There’s something special about a homemade cake that carries the flavors of home, tradition, and nostalgia. The Nova Scotia Blueberry Dream Cake is one such dessert. Made with fresh, juicy blueberries and a moist vanilla cake base, this dreamy treat is a staple in Canadian kitchens, especially in the summer when wild blueberries are at their peak.
This cake is light, fluffy, and packed with the natural sweetness of Nova Scotia’s famous blueberries. Whether served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this dessert is a showstopper. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Nova Scotia Blueberry Dream Cake
✅ Made with Fresh or Frozen Blueberries – Perfect for any season.
✅ Easy to Make – No fancy baking skills required.
✅ Moist & Flavorful – A soft, buttery cake loaded with juicy berries.
✅ Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for family gatherings, teatime, or dessert.
✅ Tastes Even Better the Next Day!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes! If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them before adding them to the batter to prevent excess moisture.
2. What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can make a quick substitute by mixing 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
3. How do I prevent blueberries from sinking?
Toss the blueberries in a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter. This helps them stay evenly distributed.
4. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together beautifully.
Ingredients Needed
Cake Batter:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen Nova Scotia blueberries
Topping (Optional but Recommended):
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
3. Add the Blueberries
- Gently fold in the blueberries using a spatula.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread evenly.
4. Add the Topping & Bake
- Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle it over the top.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Cool & Serve
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Serve warm with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
✔ For a Lighter Cake: Use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour.
✔ Want Extra Moisture? Add 2 tbsp of sour cream to the batter.
✔ Serving Idea: Pair with a drizzle of homemade blueberry sauce for a flavor boost!
✔ Make It a Muffin! This batter works great for muffins too just adjust the baking time to 18-22 minutes.
👉 If you love fruity cakes, check out our German Chocolate Cake Recipe for another delightful treat!
Serving Suggestions
🍨 With Ice Cream – Serve with vanilla or lemon ice cream for a refreshing twist.
☕ Paired with Coffee or Tea – The perfect treat for breakfast or afternoon tea.
🍯 Drizzle with Honey – Adds a touch of natural sweetness.
For expert baking tips on achieving the perfect cake texture, check out this guide from Bon Appétit.
Storage Instructions
🥡 Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
❄️ Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 5 days.
🔥 Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Conclusion
This Nova Scotia Blueberry Dream Cake is a must-try for anyone who loves a soft, moist cake bursting with fresh blueberry flavor. Whether you bake it for a family gathering or enjoy it with your morning coffee, it’s a dessert that never disappoints.
To ensure your Nova Scotia Blueberry Dream Cake maintains its optimal freshness, follow the storage guidelines provided. For further insights into perfecting the cake’s texture, refer to the expert baking recommendations in the Bon Appétit guide.
Give it a try and let me know in the comments how it turned out! For more delicious recipes, check out our collection of easy homemade dessert.
Happy baking! 🍰💙