Ingredients:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp (12g) baking powder
- 1/2 tsp (3g) salt
- 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tbsp (12g) lemon zest
- 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (225g) fresh blueberries
- 8 oz (225g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp (15ml) lemon juice
- 1 tsp (2g) lemon zest
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9 inch square baking pan and line it with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine granulated sugar and lemon zest. Use fingertips to rub the zest into the sugar until fragrant and the texture resembles damp sand.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the lemon-infused sugar and softened butter until combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract and lemon juice.
- Gradually fold the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Toss the fresh blueberries in a tablespoon of flour to prevent sinking, then gently fold them into the batter using a spatula.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges pull slightly away from the pan and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the frosting by beating together softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and fluffy.
- Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the lemon cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.