This Lemon Blueberry Pound Cake is a delightful combination of zesty lemon and juicy blueberries, perfect for any time of year. The cake is moist and flavorful, with a tender crumb that pairs beautifully with a tangy lemon glaze.
Butter is the foundation of our pound cake, providing richness and a tender texture. Creaming it with sugar helps incorporate air, which makes the cake light. Sugar sweetens the cake and aids in creating a moist texture.
Eggs add structure and moisture. Adding them one at a time ensures they’re well incorporated. Flour gives the cake its structure, while salt balances the flavors.
Baking powder and baking soda are the leavening agents that help the cake rise. Buttermilk adds moisture and a slight tang, complementing the lemon flavor. Lemon juice and lemon zest are the stars, bringing a bright, refreshing taste.
Vanilla extract adds warmth and depth. Blueberries provide bursts of juicy sweetness. Tossing them in a bit of flour helps keep them from sinking.
For the glaze, confectioners' sugar combined with a bit of lemon juice creates a sweet, tangy finish that complements the cake perfectly.
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You could also serve it with a handful of fresh berries for a light and refreshing dessert.
First, preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This will ensure the cake doesn’t stick and bakes evenly. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air, which will give the cake its delicate texture.
Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps maintain the emulsion and ensures the eggs are evenly distributed throughout the batter. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. This dry mix will be added to the creamed mixture alternately with the buttermilk. Start and end with the flour to maintain a smooth batter.
Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until well combined. These ingredients will infuse the cake with that lovely lemon flavor we’re aiming for. In a small bowl, toss the blueberries with 1/4 cup of flour. This simple trick helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake as it bakes.
Gently fold the blueberries into the batter, being careful not to crush them. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the glaze, mix the confectioners' sugar with lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle this over the cooled cake, letting it trickle down the sides for a pretty finish.