Description
A vibrant Mediterranean-inspired dessert that pairs the brightness of fresh lemon with juicy blueberries. This layered cake features a remarkably soft, silk-like crumb achieved through a blend of buttermilk and sour cream.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon flour (for tossing berries)
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Buttermilk
- Vegetable oil
- Sour cream
- Fresh lemon juice
- Fresh lemon zest
- Vanilla extract
- Unsalted butter (softened)
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Powdered sugar
- Brick-style cream cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare three 8-inch round cake pans with nonstick spray and parchment paper circles.
- In a small bowl, toss the fresh blueberries with one tablespoon of flour until evenly coated.
- Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a large mixing bowl until unified.
- In a separate vessel, whisk together the buttermilk, oil, sour cream, lemon juice, and vanilla until smooth.
- Cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and lemon zest in a stand mixer for 4 to 5 minutes until pale and fluffy.
- Integrate the eggs one at a time, scraping down the bowl after each addition to maintain a smooth emulsion.
- Alternately add the dry and wet ingredients in three parts on low speed, starting and ending with the flour mixture.
- Spread a thin layer of plain batter into the pans, then fold blueberries into the remaining batter and divide among the pans; bake for 28-33 minutes.
- Make the frosting by beating butter and powdered sugar, then streaming in lemon juice and zest before mixing in cubed cream cheese.
- Level the cooled cakes, apply frosting between layers and a crumb coat, then finish with a final thick layer of lemon cream cheese frosting.
Notes
For the perfect emulsion, ensure your eggs and buttermilk are brought to room temperature before mixing to prevent the butter from seizing. Always use fresh citrus rather than bottled juice to maintain the vibrant floral notes of the lemon. If your frosting seems too soft during assembly, chill it for 15 minutes to firm up the fats for a more stable structure.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean