Bright & Zesty Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake for Easy Summer Desserts

Ever since I baked my first Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake in Asheville, I’ve chased summer flavors with enthusiasm. This Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake blends tangy lemon zest with juicy blueberries in one easy layer. I whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Then I add eggs, buttermilk, oil, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla before folding in plump berries. After baking, I drizzle a zesty lemon glaze over the warm cake. Whether you call it a Recipe For Sheet Cake or a Simple Lemon Blueberry Cake, this easy summer dessert comes together in under an hour and shines at picnics or potlucks.

The Story & Inspiration Behind Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake

A Personal Memory

Growing up in Indiana, I stood on a milk crate next to my grandma as she stirred her famous chicken and noodles. However, my sweetest memory involves her tiny blueberry bushes in the backyard. Every July, we’d sneak handfuls of berries and squeeze lemons from the tree my grandpa tended. Those afternoons under the sun taught me how ingredients tell stories. Years later, I moved just outside Asheville, North Carolina, and that childhood passion resurfaced. I combined my grandmother’s blueberries with fresh mountain lemons to create the Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake. It honors family, the Midwest, and the Blue Ridge Mountains all at once.

Why This Recipe Matters

This Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake stands out among Sheet Cake Recipes because it balances bright citrus and sweet berries. Moreover, it suits busy home cooks who want a showstopper without fuss. In addition, it works as an easy summer dessert, a potluck favorite, or even a brunch treat. Unlike heavier layer cakes, this single-layer sheet cake bakes evenly and slices neatly. It also adapts to trends—swap buttermilk for Greek yogurt to boost protein or use gluten-free flour for a special diet. Overall, this recipe puts fresh ingredients first and delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients & Instructions

Homemade Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake in pan with lemon glaze

Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake

This Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake blends tangy lemon zest with juicy blueberries in one easy layer, topped with a zesty glaze. A perfect summer dessert that comes together in under an hour and shines at picnics or potlucks.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 410

Ingredients
  

Cake
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 4 large eggs slightly beaten
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tbsp lemon zest freshly grated
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups fresh blueberries
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Lemon Glaze
  • 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Equipment

  • Sheet Pan (12×17-inch)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12×17-inch sheet pan and line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, beat the eggs. Stir in buttermilk, vegetable oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
  4. Pour wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Fold in the blueberries using a spatula.
  6. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Smooth the top.
  7. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. While the cake cools slightly, whisk together glaze ingredients until smooth.
  9. Drizzle the glaze over the warm cake. Let it set for 10 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition

Calories: 410kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 5gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 40gVitamin A: 350IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

You can use frozen blueberries—toss them in flour to prevent sinking. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze wrapped slices for up to 2 months.

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Ingredients for Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake on counter
Casual kitchen shot of ingredients for sheet cake.

Ingredients You Need for Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake

IngredientQuantity
All-purpose flour3 cups
Granulated sugar2 cups
Baking powder1 tablespoon
Salt1 teaspoon
Large eggs4
Buttermilk1 cup
Vegetable oil½ cup
Lemon zest2 tablespoons
Fresh lemon juice¼ cup
Vanilla extract1 teaspoon
Fresh blueberries2 cups
Confectioners’ sugar (for glaze)2 cups
Unsalted butter (melted, for glaze)4 tablespoons
Fresh lemon juice (for glaze)2 tablespoons

Step-by-Step Instructions for Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 12×17-inch sheet pan and line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
  3. In another bowl, beat eggs slightly. Stir in buttermilk, oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
  4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Stir gently until the batter just comes together; do not overmix.
  5. Fold in fresh blueberries with a spatula, distributing them evenly.
  6. Spread the batter into the prepared sheet pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  7. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. While the cake cools, whisk glaze ingredients—confectioners’ sugar, melted butter, and lemon juice—until smooth.
  9. Drizzle the glaze over the warm cake, then let it set for 10 minutes before slicing.
Step-by-step photos of Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake preparation
Amateur step-by-step making of Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake.

Tips, Variations, and Serving Ideas

Smart Swaps & Variations

You can easily tweak this Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake to suit different tastes. For example, swap buttermilk for Greek yogurt to boost protein. Also, you can use a 7up Lemon Sheet Cake mix and stir in fresh blueberries for a shortcut. If you prefer a Toomers Lemonade Sheet Cake twist, add a splash of lemonade concentrate. For a plant-based option, replace eggs with flax “eggs” and use nondairy milk. If you follow a low-carb diet, substitute almond flour and a keto-friendly sweetener. Thus, you’ll transform this recipe into countless variations without losing its bright flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This sheet cake shines as an Easy Summer Dessert at backyard barbecues or pool parties. You can top slices with whipped cream, fresh mint, or extra berries. For brunch, pair it with a fruit salad and mimosas. If you meal-prep, store airtight slices in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; they taste just as fresh. You can also freeze individual pieces for later—wrap tightly and thaw at room temperature. Finally, this Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake makes a lovely dessert at dinner parties, and it pairs beautifully with light herbal teas or crisp white wine.

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Health Benefits of Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake

Although it counts as dessert, this Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake contains ingredients that offer real nutritional value. For instance, blueberries provide antioxidants and dietary fiber, which support digestive health and reduce inflammation. Moreover, fresh lemon juice and zest deliver vitamin C, essential for immune function and skin health. When you choose whole buttermilk or Greek yogurt, you boost calcium and protein, promoting bone strength and muscle repair.

In addition, you can increase fiber by folding in a tablespoon of chia seeds or swapping half the flour for whole-wheat pastry flour. If you’re watching carbs, try a low-carb variation with almond flour and a monk fruit sweetener, turning this into a tasty option for balanced diets. Thus, this recipe fits into many lifestyle plans—from balanced eating to slow-cooker desserts adaptations that focus on whole foods. Ultimately, you enjoy a bright, flavorful treat without sacrificing health goals.

Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake
A casual serving of Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake on a white plate.

Conclusion

This Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake delivers sunny citrus notes and juicy berries in every bite, making it the perfect Easy Summer Dessert. Whether you’re a weekend baker or a pro who loves simple sheet cake recipes, this recipe brings joy to any table. Moreover, its versatility lets you experiment with 7up Lemon Sheet Cake shortcuts or embrace a Simple Lemon Blueberry Cake vibe from scratch. In addition, you can adapt it for low-carb, gluten-free, or plant-based diets without losing its vibrant flavor. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a bright, zesty dessert that everyone will love.

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FAQs About Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Simply toss them in a bit of flour before folding into the batter to prevent sinking. You might need an extra minute or two of baking time.

How do I store leftover sheet cake?

Store slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely. Bake the cake and glaze it the night before, then cover and refrigerate. Bring it to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?

Yes. Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Make sure your baking powder is gluten-free, and enjoy a bright, celiac-friendly dessert.

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