Seasonal Sensations: Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake

I don't even know how to explain how delicious this cake is. We always have it around spring for Easter or Mother's Day and it's the best. The first bite you take is mouthful of amazing lemon cake with bursts of blueberry every once in a while. On top of that you get the icing. Ohhh that's the best part, it melts in your mouth and tastes like heaven.Try making it for your family this Spring and see how they like it:

Photo Credit to Sally's Baking Addiction

Ingredients for the Cake:

• 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 1/4 cups of granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup of light brown sugar
•  4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• Zest and Juice of 3 medium lemons
• 1 1/2 cups of fresh blueberries
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour 


Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350F. Spray three 9x2 inch cake pans with nonstick spray. Set aside.
2. Using a handheld or stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on high until creamy - about 1 minute. 
3. Add granulated and brown sugars and beat on medium-high speed until creamed, about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. 
4. Add eggs and vanilla. Beat on medium speed until everything is combined, about 2 full minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. Set aside.
5. In a large sized bowl, toss together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
6.  Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Beat on low speed for 5 seconds, then add the milk, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
7.  Remove from the mixer and stir lightly until everything is just combined. 
8. Toss the blueberries in 1 Tablespoon of flour and fold into the batter. Batter is extremely thick. Do not overmix at any point. Overmixing will lend a tough, dense textured crumb.
9. Spoon batter evenly into 3 prepared cake pans. If only using 2 cake pans, your bake time will be longer. Bake the three layers for about 21-26 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Mine took 21 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before frosting.

Photo Credits to: Sally's Baking Addiction

Ingredients for frosting:

• 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 3 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1 - 2 Tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt



Directions:

1. Using a handheld or stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat cream cheese and butter together on medium speed until no lumps remain, about 3 full minutes. 
2. Add confectioners' sugar, 1 Tablespoon cream, vanilla extract, and salt with the mixer running on low. Increase to high speed and beat for 3 minutes. Add 1 more Tablespoon of cream to thin out, if desired.
3. Assemble and frost: First, using a large serrated knife, trim the tops off the cake layers to create a flat surface.
4.  Place 1 layer on your cake stand. Evenly cover the top with cream cheese frosting. Top with 2nd layer, more frosting, then the third layer. Top with frosting and spread around the sides. The recipe doesn't make a ton of frosting, just enough for a light frost. 
5. Top with blueberries or lemon garnish if desired. Refrigerate for at least 45 minutes before cutting or else the cake may fall apart as you cut.
6. Make ahead tip: Prepare cakes and frosting 1 day in advance. Keep cakes at room temperature, covered tightly. Refrigerate prepared frosting in an airtight container until ready to use. Frosted or unfrosted cakes may be frozen up to 2 months, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature if desired before serving.

If your have more questions about this recipe check out this site: Sally's Baking Addiction