If you’re a blueberry lover looking for that next level dessert to wow your family and friends, this Blueberry Layer Cake with Lemon-Blueberry Filling and Blueberry Buttercream Recipe will become your new obsession. Imagine two layers of tender blueberry cake, enriched by the natural sweetness of freeze-dried blueberry powder and fresh blueberry compote, all wrapped in a luscious, naturally colored blueberry buttercream. This cake’s moist crumb, vibrant blueberry flavor, and refreshing lemon notes make it a celebration-worthy centerpiece for any special occasion or a joyful treat any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It might seem like a long list, but each ingredient plays its part in building up the flavors, textures, and that amazing color that makes this cake truly unforgettable. Here’s what you’ll want to gather:
- Freeze-dried blueberry powder: Adds deep blueberry flavor without extra moisture and enhances the beautiful color.
- Butter (softened): Provides richness and tenderness to both the cake and the buttercream.
- Organic powdered sugar: Sweetens the buttercream smoothly without gritty texture.
- Vanilla extract: Balances and lifts the overall flavor profile.
- Fine sea salt: Amplifies sweetness and rounds the flavors perfectly.
- Fresh blueberries: Adds bursts of juicy, fresh fruit and makes the compote zingy and delicious.
- Lemon zest and juice: Gives a bright, refreshing lift, cutting through the sweetness.
- Cake flour: Keeps the crumb tender and delicate, ideal for a soft layer cake.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Ensure the cake rises perfectly and stays light.
- Eggs (room temperature): Bind the cake batter beautifully and enrich texture.
- Lowfat kefir or buttermilk: Adds acidity and moisture, giving that tender crumb signature.
- Sugar: Sweetens and helps with browning the cake layers.
How to Make Blueberry Layer Cake with Lemon-Blueberry Filling and Blueberry Buttercream Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Blueberry Buttercream
The night before assembling your cake, start by making the blueberry buttercream. Beat softened butter, salt, vanilla, and the blueberry powder until smooth and creamy. Slowly incorporate the powdered sugar and continue beating until the mixture is fluffy. Adding a splash of milk or cream helps to achieve the perfect spreading consistency. Storing it overnight allows the blueberry elements to bloom beautifully in the frosting; you will notice the color deepen and the flavor intensify with time.
Step 2: Cook the Blueberry Filling
Next up is the luscious filling. Combine fresh blueberries, sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a small pot, simmering gently until the berries soften and burst, creating a thick, jammy texture. Cool this compote completely before using it between the cake layers so it sets up nicely, adding both tartness and sweetness with a fresh fruity punch.
Step 3: Prepare the Blueberry Cake Batter
Start by pureeing fresh blueberries and simmering them until the mixture thickens substantially, then cool it completely. Preheat your oven and prep your cake pans by buttering and flouring them. Using the reverse creaming method, first blend your butter, sugar, and cake flour with leavening agents until crumbly. Add eggs one at a time, then, with the mixer running, blend in the cooled blueberry reduction, blueberry powder, lemon juice, and kefir to form a smooth batter. Split the batter evenly between pans and bake until the tops spring back gently when touched or a tester comes out clean. Allow your cakes to cool completely before assembly.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Now for the fun part! Whip the buttercream thoroughly to ensure color and flavor are perfectly combined. Level the cake layers by slicing off the rounded tops. Pipe a buttercream border on one cake layer to hold the filling in place, spread the blueberry compote inside this ring, then top with the second cake layer upside down. Frost the entire cake with the remaining buttercream, smoothing it evenly for a flawless finish. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon for a homemade, elegant look. This assembly ensures each bite has a harmonious mix of crumb, filling, and frosting — blueberry heaven at every forkful.
How to Serve Blueberry Layer Cake with Lemon-Blueberry Filling and Blueberry Buttercream Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation, add fresh blueberries and delicate lemon zest curls on top. A light dusting of powdered sugar also adds a pretty, snow-kissed effect that complements the cake’s blueberry hues beautifully.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. Fresh seasonal fruit like raspberries or strawberries can provide a complementary tartness alongside the blueberry richness.
Creative Ways to Present
To really impress your guests, try serving individual cake slices on pretty plates with a drizzle of lemon syrup or a scatter of edible flowers for a stunning finish. Alternatively, cut mini versions into petite rounds for dessert bites at parties—they’re adorable and irresistible!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep fresh and moist for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to meld even more.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake by wrapping cake layers separately in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before assembling or frosting. Buttercream also freezes well when sealed properly.
Reheating
Blueberry layer cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If desired, allow the cake to warm slightly out of the fridge for about 20 minutes before serving to soften the buttercream and enhance the flavors.
FAQs
Can I substitute fresh blueberries with frozen ones in this recipe?
While fresh blueberries provide the best texture and flavor, frozen blueberries can be used if fresh aren’t available. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid adding too much moisture to the batter or filling.
What is the reverse creaming method mentioned in the recipe?
The reverse creaming method involves mixing the butter and dry ingredients before adding liquids and eggs. This technique creates a tender crumb and helps cakes stay moist and soft for longer.
Can I make the blueberry powder from scratch?
Absolutely! Simply dry freeze-dried blueberries in a food processor until you get a fine powder, then sift to remove seeds. This adds concentrated blueberry flavor without extra moisture.
Is it necessary to use kefir or buttermilk?
Kefir or buttermilk adds acidity which reacts with the leavening agents to help the cake rise and develop a tender crumb. If you don’t have these on hand, you can substitute with milk plus a little lemon juice or vinegar to mimic the acidity.
How long does the blueberry buttercream last?
Stored in an airtight container at cool room temperature, the blueberry buttercream will last 2 to 3 days. For longer storage, keep it refrigerated and allow it to come to room temperature before using.
Final Thoughts
This Blueberry Layer Cake with Lemon-Blueberry Filling and Blueberry Buttercream Recipe is truly a celebration of blueberry goodness from start to finish. Its tender crumb, vibrant flavors, and naturally beautiful frosting will make you feel like a cake artist with every slice you serve. Don’t hesitate — gather your ingredients and bring a little piece of blueberry paradise into your kitchen. You won’t regret it!
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Blueberry Layer Cake with Lemon-Blueberry Filling and Blueberry Buttercream Recipe
- Total Time: 16 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Blueberry Layer Cake features two tender layers infused with blueberry powder and fresh blueberry compote. Using a reverse creaming method, the cake boasts a moist, delicate crumb complemented by a naturally flavored and colored blueberry buttercream. The luscious blueberry filling between the layers enhances the berry experience, making this cake a true blueberry delight perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Blueberry Powder
- 2.4 oz (108g) freeze dried blueberries, processed into powder and sifted to remove seeds
Blueberry Buttercream
- 226g (1 cup) butter, softened
- 360g (3 cups) organic powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 tablespoon blueberry powder (from above)
- Milk as needed to make a smooth buttercream
Blueberry Filling
- 200g (1 heaping cup) fresh blueberries
- 50g (1/4 cup) sugar
- Zest of half a lemon
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Blueberry Cake
- 1 ½ cups fresh blueberries
- 300g (2 ½ cups) cake flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 170g (¾ cup) butter, softened
- 300g (1 ½ cups) sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 180g (¾ cup) lowfat kefir or buttermilk
- 3 tablespoons blueberry powder (from above)
- 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
- Make the Blueberry Buttercream: In a stand mixer bowl or with a hand mixer, beat butter, salt, vanilla, and blueberry powder until combined. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar and beat for at least 3 minutes, scraping sides as needed. Add milk or heavy cream to achieve smooth consistency. Store in an airtight container at cool room temperature overnight; stir after a few hours for color to intensify.
- Prepare the Blueberry Filling: In a small pot, combine fresh blueberries, sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for about 15 minutes until blueberries soften and burst, releasing juices. Transfer to a container and refrigerate to thicken.
- Prepare the Blueberry Reduction for Cake: Puree 1 ½ cups fresh blueberries in a blender or food processor. Strain through a sieve to remove seeds. In a pot over medium heat, cook the puree until thickened and water evaporates to yield about ½ cup. Let cool completely before use.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Butter and flour two 8-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
- Make the Cake Batter: Using a stand mixer with paddle attachment, blend softened butter, sugar, cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until sandy and fully combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, and beat a few minutes after all eggs are incorporated, scraping bowl as needed.
- Add Wet Ingredients: With mixer on low, slowly add blueberry reduction, blueberry powder, lemon juice, and kefir or buttermilk. Mix until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for approximately 40 minutes or until the cake tops are firm to the touch and a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Level: Allow cakes to cool completely in pans on a wire rack. Use a bread knife to level off cake domes for even stacking.
- Assemble the Cake: Stir the buttercream until smooth and the color deepens. Transfer to a large piping bag to create a border on one cake layer to contain the filling. Spread a thin layer of buttercream on the other cake layer’s top.
- Layer and Frost: Pipe a buttercream border on one layer, spoon blueberry filling inside the border, and place the second cake layer face down over it. Pipe remaining buttercream around the sides and top of the cake and smooth with an offset spatula.
- Serve: Allow the assembled cake to set briefly before slicing and serving to enjoy the full blueberry experience.
Notes
- Blueberry powder is made by processing freeze-dried blueberries into a fine powder and sifting out seeds for smooth texture.
- Buttercream improves in flavor and color after resting overnight; do not refrigerate.
- Use cake flour for a tender crumb; all-purpose flour will yield a denser cake.
- You can cook the blueberries before pureeing if preferred for the reduction step.
- Ensure cakes are completely cooled before frosting to avoid melting the buttercream.
- Kefir or buttermilk adds moisture and slight tang which complements the blueberry flavor.
- Leveling the cake layers ensures neat assembly and even layers.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
