Blueberry Lemon Sponge Cake is a delightful treat that perfectly balances the tartness of fresh blueberries with the zesty brightness of lemon. This cake has a rich history, often enjoyed during summer gatherings and family celebrations, where the vibrant colors and flavors reflect the joy of the season. I remember the first time I tasted this cake at a friend’s picnic; the light, airy texture combined with the sweet and tangy notes left a lasting impression on my palate.
People love Blueberry Lemon Sponge Cake not just for its delicious taste, but also for its versatility. It can be served as a light dessert after a hearty meal or enjoyed with a cup of tea in the afternoon. The sponge cake is incredibly easy to make, making it a go-to recipe for both novice and experienced bakers alike. Join me as we explore this scrumptious recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your home!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 cup fresh blueberries (plus extra for garnish)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for glaze, optional)
Preparing the Batter
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly and rises beautifully. 2. **Prepare the Baking Pan**: Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for easier removal later. I like to use a bit of butter to grease the pan, then dust it with flour, tapping out the excess. 3. **Mix Dry Ingredients**: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial as it helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents throughout the flour. 4. **Cream Butter and Sugar**: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. The air incorporated during this step will help your cake rise. 5. **Add Eggs and Flavorings**: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract and lemon zest. The zest adds a wonderful citrus aroma that complements the blueberries perfectly. 6. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients**: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients (dry-wet-dry). Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake. 7. **Fold in Blueberries**: Gently fold in the fresh blueberries using a spatula. I like to toss the blueberries in a little bit of flour before adding them to the batter. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake during baking.Cooking Process
8. **Pour Batter into Pan**: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Make sure its evenly distributed. 9. **Bake the Cake**: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time to avoid overbaking. 10. **Cool the Cake**: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This step is important to prevent the cake from becoming soggy.Assembling the Cake
11. **Prepare the Glaze (Optional)**: If you want to add a lemon glaze, mix the powdered sugar with lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more sugar or lemon juice as needed. The glaze adds a lovely shine and extra lemon flavor. 12. **Glaze the Cake**: Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top. You can use a spoon or a whisk to create a beautiful pattern. If you prefer, you can skip the glaze and simply dust the top with powdered sugar for a more classic look. 13. **Garnish**: For an extra touch, scatter a few fresh blueberries on top of the cake. This not only looks beautiful but also enhances the blueberry flavor. 14. **Slice and Serve**: Use a sharp knife to slice the cake into wedges. Serve it on a pretty plate, and if you like, pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.Storage Tips
15. **Storing Leftovers**: If you have any leftovers (which is rare because this cake is so delicious!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a
Conclusion:
In summary, this Blueberry Lemon Sponge Cake is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to indulge in a delightful dessert that perfectly balances sweetness and tartness. The light, airy sponge combined with the burst of fresh blueberries and zesty lemon creates a flavor profile that is simply irresistible. Whether you’re serving it at a summer gathering, a birthday celebration, or just as a sweet treat for yourself, this cake is sure to impress. For serving suggestions, I recommend dusting the top with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or pairing it with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of decadence. You can also experiment with variations by adding a hint of lavender or swapping out the blueberries for raspberries or strawberries, depending on your preference and whats in season. I encourage you to give this Blueberry Lemon Sponge Cake a try and share your experience with friends and family. I would love to hear how it turns out for you! Dont forget to snap a picture and tag me on social media so we can celebrate your baking success together. Happy baking! Print
Blueberry Lemon Sponge Cake: A Delightful Recipe for Every Occasion
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Blueberry Lemon Cake is a moist and fluffy dessert filled with fresh blueberries and a refreshing lemon flavor. It’s simple to make and perfect for any occasion, whether enjoyed plain or with a lemon glaze.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 cup fresh blueberries (plus extra for garnish)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for glaze, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, or line the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract and lemon zest.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the fresh blueberries, tossing them in a little flour beforehand to prevent sinking.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Mix powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth for a glaze (optional).
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake or dust with powdered sugar.
- Scatter fresh blueberries on top for garnish.
- Slice the cake into wedges and serve, optionally with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- For best results, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.
- The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
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