Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake with Mascarpone Frosting
A moist lemon-infused cake layered with fresh blueberries and topped with a light mascarpone frosting for a bright, elegant dessert. This italian-inspired desserts ready in about 60 minutes layers all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 410 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tbsp lemon zest
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries
- 1 1/2 cups mascarpone cheese
- 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter with 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add 4 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in 2 tbsp lemon zest and 1/4 cup lemon juice.
- Step 3: Alternately add the flour mixture and 1 cup whole milk to the butter mixture in three additions, beginning and ending with flour, mixing until just combined. Gently fold in 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries.
- Step 4: Divide batter evenly among prepared pans and bake for 28-32 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Step 5: For frosting, beat 1 1/2 cups mascarpone cheese with 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth and spreadable.
- Step 6: Assemble cake by placing one layer on a serving plate, spreading 1/3 of the mascarpone frosting evenly, then repeat with remaining layers and frosting. Decorate top with extra blueberries if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake with Mascarpone Frosting take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (30 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake with Mascarpone Frosting?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake with Mascarpone Frosting?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake with Mascarpone Frosting for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake with Mascarpone Frosting?
Italian desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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