Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Cake with Creamy Layers

Introduction

If you’re looking for the ultimate celebration dessert—something that’s elegant, decadent, fruity, and creamy all at once—look no further than this Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Cake. It’s a showstopper of a dessert that combines three delicious layers: soft lemon cake, rich vanilla cheesecake, and a sweet-tart blueberry compote, all wrapped in a cloud of luscious creamy frosting.

I first made this cake for a spring baby shower, and it instantly became the talk of the dessert table. People were swooning over the zesty lemon cake and that silky cheesecake layer that almost melts into it. The surprise of the blueberry filling nestled between the cake and cheesecake takes it over the top. And the frosting? Creamy, light, and tangy, it complements the whole thing perfectly.

What’s even better is that this recipe is shockingly simple to make, especially with a box of lemon cake mix as a shortcut. The cheesecake layer is baked separately and chilled, which makes assembling the cake easy and stress-free. The flavor combination of lemon and blueberry never fails, and when paired with cheesecake and whipped frosting, it creates something truly extraordinary.

This cake is perfect for Easter, Mother’s Day, bridal showers, birthdays—or any time you want to wow your guests with a dessert that tastes as good as it looks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Three Desserts in One

This cake isn’t just a cake. It’s lemon cake + cheesecake + blueberry pie, all combined into one gorgeous, towering dessert. You get the best of all worlds in every bite.

2. Easy Yet Elegant

Using a lemon cake mix cuts down on time without sacrificing flavor—especially when enhanced with fresh lemon zest. The rest is simple layering and chilling.

3. Fresh, Fruity Flavor

Lemon and blueberry are the ultimate dynamic duo. The bright citrus zest complements the sweet-tart berries, making this cake taste like sunshine in every forkful.

4. Creamy Frosting Perfection

The frosting is made with whipped cream and cream cheese, giving it a light yet rich texture that’s not overly sweet. It’s the perfect way to tie all the layers together.

5. Make-Ahead Friendly

Bake the cheesecake and lemon layers ahead of time, refrigerate the blueberry filling, and assemble the next day. Perfect for party prep.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Lemon Cake Layers

1 box lemon cake mix
Ingredients listed on the cake mix box (typically eggs, oil, and water)
Zest of 1 lemon

For the Cheesecake Layer

16 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Blueberry Filling

1½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tsp water (to make a slurry)

For the Creamy Frosting

1 cup heavy whipping cream
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Preparation (Step-by-Step Instructions)

Step 1: Make the Cheesecake Layer

Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line the bottom of a springform pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides.
In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and mix until creamy.
Add eggs, one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract. Beat until fully combined.
Pour into prepared pan and bake for 40–45 minutes until the center is just set.
Allow to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Step 2: Bake the Lemon Cake Layers

Prepare the lemon cake mix according to the package instructions.
Stir in the zest of 1 lemon for extra flavor.
Divide the batter between two 8-inch round cake pans, greased and lined.
Bake according to box instructions, typically 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Blueberry Filling

In a small saucepan, combine blueberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the berries begin to burst and release juices.
Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then stir into the blueberries.
Simmer until thickened (about 2–3 minutes), stirring constantly.
Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. Refrigerate if making ahead.

Step 4: Prepare the Frosting

Whip cold heavy cream to stiff peaks in a chilled mixing bowl. Set aside.
In another bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated. Keep chilled until ready to use.

Assembly

Place one lemon cake layer on a serving plate or cake board.
Top with the baked and chilled cheesecake layer. You may need to trim the cheesecake to match the size of the cake.
Spoon and spread the blueberry filling evenly over the cheesecake.
Top with the second lemon cake layer.
Frost the entire cake with the creamy frosting, smoothing the top and sides.
Chill for at least 1 hour before serving to let the layers set.
Garnish with fresh blueberries, lemon zest, or a drizzle of extra blueberry sauce (optional).

Variations & Substitutions

Strawberry Swirl: Swap blueberries for strawberries and lemon juice for orange juice.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free lemon cake mix.
Mini Cakes: Bake in mini springform pans for individual servings.
Lemon Curd Layer: Add a layer of lemon curd between the cheesecake and blueberry filling.
Lemon Cheesecake: Add lemon zest to the cheesecake for extra citrus zing.

How to Serve Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Cake

Chilled with Tea: This cake tastes best slightly chilled and pairs beautifully with iced or hot tea.
On a Dessert Buffet: It’s an eye-catching addition to any celebration table.
With Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: Serve with an extra dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a luxurious treat.
As a Birthday Cake: Add candles and enjoy the layered surprise once it’s sliced.

Recipe Tips

Use room temperature ingredients for the best mixing results.
Chill the cheesecake fully before assembling to ensure clean stacking.
Keep frosting cold until just before you use it for easy spreading.
Level your cake layers if needed for a neater finish.
Clean knife between slices for picture-perfect servings.

Storage & Freezing Tips

Refrigerate: Store cake covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap individual slices in plastic and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Make Ahead: You can bake and store all components separately up to 2 days in advance.

Cooking Notes

Use a long serrated knife for even cake layer trimming.
Keep cheesecake slightly shorter than the cake layers for easier frosting.
You can use store-bought blueberry preserves if you’re short on time.
A cake ring can help you layer evenly before frosting.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice, based on 12 servings)

Calories: 480
Fat: 30g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Sugar: 32g
Protein: 5g
Sodium: 290mg

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Cooling & Chilling Time: 2–3 hours
Total Time: ~4 hours (includes chilling)
Yield: 12 slices

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought blueberry pie filling?

Yes, in a pinch you can substitute it for the homemade filling.

2. Can I make this cake a day in advance?

Absolutely. It holds up beautifully overnight in the fridge.

3. Can I freeze the whole assembled cake?

Yes, just wrap it well and freeze. Thaw in the fridge for several hours before serving.

4. Can I use whipped topping instead of whipped cream?

You can, but it may affect the texture and flavor of the frosting slightly.

5. What size pans should I use?

Two 8-inch round cake pans and a springform pan for the cheesecake work best.

6. Can I make this into cupcakes?

You can bake lemon cupcakes and top them with a spoon of cheesecake filling and blueberry jam.

7. How do I prevent the cheesecake from cracking?

Use a water bath or bake low and slow. Even if it cracks, it will be hidden inside the cake.

Conclusion

This Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a masterpiece. With bright citrusy notes, juicy berries, creamy cheesecake, and fluffy frosting, it’s a flavor and texture explosion in the best way possible. Every layer brings something different to the table, yet they all harmonize beautifully.

Whether you’re celebrating something special or just indulging your love for lemon and blueberry, this cake is guaranteed to impress. Bookmark this one—it’s about to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

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