Zingy Blackberry Lemon Cake Recipe: A Bright Summer Delight

Sweet meets tart in this irresistible blackberry lemon cake that dances with vibrant summer flavors.

The delicate balance of bright lemon and rich blackberry creates a dessert that sings with pure culinary delight.

Ripe, juicy blackberries nestled throughout the cake burst with natural sweetness.

Each slice promises a tender crumb that melts on your tongue with citrusy notes and deep berry undertones.

The cake’s gorgeous purple-flecked interior hints at the incredible taste waiting to be savored.

Drizzled with a light lemon glaze, this dessert transforms simple ingredients into a stunning centerpiece.

Bake this cake and watch as smiles bloom around the table.

Tips To Brighten Blackberry Lemon Cake Flavor

• Blackberry Lemon Cake Cooking Tips & Variations
• Room Temperature Magic: Ensure butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature for a smoother, more even cake batter that rises perfectly.
• Berry Preservation Trick: Coating blackberries in flour prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the cake during baking, distributing fruit evenly throughout.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for those with wheat sensitivities, maintaining the cake's delicate texture.
• Vegan Transformation: Replace butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and buttermilk with almond milk to create a plant-based version of this delightful dessert.
• Flavor Exploration: Experiment with mixed berries like raspberries or blueberries for a vibrant twist on the original blackberry lemon combination.

Serve Blackberry Lemon Cake Fresh And Fruity

• Picnic Paradise: Pack this zesty cake for an outdoor feast, nestled in a charming basket with fresh berries and chilled lemonade. Elegant touch adds delightful summer vibes.
• Afternoon Tea Delight: Serve thin, delicate slices on vintage china with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of lemon zest. Perfectly pairs with Earl Grey tea for a sophisticated treat.
• Dessert Centerpiece: Display the cake on a rustic wooden board surrounded by scattered fresh blackberries and lemon wedges. Create a stunning visual that tempts guests with its vibrant colors and inviting texture.
• Brunch Showstopper: Complement the cake with a mimosa or fresh fruit salad. The bright, tangy flavors complement weekend breakfast gatherings, making it a memorable centerpiece.

Storage Tips For Blackberry Lemon Cake

• Quick Chilling Strategy: Store the cake in the refrigerator for 30-45 minutes after frosting to help the frosting set and maintain its smooth texture.
• Smart Container Choice: Use an airtight cake carrier or sealed container to protect the cake from absorbing other refrigerator odors and maintain moisture.
• Slice Separation Technique: Place wax paper or parchment paper between individual cake slices when storing to prevent sticking and preserve frosting details.
• Freshness Window: Enjoy the cake within 3-4 days when refrigerated, keeping it covered to maintain its delightful taste and soft texture. For best quality, consume within the first two days.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 13

What You’ll Use In Blackberry Lemon Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates tender, light cake texture with perfect crumb structure.
• Baking Powder: Essential leavening agent guaranteeing soft, airy cake rise.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor balance and strengthens cake structure.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides rich, smooth foundation for cake's creamy consistency.
• Granulated Sugar: Delivers sweetness and helps create golden, tender cake exterior.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients, adds moisture, and contributes to cake's structural integrity.
• Buttermilk: Introduces tangy flavor and ensures moist, tender cake crumb.
• Lemon Zest: Infuses bright, citrusy essence throughout cake layers.
• Vanilla Extract: Deepens flavor complexity and adds subtle aromatic notes.

• Blackberries: Introduces bursts of juicy sweetness and beautiful purple color swirls.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates silky, smooth frosting with perfect spreading consistency.
• Butter: Establishes creamy, luxurious frosting base with rich flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Adds vibrant citrus tang and balances frosting's sweetness.
• Heavy Cream: Softens frosting texture and creates beautiful spreadable consistency.
• Lemon Zest: Reinforces bright, zesty flavor profile in frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out frosting's flavor with warm, comforting undertones.

Baking Gear For Blackberry Lemon Cake

• Electric Mixer: Essential for creaming butter, beating eggs, and making frosting smooth and fluffy.
• Cake Pans (9-inch): Two pans are crucial for creating perfect cake layers.
• Whisk: Great for blending dry ingredients and ensuring no lumps.
• Zester or Grater: Needed to extract lemon zest for bright citrus flavor.
• Spatula: Helpful for folding blackberries and spreading frosting evenly.
• Mixing Bowls: Multiple sizes for preparing cake batter and frosting.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Precise measurements are key to baking success.
• Toothpick: Helps check cake doneness by testing center for moist crumbs.

How To Make Blackberry Lemon Cake

• Preheat the Oven

Warm up your kitchen to 350F and prep two cake pans with a light grease and parchment paper lining.

• Create Cake Batter

Whip together softened butter and sugar until they become a fluffy cloud. Crack in eggs one by one, then sprinkle in zesty lemon zest and vanilla for extra flavor. Gently mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk and lemon juice until everything blends smoothly.

• Incorporate Blackberries

Dust fresh blackberries with a touch of flour to prevent sinking, then tenderly fold them into the batter, ensuring an even distribution of fruity goodness.

• Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into prepared pans and slide into the oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean, revealing a perfectly golden cake.

• Whip Up Lemon Frosting

Beat butter until silky, then gradually add powdered sugar, lemon juice, and a hint of vanilla. Adjust the consistency with splashes of cream until you achieve a smooth, spreadable texture.

• Assemble and Decorate

Stack cake layers, generously spreading frosting between and around them. Finish with a beautiful arrangement of fresh blackberries and delicate lemon slices for a stunning presentation.

Tangy Blackberry Lemon Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Sumptuous blackberry lemon cake brings Mediterranean sunshine to classic dessert tables. Rich layers complement tart fruit, creating a balanced flavor profile perfect for summer gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups fresh blackberries (or frozen, thawed and patted dry)
• 1.75 cups granulated sugar
• 1.5 cups unsalted butter, softened
• 3.5 cups powdered sugar
• 0.75 cup buttermilk
• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs
• 0.25 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2.5 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon flour (to coat blackberries)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (adjust for consistency)
• Fresh blackberries
• Lemon slices or zest
• Drizzle of honey or blackberry syrup

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Instructions

1. Preheat Preparation: Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and line two circular baking pans with parchment paper.
2. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Thoroughly blend flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl, setting aside for future incorporation.
3. Creaming Process: Whisk butter and sugar until the mixture transforms into a light, fluffy cream with ethereal texture.
4. Egg Integration: Gradually introduce eggs, ensuring complete amalgamation after each addition, creating a smooth, uniform base.
5. Flavor Infusion: Gently mix in lemon zest and vanilla extract, distributing aromatic essences throughout the mixture.
6. Batter Composition: Alternately fold dry ingredients and buttermilk into the wet mixture, stirring until a silky, homogeneous batter emerges.
7. Fruit Preparation: Delicately coat blackberries in flour, then fold into the cake mixture to prevent sinking during baking.
8. Baking Sequence: Distribute batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, confirming doneness with a clean inserted skewer.
9. Cooling Phase: Transfer baked layers to a wire rack, allowing complete cooling and structural stabilization.
10. Frosting Creation: Whip butter until smooth, gradually incorporating powdered sugar, lemon juice, vanilla, and zest to create a light, airy cream.
11. Texture Refinement: Adjust frosting consistency by introducing heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until perfectly spreadable.
12. Assembly and Decoration: Position first cake layer on a serving plate, apply frosting, top with second layer, and fully coat the cake with remaining citrus-infused cream.
13. Final Flourish: Garnish with fresh blackberries, lemon slices, or a drizzle of honey for an elegant, sophisticated presentation.

Notes

• Prevent Berry Sinking: Coat blackberries in flour before folding into batter to stop them from dropping to the cake’s bottom during baking.
• Achieve Perfect Moisture: Use room temperature eggs and buttermilk to create a smoother, more even cake texture that prevents dryness.
• Control Baking Precision: Check cake doneness by inserting a slim skewer or toothpick – it should emerge clean without wet batter residue, indicating perfect baking.
• Optimize Frosting Consistency: Add heavy cream gradually to frosting, one tablespoon at a time, ensuring spreadable texture without becoming too runny or stiff.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 160 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg