Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake

Easy, quick, and delicious, this Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake is a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or just looking for a tasty snack, this cake features the bright flavors of lemon and the sweetness of blueberries. It’s soft, moist, and topped with a zesty glaze that takes it to the next level. Perfect for sharing with friends and family, this cake will surely become your new go-to dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright Flavor: The combination of lemon juice and zest brings a refreshing taste to the cake.
• Easy Preparation: With simple steps, you can whip up this cake in no time.
• Versatile Serving: Ideal for parties, picnics, or as a sweet treat at home.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The mix of tangy lemon and sweet blueberries makes it universally loved.
• Great for Any Season: Enjoy it in summer or pair it with warm beverages in winter.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes baking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare your Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 9×13 baking dish
• Parchment paper
• Whisk
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: These ensure that your butter and sugar are creamed perfectly, resulting in a light texture.
• Mixing bowls: A must-have for combining ingredients easily without making a mess.
• Parchment paper: Helps prevent sticking, making it easy to lift out your cake after baking.

Ingredients

Easy, quick, delicious – and perfect for everything from summer BBQs to tasty snacks!

Dry Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 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

Blueberries & Glaze

• 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 that there’s an overhang on the two long sides of the pan. 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 use a hand mixer), cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract and buttermilk; mix on low until incorporated. Gradually add dry ingredients until no streaks of flour remain. Finally, mix in lemon juice and zest before gently stirring in blueberries with a spatula.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish. Bake for about 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Allow the cake to cool completely. You can lift it out of the pan before drizzling or leave it in the dish to serve.

Step 4: Prepare the Glaze

To make the glaze, combine powdered sugar with lemon juice in a bowl. Pour over the cooled cake once set. Let the glaze harden slightly before garnishing with fresh fruit.

This Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake is sure to impress! Enjoy every bite!

How to Serve Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake

Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just treating yourself, these serving suggestions will enhance your experience.

With Fresh Whipped Cream

• A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a light and airy touch to this delicious cake, balancing its sweetness.

Topped with Berries

• Garnish with additional fresh blueberries or sliced strawberries for an extra burst of flavor and color.

Accompanied by Ice Cream

• Serve with a scoop of vanilla or lemon sorbet for a refreshing dessert that complements the cake’s citrus notes.

Drizzled with Extra Glaze

• For those who love sweet glazes, drizzle some additional lemon glaze over each slice before serving for added sweetness and tanginess.

Paired with Lemonade

• Enjoy your slice alongside a glass of cold lemonade to amplify the refreshing lemon flavor.

Served at Room Temperature

• This cake is just as delicious served at room temperature, making it perfect for potlucks or picnics.

How to Perfect Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake

Perfecting your Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake can elevate it to the next level. Here are some helpful tips to ensure success.

• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Precision in measuring flour and sugar helps achieve the right texture and flavor balance.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature aids in proper mixing and results in a fluffier cake.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix until the ingredients are just combined to avoid a dense cake. Overmixing can lead to gluten development.
• Check Oven Temperature: An oven thermometer ensures correct baking temperatures. An overly hot oven may cause uneven baking.
• Cool Completely Before Glazing: Allow the cake to cool fully before adding the glaze; this prevents melting and ensures a beautiful finish.
• Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate to maintain freshness for several days.

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake

When serving Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake, consider pairing it with these delightful side dishes for an enhanced dining experience.

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
2. Green Salad: A simple green salad with vinaigrette offers a nice balance of flavors and textures.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses pairs well with the cake’s bright flavors, offering savory bites alongside sweet ones.
4. Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and fruit makes for an excellent breakfast option or light snack alongside dessert.
5. Honeyed Nuts: Sweetened nuts add crunch and depth, making them an enjoyable complement to the moist cake.
6. Chilled Tea: Iced herbal tea or mint tea enhances the refreshment factor while providing a soothing drink option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake can be a delightful experience, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using cold ingredients: Always ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter and better rise.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid adding too much flour, which can lead to a dense cake.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can develop gluten and make the cake tough.
• Ignoring baking time: Check for doneness with a toothpick around the 40-minute mark; every oven is different, and this ensures a perfectly baked cake.
• Skipping the glaze: The lemon glaze adds moisture and flavor—don’t skip it!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat slices for about 10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet on low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake:

Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just toss them in flour before adding them to the batter to prevent 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 clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with vinegar or lemon juice (1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice).

Can I customize this Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake recipe?

Absolutely! You can swap blueberries for other berries like raspberries or strawberries for different flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake is not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough for any occasion. Its bright flavor makes it perfect as a dessert or snack. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite fruits or adjusting the sweetness level. Give this delightful recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!