Lemon Blueberry Spoon Cake

This Lemon Blueberry Spoon Cake is a soft, tender, and beautifully fragrant dessert that’s scooped straight from the baking dish — no fancy layering or frosting required! Made with fresh blueberries and bright lemon zest, this cake is moist, fluffy, and spoonable like a cobbler but with the texture of a buttery cake. It’s perfect for spring and summer, best served warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

  • 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 large lemon)

  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

  • 1 cup granulated sugar, divided

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

  • 1 large egg

  • ½ cup milk

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or equivalent.

  2. In a small bowl, mix the blueberries with 2 tablespoons sugar and lemon juice. Set aside to macerate.

  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter, remaining sugar (about ¾ cup), egg, lemon zest, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.

  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.

  5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

  6. Spoon the blueberries and their juices over the top of the batter. Do not mix in — they will sink slightly while baking.

  7. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the cake (not the blueberry section) comes out clean.

  8. Let cool slightly. Scoop with a spoon and serve warm.

Nutrients (Per Serving – Approx. 8 servings)

  • Calories: 285 kcal

  • Carbohydrates: 38g

  • Protein: 3g

  • Fat: 13g

  • Saturated Fat: 7g

  • Cholesterol: 47mg

  • Sodium: 140mg

  • Fiber: 1g

  • Sugar: 25g

  • Calcium: 50mg

  • Iron: 1mg

  • Vitamin C: 6mg

A Cake That’s All About Simplicity and Comfort

What sets this cake apart from traditional layer cakes or frosted desserts is its delightfully informal nature. There’s no need for cake pans or icing bags—just a mixing bowl, a spoon, and a baking dish. Once baked, it’s meant to be served straight from the dish, warm and spooned into bowls or onto plates. The spoonable texture, somewhere between a tender cake and a soft cobbler, gives this dessert a homey, inviting appeal that makes it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or impromptu entertaining.

Blueberries Bring Brightness and Bursts of Flavor

Fresh or frozen blueberries are the heart of this spoon cake. As they bake, they soften and release their juices, creating deep pockets of fruit that complement the buttery cake base. The berries add natural sweetness, moisture, and color to each bite. When paired with lemon, blueberries shine even more—the citrus helps balance their sweetness and brings out their delicate tartness. Whether you’re using peak-season blueberries or frozen ones pulled from the freezer, this cake transforms them into a showstopping feature.

Lemon Zest and Juice Elevate the Flavor

Lemon adds brightness and aromatic complexity to this dessert. The zest brings essential oils that infuse the batter with vibrant citrus fragrance, while the juice enhances the blueberries and provides a light tang that balances the cake’s sweetness. It’s this touch of citrus that makes the dessert feel light and summery, perfect for enjoying on a sunny afternoon or after a backyard barbecue. Even a small amount of lemon can completely lift and transform a simple cake into something special and memorable.

A Buttery, Moist Cake That Melts in Your Mouth

The base of the spoon cake is everything you’d hope for in a classic, buttery homemade cake. Using melted butter gives the crumb a soft richness, while the combination of milk and egg ensures a moist, tender texture. This batter bakes up fluffy but spoonable, holding its shape without being dense. The baking powder helps it rise just enough to provide structure without making it overly cakey. The resulting texture is incredibly satisfying—light yet indulgent, with every spoonful packed with flavor.

A Dessert Meant to Be Eaten Warm

One of the best things about this cake is that it’s designed to be enjoyed warm, straight from the oven. When served freshly baked, the edges are golden and crisp while the center remains soft and plush. The warm blueberries become jammy and vibrant, and the lemon aroma is at its peak. Top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, and you’ve got a comforting dessert that hits all the right notes. If you have leftovers, a quick reheat in the microwave brings back its warm, spoonable magic in seconds.

Perfect for Casual Entertaining or Special Treats

This lemon blueberry spoon cake is a fantastic dessert for all kinds of occasions. Because it’s so easy to prepare, it’s a go-to recipe for weeknight baking, last-minute guests, or holiday weekends when you want something fresh but not overly complicated. It also travels well in its baking dish, making it ideal for potlucks or family gatherings. The vibrant color and sweet lemon aroma make it feel festive, while its simplicity means you can enjoy it anytime, no special occasion required.

Flexible and Forgiving for Bakers of All Levels

Even if you’re not an experienced baker, this recipe is nearly foolproof. There’s no need for electric mixers or exact layering—just mix, pour, and bake. The ingredients are pantry staples, and the steps are easy to follow. You can use fresh or frozen blueberries without changing the process, and substitutions like dairy-free milk or gluten-free flour blends can be made with minimal impact on the final product. This makes it a great recipe for beginner bakers or anyone looking for a quick, delicious dessert that’s easy to customize.

Ways to Customize and Elevate Your Spoon Cake

While the lemon blueberry combination is hard to beat, this spoon cake is incredibly adaptable. You can switch out the blueberries for blackberries, raspberries, or a mix of berries to vary the flavor. Orange zest or a splash of almond extract can add a different dimension to the base. For extra texture, consider folding in a handful of sliced almonds or topping the cake with coarse sugar before baking for a crunchy finish. A spoonful of lemon curd swirled into the batter before baking will add a tangy richness that elevates the dish even further.

Pairings That Complement Every Bite

To round out the experience, serve this spoon cake with cold, creamy sides that contrast the warm, soft cake. Vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing that melts into the cake, enhancing the richness and creating a delicious contrast. Whipped cream adds a light, airy finish and pairs perfectly with the fruity, tangy flavors. For a dairy-free option, try coconut whipped cream or vegan vanilla ice cream. A cup of tea or a glass of chilled dessert wine makes for a lovely pairing, turning a simple dessert into a satisfying after-dinner ritual.

Tips for Best Results

For the most flavorful cake, always use freshly grated lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice. If you’re using frozen blueberries, don’t thaw them before baking—this helps them hold their shape and prevents them from turning the batter blue. When mixing the batter, stir just until combined to keep the cake light and tender. Be sure to let the cake cool slightly before serving, as this allows the juices to settle and the texture to firm up enough to be spooned cleanly.

Conclusion

Lemon Blueberry Spoon Cake is the kind of dessert that combines comfort, flavor, and ease into one delicious dish. With its soft, spoonable texture, vibrant blueberry bursts, and citrusy lemon lift, it’s a celebration of simple ingredients done right. Whether served warm from the oven at a summer dinner party or scooped into bowls for a quick weeknight treat, this cake brings joy to every table. Uncomplicated, flavorful, and endlessly customizable, it’s a recipe you’ll reach for again and again—because some of the best desserts are the ones you don’t need to fuss over, just enjoy with a spoon in hand.

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