no occasion at all! Whether you’re serving it at a summer gathering or enjoying a slice with your morning coffee, this cake is sure to impress. Drizzle, slice, and savor the bright, citrusy goodness—it’s pure sunshine on a plate!