Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start your baking adventure by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step might seem straightforward, but itâs crucial for ensuring even baking. As the oven warms up, the anticipation buildsâyour kitchen will soon fill with the delightful aroma of baking cake!
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Pans
While the oven is heating, grab your round cake pans and grease them with butter or a non-stick spray. Flour the pans lightly, allowing excess flour to shake off. This little detail will ensure your Blueberry Lemon Cake releases perfectly after baking, presenting you with beautiful layers.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these essentials helps evenly distribute the leavening agents, resulting in a light and fluffy cake. Take a moment to enjoy the fresh aroma of the flourâitâs like a blank canvas waiting for color!
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to beat softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process takes about 3-4 minutes and releases a lovely buttery scent. The fluffiness is key hereâit adds air to your Blueberry Lemon Cake batter, making it rise beautifully.
Step 5: Add Eggs and Lemon Zest
Next, beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the zest of a fresh lemon. Each egg adds moisture and richness, while the lemon zest elevates the flavors, infusing the cake with a refreshing citrus aroma that will tease your taste buds.
Step 6: Combine Dry Ingredients and Milk
Now, alternately add the dry mixture and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently but thoroughly. As you fold the batter, be attentive; this is when the magic of a smooth, velvety cake batter happens.
Step 7: Fold in Blueberries
Gently fold in the fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter, being careful not to burst them. These juicy gems are the stars of your Blueberry Lemon Cake, providing bursts of flavor in every bite. Their vibrant color is an inviting preview of the sweetness to come!
Step 8: Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula. Place the pans in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The thrill of waiting for your cake to bake is unparalleled. Trust the delicious smell filling your kitchen!
Step 9: Cool the Cakes
Once baked, remove the pans from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes. After this cool-down, carefully remove the cakes from the pans and place them on a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is keyâthis step helps the cakes set up perfectly for frosting.
Step 10: Prepare the Frosting
While the cakes cool, whip up a creamy frosting using butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar. Blend until smooth, then add a splash of lemon juice and zest for a zingy kick. This frosting will be the crowning glory of your Blueberry Lemon Cake!
Step 11: Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top, then gently place the second layer on top. Donât be shy with the frosting! Cover the whole cake with a beautiful layer, and maybe even add extra blueberries on top for decoration.
Step 12: Serve and Enjoy
Slice your masterpiece and serve it to eager guests. Each slice reveals luscious layers of flavorâsweet blueberries meet tangy lemon in a vibrant cake. Enjoy the joyful reactions and the delicious taste of your creation, the perfect finish to any meal!