Description
This vibrant three-layer cake combines a tender, velvety crumb with the bright zest of fresh lemons and juicy blueberries. Topped with a tangy lemon buttercream and a natural blueberry reduction, it is the perfect centerpiece for any spring or summer gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
- 1/2 cup sour cream, room temperature
- 4 large egg whites, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose or cake flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, for frosting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease and flour three 6-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, sour cream, egg whites, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt, then beat in the softened butter until the mixture looks like damp sand.
- Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture on low speed, then increase to medium-low for 30 seconds before gently folding in the blueberries.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30 minutes or until the centers spring back when touched.
- Cool cakes in the pans for 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Simmer blueberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a pan until reduced by half, then strain through a sieve to create a smooth syrup.
- Prepare the buttercream by beating butter with confectioners’ sugar and lemon juice, then mix the cooled blueberry syrup into one cup of the frosting.
- Assemble the cake by piping a lemon buttercream ring on each layer, filling the center with blueberry frosting, and coating the exterior with the remaining lemon buttercream.
Notes
To ensure your cake layers are perfectly level without having to trim them, try using damp cake strips around the outside of your pans while baking. This encourages the cake to rise evenly across the top rather than doming in the center. Always use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled for the most authentic citrus flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 35 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American