Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake Recipe

The Best Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake Recipe for Summer Joy

Sweet lemon blueberry sheet cake brings together a delightful harmony of tangy and fruity flavors that dance across your palate.

Soft, moist textures complement the bright citrus notes and bursting berry goodness in every single bite.

Bakers seeking a simple yet impressive dessert will adore this classic combination of zesty and sweet elements.

Home kitchens revolutionize into bakery-quality spaces when crafting such a crowd-pleasing treat that looks as amazing as it tastes.

Elegant yet unfussy, this sheet cake represents comfort and celebration rolled into one delectable package.

Seasonal ingredients shine through in this versatile recipe that works perfectly for casual gatherings or special occasions.

Summer memories and sunshine seem to radiate from each slice, promising pure indulgence and joy.

Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake That’s Bright and Easy

  • Burst with Bright Flavors: Combining zesty lemon and sweet blueberries creates a tantalizing taste explosion that dances on your palate, delivering a perfect balance of citrusy tang and fruity sweetness.
  • Foolproof Baking Method: The sheet cake design makes this recipe incredibly easy to prepare, with simple mixing techniques and straightforward instructions that even novice bakers can master confidently.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Perfect for summer gatherings, brunch parties, or casual dessert nights, this cake offers a delightful treat that appeals to all ages with its crowd-pleasing flavor profile and beautiful presentation.
  • Texture Triple Threat: The cake boasts a moist, tender crumb, juicy blueberry pockets, and a silky-smooth lemon glaze that provides multiple delightful textural experiences in every single bite.

Ingredients Needed for Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake

Cake Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Fine white flour essential for creating the cake's tender structure and providing the base for the batter.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and contributes to its soft, moist texture.
  • Butter: Unsalted butter adds rich flavor and helps create a tender crumb.
  • Eggs: Provide structure, richness, and help bind the cake ingredients together.
Moisture and Flavor Ingredients:
  • Buttermilk, Vanilla Extract: Adds moisture, tenderness, and deep flavor to the cake.
  • Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Bright citrus notes that enhance the overall flavor profile and add a fresh tang.
Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt: Key leavening agents that help the cake rise and provide balanced seasoning.
  • Fresh Blueberries: Juicy berries that add bursts of sweetness and color throughout the cake.
Glaze Ingredients:
  • Powdered Sugar, Lemon Juice: Creates a smooth, tangy glaze that adds a final layer of sweetness and citrus flavor.

Instructions for Baking a Fluffy Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Coat a 9×13 baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Line the dish with parchment paper, letting extra hang over the long sides for easy cake removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Set the dry mixture aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Use a stand mixer or hand mixer to blend softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and buttermilk until well combined.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix gently until no flour streaks remain. Fold in fresh lemon juice and zest.

Step 6: Prepare Blueberries

Gently toss blueberries in a small amount of flour to prevent sinking. Carefully fold them into the cake batter using a spatula.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 40-45 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 8: Cool the Cake

Let the cake cool completely inside the baking dish.

Step 9: Create Lemon Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Lemon juice

Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.

Step 10: Finish and Serve

Pour the lemon glaze over the cooled cake. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes. Optional: Sprinkle fresh blueberries or lemon zest on top for extra decoration. Slice and enjoy your tangy, sweet dessert!

Tips to Balance Tartness and Sweetness in Your Sheet Cake

  • Prevent Blueberry Sinking: Toss blueberries in a light coating of flour before folding into the batter to prevent them from falling to the bottom of the cake.
  • Ensure Even Baking: Rotate the baking dish halfway through cooking to guarantee uniform heat distribution and prevent uneven browning.
  • Check Moisture Level: Test cake doneness by inserting a toothpick at a slight angle, looking for moist crumbs rather than wet batter.
  • Maximize Lemon Flavor: Use fresh lemon zest and juice for a more vibrant, bright citrus taste that complements the blueberries.
  • Cool Completely Before Glazing: Wait until the cake reaches room temperature to prevent the glaze from becoming runny and ensure a smooth, clean finish.

Storing and Reheating Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake

  • Refrigerate: Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining its moist texture and fresh flavor.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual slices or the entire cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Reheat: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes, ensuring the cake remains soft and delicious.

Serve Lemon Blueberry Cake With These Add-Ons

  • Pair with Citrus Sorbet: Complement the cake's bright lemon flavor with a refreshing, tangy citrus sorbet that enhances the blueberry's sweetness and provides a cool contrast to the cake's warmth.
  • Match with Lavender Earl Grey Tea: Brew a delicate lavender Earl Grey tea to highlight the cake's floral and citrus notes, creating a sophisticated and harmonious flavor experience that elevates the dessert.
  • Serve with Cold Vanilla Cream: Drizzle a chilled vanilla cream alongside the cake to balance the tartness, adding a smooth, rich element that softens the lemon's sharp edge and blends beautifully with the blueberries.
  • Enjoy with Sparkling Moscato: Choose a light, sweet sparkling Moscato wine that mirrors the cake's fruity essence, providing a bubbly and elegant accompaniment that enhances the dessert's overall taste profile.

Creative Flavor Variations for Sheet Cake Fans

  • Blueberry Lavender Infusion: Replace vanilla extract with lavender extract and add dried lavender buds to the batter for a sophisticated herbal flavor profile.
  • Orange Berry Burst: Swap lemon zest and juice with orange zest and juice, creating a citrusy alternative that brightens the cake's overall taste.
  • Almond Blueberry Crunch: Sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking and add almond extract to the batter for a nutty, textural enhancement.
  • Gluten-Free Berry Delight: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour, ensuring those with dietary restrictions can enjoy this delicious cake.
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Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake Recipe

Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake Recipe


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4.6 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Lemon blueberry sheet cake delivers a perfect harmony of tangy citrus and sweet berries in one delightful dessert. Rich, moist layers combine zesty lemon notes with juicy blueberries, promising a refreshing slice that will transport you to summer’s most delectable moments.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Dry Ingredients:

  • 3 cups (360 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 ¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients and Flavoring:

  • 1 cup (226 grams) butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups (300 grams) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) buttermilk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Juice and zest of 2 lemons (about ¼ cup or 60 milliliters lemon juice)

Fruit Ingredient:

  • 1 ½ cups fresh blueberries, tossed with 1 tablespoon flour

Glaze Ingredients:

  • 2 ½ cups (300 grams) powdered sugar
  • ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking environment by warming the oven to 350°F and creating a non-stick surface in a 9×13 pan with parchment paper overhanging for effortless cake removal.
  2. Create the foundational dry mixture by whisking flour, leavening agents, and salt in a medium bowl, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
  3. Transform butter and sugar into a creamy, aerated mixture using a mixer, beating until the texture becomes light and voluminous.
  4. Incorporate eggs individually, allowing each to integrate fully before adding the next, then introduce vanilla and buttermilk to develop a smooth, cohesive batter.
  5. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring minimally to prevent gluten development, then enhance flavor with fresh lemon juice and vibrant zest.
  6. Coat blueberries lightly in flour to prevent sinking, then delicately fold them into the batter to distribute evenly without deflating the mixture.
  7. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, smoothing the surface to ensure uniform baking, and place in the preheated oven.
  8. Bake for 40-45 minutes, monitoring for a golden surface and checking doneness with a toothpick that should emerge with minimal moist crumbs.
  9. Allow the cake to cool completely within the pan, enabling it to set and develop a stable structure.
  10. Craft a glossy lemon glaze by whisking powdered sugar and lemon juice until silky smooth, then cascade over the cooled cake.
  11. Let the glaze solidify before slicing, and optionally garnish with fresh blueberries or delicate lemon zest for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

  • Buttermilk creates a tender, moist texture that makes this sheet cake supremely soft and delightful.
  • Toss blueberries in flour before adding to prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
  • Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the brightest, most vibrant citrus flavor in both cake and glaze.
  • Room temperature ingredients guarantee smoother mixing and a more uniform cake consistency.
  • Let the cake cool completely before glazing to ensure the perfect smooth, set topping.
  • Parchment paper overhang makes removing and cutting the cake incredibly easy and mess-free.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 41 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

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