Name: Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup softened butter; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; Juice and zest of 2 lemons; 4 large eggs; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries

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Easy, quick, delicious – and perfect for everything from summer BBQs to tasty snacks! The Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake is a delightful dessert that brings together the bright flavors of lemon and fresh blueberries. This cake is not only easy to make but also a crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for parties or a simple family gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: This recipe comes together in no time, making it ideal for busy days or last-minute gatherings.
Fresh Flavor: The combination of lemon juice and zest with blueberries creates a refreshing taste that brightens any occasion.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve it plain, with a glaze, or topped with fresh fruit—perfect for any dessert table!
Feeds a Crowd: With 16 servings, this sheet cake is great for parties, potlucks, or just having leftovers to enjoy throughout the week.
Baking Made Easy: The straightforward instructions make this recipe accessible to bakers of all skill levels.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential. Here are some key tools you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

Stand mixer or hand mixer
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Rubber spatula
9×13 baking dish
Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

Stand mixer or hand mixer: A stand mixer makes creaming butter and sugar effortless, resulting in a light texture.
Mixing bowls: Having various sizes helps keep your ingredients organized during preparation.
Rubber spatula: Perfect for folding in delicate ingredients like blueberries without smashing them.

Ingredients

Easy, quick, delicious – and perfect for everything from summer BBQs to tasty snacks!

Ingredients:
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 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
– 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries, tossed with 1 Tbs flour
– 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—and set aside. In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
* Add the eggs and vanilla extract along with buttermilk; mix on low until incorporated.
* Gradually add the dry ingredients until no streaks of flour remain.
* Incorporate the lemon juice and zest into the mixture gently.
* Fold in the blueberries using a rubber spatula.

Step 3: Bake

Pour the cake batter into your prepared baking dish. Bake for about 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs. Once baked, allow it to cool completely in the pan.

Step 4: Glaze and Serve

For the glaze, combine powdered sugar with lemon juice. Once the cake has cooled down, pour this glaze over it. Let it harden before garnishing with fresh fruit if desired. Serve up slices of this delightful Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake to enjoy!

How to Serve Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake

Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether it’s a summer party or a cozy afternoon snack, this cake offers versatility in serving options.

Casual Afternoon Snack

Pair with a cup of tea or coffee for a relaxing break.
Enjoy slices with fresh fruit on the side for added flavor.

Festive Gatherings

Serve as a centerpiece dessert at birthday parties or family reunions.
Top with additional blueberries and lemon zest for a vibrant presentation.

Picnic Treats

Pack slices in a container for an easy, transportable dessert at picnics.
Add whipped cream or yogurt for those who enjoy extra creaminess.

Brunch Delight

Cut into small squares and serve alongside other brunch favorites like muffins and scones.
Drizzle with extra glaze for an appealing touch.

How to Perfect Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake

To ensure your Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off to avoid dense cake from too much flour.
Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy; overmixing can lead to toughness.
Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out with moist crumbs but not wet batter.
Cool Completely Before Glazing: Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the glaze for clean results and better flavor absorption.

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake

Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake pairs wonderfully with several side dishes. Here are some great options to consider:

Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and complements the citrus flavor of the cake.
Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and more blueberries for a creamy, crunchy contrast.
Lemonade: A chilled glass of lemonade enhances the lemony taste of the cake, making it refreshing.
Nutty Granola Bars: Offer chewy granola bars on the side for added texture and energy boost.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a deliciously decadent treat.
Herbed Green Salad: A light salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the sweetness of the cake beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make the best Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake, avoid these common mistakes.

Not measuring ingredients accurately: Always use proper measuring cups for dry and liquid ingredients. This ensures the right cake texture and flavor.
Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined to prevent a dense cake. Overmixing can lead to gluten development, which affects texture.
Skipping the parchment paper: Lining your baking dish with parchment makes it easier to remove the cake after baking. Don’t skip this step!
Ignoring oven temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated correctly. An inaccurate temperature can cause uneven baking or overcooking.
Not allowing the cake to cool: Give your cake enough time to cool before glazing. This prevents the glaze from melting away into a puddle.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

How long: Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Containers: Use an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap to keep it fresh.

Freezing Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake

How long: Freeze for up to 3 months.
Containers: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or use a freezer-safe container.

Reheating Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 20-30 seconds.
Stovetop: Warm slices in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, covering with a lid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about making a delicious Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake.

Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just toss them in flour before adding them to the batter to prevent sinking.

How do I know when the cake is done?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs but not wet batter.

What can I substitute for buttermilk?

You can make buttermilk by mixing one cup of milk with one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.

Can I add other fruits?

Absolutely! You can customize your Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake by adding raspberries, blackberries, or even strawberries for extra flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake is not only delightful but also versatile. Perfect for summer gatherings or as an everyday treat, you can easily customize it with various fruits or glazes. We encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy its refreshing flavors!