Bea’s Blueberry Sheet Cake

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 cups fresh blueberries (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan thoroughly to ensure easy release after baking.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these together until well blended to prevent clumps in your batter.
3. Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
4. Add eggs and vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
5. Combine mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
6. Fold in blueberries: Gently fold in the fresh blueberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Pour batter: Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly using a spatula.
8. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool the cake: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Prepare the frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue mixing until well combined. Then add the heavy cream and vanilla, beating until smooth and fluffy.
11. Frost the cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top with a spatula. Garnish with additional fresh blueberries.

Notes