Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake

Easy, quick, and absolutely delicious, this Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake is perfect for any occasion, from summer BBQs to tasty afternoon snacks. The light and zesty flavors of lemon paired with fresh blueberries create a delightful treat that everyone will love. With its simple preparation and stunning presentation, this cake is sure to be a standout at your next gathering!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe takes just 20 minutes to prep, making it perfect for last-minute dessert needs.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a dessert at parties or enjoy it as a sweet snack throughout the day.
• Refreshing Flavor: The combination of lemon and blueberries offers a bright, refreshing taste that’s ideal for warm weather.
• Easily Scalable: You can easily adjust the recipe for larger gatherings or smaller family meals by changing the baking dish size.
• Perfectly Moist Texture: Buttermilk keeps the cake moist and tender, ensuring every bite is delicious.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake, gather the necessary tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your process and make baking easier.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar easy and ensures a light, fluffy texture.
• Mixing bowls: Helps in separating dry and wet ingredients for better mixing.
• Spatula: Perfect for gently folding in blueberries without breaking them.

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

Fruit Addition

• 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries, tossed with 1 Tbs flour

Glaze Ingredients

• 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 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 sugar and butter until light and fluffy.

Add in the eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk. Mix on low until fully incorporated. Gradually add in the dry ingredients until no streaks of flour remain. Finally, mix in the lemon juice and zest. Gently fold in the blueberries using a spatula.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the cake batter into your prepared baking dish. Bake for about 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs attached. Allow the cake to cool completely before serving.

Step 4: Prepare the Glaze

For the glaze, combine powdered sugar with lemon juice in a mixing bowl. Once your cake has cooled down, pour this glaze over it. Let it harden slightly before garnishing with fresh fruit to serve!

How to Serve Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake

Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake is a delightful dessert that can be served in various ways. Whether for a family gathering or a casual afternoon treat, these serving suggestions will enhance your cake experience.

Classic Slice

• Serve a classic slice of the Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake on its own to enjoy its moist texture and zesty flavor.

With Fresh Berries

• Top each slice with fresh blueberries and lemon slices for an added burst of flavor and a beautiful presentation.

A La Mode

• Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a creamy contrast that complements the tangy lemon perfectly.

Drizzled with Extra Glaze

• For those who love sweetness, drizzle some extra lemon glaze over the top before serving to enhance the lemony taste.

Pair with Whipped Cream

• A dollop of freshly whipped cream can add a light, airy touch that balances the richness of the cake.

Coffee or Tea Companion

• Serve alongside a cup of coffee or tea as an afternoon snack; the flavors pair wonderfully for a cozy break.

Pin for later!

How to Perfect Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake

To ensure your Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow butter, eggs, and buttermilk to reach room temperature for better mixing and texture.

• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until incorporated to avoid tough cake. Gently fold in blueberries to maintain their shape.

• Check Doneness Early: Start checking for doneness at 35 minutes; ovens vary, and you want it perfectly moist.

• Cool Completely Before Glazing: Let the cake cool completely before adding glaze; this prevents melting and ensures it sets nicely.

• Store Properly: Keep leftovers covered at room temperature or refrigerate if needed. It’s best enjoyed within 3-4 days!

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake

When serving Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake, consider pairing it with complementary side dishes that enhance its flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with honey and granola for a healthy balance alongside your sweet dessert.

2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits can provide a light contrast to the rich cake.

3. Cheese Platter: Serve with soft cheeses like goat cheese or cream cheese for an elegant touch that pairs well with lemon.

4. Pineapple Salsa: A vibrant pineapple salsa brings tropical notes that will brighten up your dessert table.

5. Roasted Nuts: Simple roasted nuts like almonds or pecans add crunch and serve as a savory counterpoint to sweetness.

6. Herbal Tea: Offer herbal teas such as chamomile or mint, which can cleanse the palate after enjoying your cake.

7. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These make for a fancy addition that adds both elegance and indulgence to your serving options.

8. Coconut Macaroons: Chewy coconut macaroons can complement the citrus notes beautifully while providing texture variety.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake, it’s easy to miss a step or make a small error. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Not measuring ingredients properly: Accurate measurements are key for a successful cake. Use dry measuring cups for flour and sugar, and liquid measuring cups for buttermilk.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined to maintain lightness.
• Failing to prep the baking dish: Skipping greasing and lining the pan can cause sticking. Always prepare your baking dish for easy removal.
• Using old ingredients: Expired baking powder or stale flour can affect rising and flavor. Check expiration dates before starting.
• Not cooling the cake completely before glazing: Glazing on a warm cake can make it runny. Ensure the cake is fully cooled for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• If glazed, it’s best to place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake

• Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 20-30 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a pan over low heat, cover, and warm slowly until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use frozen blueberries in Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just toss them with flour before adding them to the batter; this prevents them from sinking.

How do I know when my Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake is done?

Check if a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs but no wet batter. This typically takes about 40-45 minutes at 350°F.

What variations can I try with this Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake?

You can add poppy seeds for extra texture or substitute raspberries instead of blueberries for a different flavor.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour. Adjustments may be necessary depending on the blend used.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or needing a quick snack, this recipe delivers bright flavors that everyone will love. Feel free to customize it with your favorite berries or add a sprinkle of nuts for an extra crunch!