Delicious Lemon Blueberry Buttermilk Dessert Recipe

Welcome to a slice of sunshine on a plate with this delightful Lemon Blueberry Buttermilk Dessert recipe! Combining the zesty brightness of lemon with the juicy sweetness of blueberries, this moist and tender cake is a true crowd-pleaser for any spring or summer occasion. The tangy cream cheese frosting perfectly balances the fresh fruit flavors, making each bite a burst of deliciousness.

Crafted for a garden birthday party and now a staple in our home, this Lemon Blueberry Buttermilk Dessert has won over even the chocolate enthusiasts in my family. The secret lies in the buttermilk, a magical ingredient that adds a subtle complexity to the cake, making it a standout among desserts. As my grandmother used to say, buttermilk is the key to baking creations that leave everyone craving more.

Get ready to whip up a cake that will have your guests asking for seconds! The creamy frosting, infused with lemon extract for that extra citrus kick, complements the cake beautifully. Whether you’re serving this treat at a casual gathering or a formal affair, the Lemon Blueberry Buttermilk Dessert is sure to impress. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat the oven, and let’s bake up some sweet memories together!

Quick Benefits

• Tangy buttermilk adds a unique flavor profile and enhances the cake’s tenderness and moisture.
• Versatile recipe allows for customization with various berries or fruits, making it suitable for different seasons and occasions.
• Cream cheese frosting complements the bright citrus and blueberry flavors, striking a perfect balance of sweetness.
• Make-ahead and storage tips enable easy preparation for gatherings and ensure freshness for longer periods.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Lemon Blueberry Buttermilk Dessert Recipe Recipe

• Bright and Refreshing: The combination of zesty lemon and juicy blueberries creates a light and fresh dessert perfect for spring and summer gatherings.
• Tender and Moist Cake: The buttermilk in the cake batter contributes to its tenderness and moisture, making each bite delightful.
• Versatile and Customizable: You can easily switch up the fruits in this recipe to suit the season or your preferences, making it a go-to dessert all year round.
• Balanced Sweetness: The tangy cream cheese frosting complements the sweetness of the cake, adding a perfect balance of flavors.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This cake can be prepared in advance, making it a convenient option for entertaining or special occasions.
• Beautiful Presentation: Whether you’re serving this dessert at a casual gathering or a formal event, the cake’s elegant appearance will impress your guests.
• Family Favorite: Even those who aren’t typically fans of fruity desserts will love this cake, as it has won over even the most devoted chocolate lovers.

Ingredients for Delicious Lemon Blueberry Buttermilk Dessert Recipe

Lemon Blueberry Cake Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 3 cups blueberries (use frozen if desired, but do not thaw)
• 8 ounces buttermilk, slightly warmed
• 3 large eggs, slightly warmed
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour for dusting blueberries
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 12 ounces cake flour
• 3 ounces vegetable oil
• 8 ounces unsalted butter, softened but not melted
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons lemon extract
• 11 ounces granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon baking soda

Cream Cheese Frosting

• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon lemon extract
• 8 ounces unsalted butter, softened but not melted
• 32 ounces powdered sugar, sifted
• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened

Pro Tips for Delicious Lemon Blueberry Buttermilk Dessert Recipe

To make the perfect cream cheese frosting, ensure the cream cheese and butter are at the same temperature for a smooth blend. Beat them thoroughly before adding powdered sugar and lemon extract for a cohesive, tangy flavor profile. If the frosting is too soft for decorating, chill it briefly before use.

For longer storage, refrigerate the cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. To freeze the cake layers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, thawing them in the fridge before assembling. The cream cheese frosting can be made in advance and stored for up to 3 days, just let it come to room temperature and briefly beat it before frosting the cake.

Experiment with different fruits to create variations of this cake. In winter, frozen blueberries work great; try cranberries and orange zest for a festive twist. Fresh raspberries or blackberries can also be substituted. Serve with whipped cream and berries for a casual touch, or decorate with candied lemon slices and mint for an elegant presentation.

How to Make Delicious Lemon Blueberry Buttermilk Dessert Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the pans and preheat oven

Preheat the oven to 168º C (335º F) and grease three 6″x 2″ round cake pans or two 8″x 2″ pans.

Step 2: Prepare wet ingredients

Separate buttermilk into two containers. Add vegetable oil to one container and set aside. In the other container, combine eggs, lemon extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Whisk gently to mix and set aside.

Step 3: Mix dry ingredients

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine cake flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix on low speed.

Step 4: Incorporate butter

Gradually add softened butter to the dry ingredients on low speed, mixing until a coarse sand-like texture forms.

Step 5: Mix initial wet ingredients

Combine the buttermilk and oil mixture with the dry ingredients all at once. Mix on medium speed for 2 minutes to develop structure.

Step 6: Combine remaining wet ingredients

Scrape the bowl sides and mix in the remaining buttermilk mixture in three parts, scraping halfway through.

Step 7: Bake the cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans, filling them halfway. Tap the pans gently to remove air bubbles. Toss blueberries in flour and sprinkle them on top of the batter without mixing.

Step 8: Cool the cakes

After baking, gently tap the cakes on a countertop to release air and minimize shrinkage. Allow them to cool on a rack until barely warm before carefully inverting and removing from pans.

Step 9: Chill the cakes

Cover the cakes with plastic wrap and refrigerate or freeze for approximately 60 minutes to allow them to firm up for easier stacking.

Storage Tips

After preparing the Lemon Blueberry Buttermilk Dessert, you can store the finished cake at room temperature for up to 24 hours in an airtight container. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days in an airtight container. For extended storage, you can freeze the cake layers individually for up to 2 months. Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil before freezing. To thaw the frozen layers, place them in the refrigerator overnight before assembling the cake.

The cream cheese frosting can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Before using, allow the frosting to come to room temperature and briefly beat it to ensure a smooth consistency. When decorating the cake with the cream cheese frosting, if the consistency is too soft for piping, refrigerate it for about 20 minutes to firm up before decorating. This cake is versatile and pairs well with various berries or fruits, making it a delightful dessert option year-round. Whether served casually with whipped cream and fresh berries or elegantly adorned with candied lemon slices, this cake is sure to impress your guests at any gathering.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a measuring cup and filling it with milk to reach the 1-cup mark. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly. This homemade buttermilk alternative will work well in this lemon blueberry cake recipe to achieve the same tangy flavor and moist texture.

Feel free to experiment with different fruits in this cake. Instead of blueberries, you can try using raspberries, blackberries, or a combination of both for a unique twist. During the winter months when fresh berries are not readily available, frozen berries can be a suitable substitute. Just remember not to thaw them before adding to the batter to prevent excess moisture. Consider adjusting the amount of sugar slightly depending on the sweetness of the fruits you choose to maintain the overall balance of flavors in the cake.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, consider presenting this Lemon Blueberry Buttermilk Cake as a stacked naked cake, leaving the sides unfrosted to showcase the beautiful layers and vibrant blueberries peeking through. Top each layer with a generous dollop of lemon-infused whipped cream and a cascade of fresh blueberries for a rustic and elegant look. Serve slices with a side of lemon curd or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of flavors and textures that will impress your guests.

To elevate the presentation of this Lemon Blueberry Buttermilk Cake further, consider decorating the top with a delicate arrangement of edible flowers such as lavender, pansies, or violets. These colorful blooms will add a touch of whimsy and sophistication to your dessert table, making it a stunning centerpiece for any special occasion or celebration. Pair slices of the cake with a refreshing glass of sparkling lemonade or a floral-infused tea to create a memorable and Instagram-worthy dessert experience that will leave your guests in awe.

FAQs for Delicious Lemon Blueberry Buttermilk Dessert Recipe

Can I use frozen blueberries in this cake?

Yes, frozen blueberries work well in this cake. Just toss them in flour and add them to the batter without thawing.

What does buttermilk do in this cake?

Buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and helps make the cake tender and moist.

Should I do anything special when adding blueberries to the batter?

Toss the blueberries in a small amount of flour before sprinkling them on top of the cake batter.

Can I make the cakes in advance?

Yes, you can bake the cakes a day ahead, wrap them in plastic wrap, and store them in the fridge or freezer to preserve freshness.

Conclusion

I hope this Lemon Blueberry Buttermilk Dessert becomes a staple in your recipe collection, just as it has in mine. The combination of zesty lemon, juicy blueberries, and tangy buttermilk creates a cake that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to elegant events. The cream cheese frosting adds a delightful sweetness that complements the flavors beautifully.

Remember, you can always get creative with this recipe by trying different fruit combinations or seasonal variations. Whether you’re using fresh blueberries in the summer or frozen ones in the winter, this cake is sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family – they’ll be asking for seconds, guaranteed. Enjoy baking and indulging in this scrumptious Lemon Blueberry Buttermilk Dessert!