Introduction
If you’re looking for a delightful treat that beautifully combines the tartness of lemon with the sweetness of blueberries, this cake recipe is a must-try. Moist and flavorful, this cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a summer gathering or a cozy afternoon at home. With a light glaze that adds just the right touch of sweetness, this blueberry lemon cake will surely be a hit.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Cake:
– 1 stick unsalted butter
– 1 tablespoon lemon zest
– ¾ cup sugar
– 1 egg (room temperature)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1¾ cups flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1½ cups blueberries (lightly tossed with a bit of flour)
– ½ cup plain yogurt
Glaze:
– ½ cup powdered sugar
– 2-4 tablespoons heavy cream
– Lemon zest for topping
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 55-60 minutes
Yield: 9 servings
Enjoy baking this delicious blueberry lemon cake and relish every bite of its tangy-sweet flavor!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare an 8×8 inch pan by applying non-stick spray to ensure easy release of the cake after baking.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, add 1 stick of unsalted butter, ¾ cup sugar, and 1 tablespoon of lemon zest. Beat together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Crack 1 egg (at room temperature) into the mixture and pour in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, combine 1¾ cups flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1 teaspoon salt. Mix these dry ingredients together thoroughly.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with ½ cup of plain yogurt. Mix until everything is fully combined.
Step 6: Fold in Blueberries
Gently fold in 1½ cups of blueberries that have been lightly tossed with a bit of flour to prevent them from sinking.
Step 7: Spread Batter in Pan
Transfer the thick batter into the prepared 8×8 inch pan, spreading it evenly.
Step 8: Add Sugar Topping
Sprinkle a little sugar on top of the batter to enhance the cake’s sweetness and create a nice crust.
Step 9: Bake the Cake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean.
Step 10: Cool the Cake
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before cutting into pieces and serving.
Step 11: Prepare the Glaze
In a small bowl, mix together ½ cup powdered sugar and 2-4 tablespoons of heavy cream. Start with 2 tablespoons of cream and adjust the amount until you reach your desired glaze consistency.
Step 12: Drizzle and Add Toppings
Drizzle the prepared glaze over the cooled cake. Finish by sprinkling additional lemon zest on top for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
Ingredient Tips
Ensure that the butter is at room temperature for easier creaming with sugar.
Blueberry Preparation
Tossing blueberries in a little flour helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake.
Checking for Doneness
Use a toothpick or cake tester to ensure the center is fully baked; if it comes out wet, bake for a few more minutes.
Adjusting the Glaze
The consistency of the glaze can be adjusted to your preference. For a thinner glaze, add more cream; for a thicker glaze, use less.
Cook techniques
Creaming
Creaming is a technique where butter and sugar are beaten together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, helping to leaven the cake and give it a tender texture.
Mixing Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually combining the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, and salt) with the wet ingredients (creamed butter, sugar, egg, vanilla, and yogurt) ensures that the mixture is evenly combined without overmixing, which can lead to a denser cake.
Folding
Gently incorporating the blueberries into the batter using a folding motion prevents them from breaking apart and ensures even distribution throughout the cake without deflating the batter.
Baking
Baking at the specified temperature of 350°F allows for even cooking and proper rising. Checking for doneness with a toothpick ensures that the cake is baked perfectly without being overdone or undercooked.
Making Glaze
To create a glaze, powdered sugar is mixed with heavy cream to achieve a drizzle-able consistency. Adjusting the amount of cream allows for control over the thickness of the glaze.
FAQ
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries, but it’s best to toss them in flour to prevent them from sinking in the batter and to adjust baking time as needed.
What can I substitute for plain yogurt?
You can substitute plain yogurt with sour cream or buttermilk, or a non-dairy alternative like almond yogurt.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If it comes out wet with batter, it needs more time.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
How should I store the leftover cake?
Leftover cake should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can freeze it for longer storage, just make sure it’s properly wrapped.
Conclusion
Enjoying this delightful blueberry lemon cake with its zesty glaze is a perfect way to brighten up any occasion. The combination of fresh blueberries and the refreshing hint of lemon zest in both the cake and the glaze creates a delightful balance of flavors. Serve this cake at gatherings, celebrations, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy at home.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Mixed Berry Yogurt Cake
Substitute blueberries with a mix of strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries for a colorful twist.
Chocolate Chip Lemon Cake
Add chocolate chips to the cake batter for a rich, sweet contrast to the zesty lemon flavor.
Coconut Cream Glaze
Replace heavy cream in the glaze with coconut cream to infuse a tropical flavor.
Banana Blueberry Cake
Incorporate mashed ripe bananas into the batter for added moisture and sweetness alongside the blueberries.
Lemon Poppy Seed Variation
Add poppy seeds to the batter for a crunchy texture and visual appeal in your lemony cake.
Citrus Fruit Drizzle
Use a mix of orange and lime juice in the glaze for a citrusy twist, enhancing the brightness of the cake.
