Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake

This refreshing Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake is the perfect treat for any occasion! With a light, fluffy texture, fresh blueberries, and a sweet, tangy lemon glaze, it’s a delightful dessert that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, a casual get-together, or just craving a zesty dessert, this cake is an easy-to-make crowd-pleaser that will brighten up any table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake is the ideal balance of citrusy sweetness and berry goodness. The cake itself is incredibly light and fluffy, while the lemon glaze adds a refreshing burst of tartness. The addition of fresh blueberries provides juicy pops of flavor throughout each bite. It’s simple to prepare, bakes in one pan, and the bright, tangy glaze on top makes it extra special. Whether for a summer picnic or a sweet treat after dinner, this cake will definitely become a favorite!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 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 tablespoon flour

For the Glaze:

• 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar

• 1/3 cup lemon juice

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the two long sides for easy removal of the cake.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:

In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 4-5 minutes.

4. Add Wet Ingredients:

Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk to the butter mixture. Mix on low speed until just incorporated.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until no streaks of flour remain. Stir in the lemon juice and zest for a fresh citrusy flavor.

6. Add 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.

7. Bake the Cake:

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.

8. Make the Glaze:

In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar and lemon juice. Stir until smooth and creamy.

9. Glaze the Cake:

Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. Allow the glaze to harden before cutting.

10. Serve:

Garnish with fresh fruit, such as more blueberries or lemon slices, and serve! Enjoy your delicious and refreshing Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cooking Time: 45 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

• Servings: 16 servings

Variations

• Berry Mix: Swap the blueberries for a mix of raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries for a colorful and berry-packed twist.

• Lemon Frosting: If you prefer a thicker topping, you can substitute the glaze with a lemon buttercream or cream cheese frosting.

• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free.

• Lemon Curd: Add a layer of lemon curd between the cake and the glaze for extra tanginess and richness.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

• Reheating: This cake is best served at room temperature. If refrigerated, let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries, but make sure to toss them in flour before folding them into the batter to prevent them from bleeding into the cake.

2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the cake a day ahead. Just be sure to let it cool completely before adding the glaze, and keep it covered in the refrigerator.

3. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute with whole milk and add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic the acidity of buttermilk.

4. How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. It should be golden brown on top.

5. Can I make the glaze thicker or thinner?

If you want a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar. For a thinner glaze, add a little more lemon juice, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches the consistency you prefer.

6. Can I use a different flavor for the glaze?

Yes, you can experiment with different fruit juices like orange juice or even a berry puree for a fun twist on the glaze.

7. Can I add more lemon flavor to the cake?

If you love lemon flavor, you can add extra lemon zest to the batter or use lemon extract for an even more intense lemon taste.

8. Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake without the glaze. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving, then drizzle the glaze on top.

9. How do I prevent the blueberries from sinking?

Tossing the blueberries with flour before adding them to the batter helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake during baking.

10. Can I use a different pan size?

If you want a thicker or thinner cake, you can use a different pan size, but make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly. A larger pan will make the cake thinner and may need less baking time.

Conclusion

This Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake is a delightful, refreshing treat that brings together the perfect balance of tart lemon and sweet blueberries. Whether you serve it at a party, a casual gathering, or just as an afternoon snack, this cake is sure to be a hit. With its light texture, vibrant flavor, and delicious glaze, it’s a perfect dessert for any occasion!

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