Lemon Blackberry Layer Cake Recipe for a Stunning Dessert Spread

A good cake has the ability to unite people, and a lemon blackberry layer cake does it in the right proportions of freshness and indulgence. The tart lemon with the richness of blackberries creates a nice contrast that is exciting and satisfying. Every bite has a citrusy brightness balanced by the natural sweetness of berries, making it a dessert worth celebrating.

For Indian homes where desserts are often a highlight of gatherings, this cake introduces a unique mix of tangy and fruity notes. The light sponge paired with creamy frosting and a hint of berry compote ensures a soft, melt-in-the-mouth experience. Whether you’re preparing for a birthday, festival, or weekend treat, this cake is a wonderful way to experiment with bold flavors. It is stunning from the layering technique, whereas the ingredients meld to create this cake a decadent dessert. Find out how easy it is for you to try making this at home.

Recipe for Lemon Blackberry Layer Cake

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp of baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup softened unsalted butter
• 2 granulated sugar, cup
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tbsp of lemon zest
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup of buttermilk
• 1 ½ cups fresh blackberries
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Blackberry Compote:

• 1 cup fresh blackberries
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• ½ cup blackberry compote
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Method:

Preheat oven to 175°C. Grease and line three 8-inch cake pans. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and mix in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Gradually fold in dry ingredients with buttermilk, until batter turns smooth. Toss blackberries in a little flour and fold them in very gently.

Divide the batter among the cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes. Let the cakes cool completely. For the compote, heat blackberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan until the berries break down and thicken slightly. Let it cool. For the frosting, beat butter until creamy, then add powdered sugar, lemon juice, vanilla, and blackberry compote. Whip until smooth.

To assemble, layer the cakes with frosting and a thin spread of compote. Frost the outside and chill before serving.

5 Tips to Perfect Lemon Blackberry Layer Cake

Balance the Tartness: Lemon can sometimes be overpowering if not used correctly. Fresh lemon zest enhances the citrus aroma without making the cake too sharp. Use lemon juice sparingly and balance it with the sweetness of the cake to ensure it remains bright without being overly tangy.

Prevent Soggy Layers: Blackberries release moisture when baked, which can sometimes make the cake too soft. Tossing them in a little flour before folding them into the batter helps them stay evenly distributed and prevents excessive wet spots.

Create a Stable Frosting: A smooth and firm frosting is essential for a well-layered cake. Ensure that butter is softened but not melted before whipping. Adding a little powdered sugar at a time prevents a runny consistency and helps maintain the frosting’s structure.

Chill Before Slicing: Let the cake sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This helps the frosting set, making it easier to cut clean layers without smudging. A chilled cake also enhances the blend of citrus and berry elements.

Use Fresh Ingredients: The quality of lemons and blackberries makes a huge difference. Freshly squeezed lemon juice and ripe blackberries will provide the best results. Avoid bottled juice or frozen berries unless necessary, as they can alter the final taste.

3 Ways to Plate or Decorate the Lemon Blackberry Layer Cake

Rustic Charm with Fresh Berries: Top the cake with a generous handful of whole blackberries and a sprinkle of lemon zest. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a soft finish. This simple decoration keeps the cake looking elegant without being overly complicated.

Drizzled Compote Elegance: Drizzle a little blackberry compote on top of the cake, letting it flow down the sides of this cake naturally. The deep purple contrast against the pale frosting creates a great visual effect and is perfect for special occasions.

Floral Garnish and Lemon Slices: Thinly sliced lemons, arranged in a circle, atop the cake give it a bright, pop effect. Edible flowers like violets or marigold petals can add a splash of color and create a very decorative element with the berry and citrus flavors.