The Nova Scotia Blueberry Cream Cake is a charming vintage dessert that balances sweet and tangy flavors with a wonderfully moist texture. The cream layer adds a rich, custard-like depth that contrasts beautifully with bursts of fresh blueberries throughout. Perfect for brunches, afternoon tea, or as a showstopping weekend dessert, this cake brings rustic elegance and homemade warmth to your table. Whether you’re baking for guests or treating yourself, the buttery base, silky cream, and juicy berries come together in a slice of pure comfort.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking powder
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/2 cup whole milk
For the Cream Layer:
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1 cup sour cream
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 large egg
For the Topping:
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2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
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2 tbsp granulated sugar
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan.
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In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
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Spread the cake batter evenly into the prepared pan.
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In a medium bowl, combine sour cream, sugar, vanilla, and egg for the cream layer. Mix until smooth and pour evenly over the cake batter.
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Top with blueberries, then sprinkle with the remaining sugar.
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Bake for 55–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then run a knife around the edges and remove the outer ring. Cool completely before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 10 servings
A Taste of the East Coast
The Nova Scotia Blueberry Cream Cake is more than just a dessert it’s a regional icon that represents the heart of Canadian baking culture. Rooted in the lush, wild blueberry fields of eastern Canada, this rustic yet elegant cake offers a nostalgic experience with every bite. Combining the sweet-tart punch of ripe blueberries with a creamy, custard-like layer and a tender butter cake base, it’s a treat that bridges tradition and modern indulgence.
While Canada is known globally for maple syrup and poutine, its baking heritage especially from provinces like Nova Scotia is often an overlooked treasure. This cream cake brings attention to that legacy. It’s the kind of recipe that’s passed down through generations, gracing the tables of grandmothers, picnic spreads, potlucks, and Sunday brunches alike.
The Story Behind Nova Scotia’s Wild Blueberries
Nova Scotia is one of the world’s leading producers of wild blueberries, and these aren’t your average berries. They’re smaller, darker, and pack a more concentrated flavor compared to the larger cultivated varieties. Growing naturally in acidic, rocky soil, wild blueberries thrive in Nova Scotia’s rugged coastal climate and are harvested each summer typically in August.
Blueberries are not only a culinary staple in the province but also a cultural symbol. Festivals, harvest events, and even blueberry-themed trail stops mark their importance. When locals talk about a good blueberry cake, they’re often referring to something homemade and hearty like this one: rustic, generous with fruit, and simple in ingredients yet rich in flavor.
Cream Cakes vs. Coffee Cakes: What Sets This One Apart
At first glance, the Nova Scotia Blueberry Cream Cake may resemble a coffee cake. It features a dense yet soft crumb and layers of texture, making it perfect for breakfast or dessert. But what sets it apart is the addition of a sour cream-based custard poured over the batter before baking. This cream layer melts into the cake as it bakes, forming a luscious, almost cheesecake-like texture in the center.
Unlike American-style coffee cakes that often have streusel toppings or cinnamon swirls, the Nova Scotia version focuses more on purity of ingredients. It highlights local produce and fresh dairy, allowing the natural flavors of the fruit and cream to shine through without too much sugar or spice.
The top of the cake typically features a scattering of blueberries and a touch of sugar, which caramelizes into a delicate crust as it bakes adding yet another layer of texture. The result? A dessert that’s surprisingly sophisticated, despite its humble, home-baked origins.
Flavor Profile: Bright, Creamy, and Balanced
This cake delivers a truly delightful balance of flavors and textures. The base layer is a buttery vanilla cake with a fine crumb soft but structured enough to hold up under the rich cream layer. The cream mixture itself is lightly sweetened and slightly tangy, thanks to the sour cream. This creates a velvety custard that settles into the middle of the cake during baking.
On top, the blueberries burst and soften in the oven, releasing their juices into the cake and adding vibrant pockets of flavor. The light sugar crust over the fruit caramelizes just enough to add a hint of crunch, creating contrast in each bite. Together, the layers create a multidimensional flavor experience that’s comforting without being overly sweet.
Ideal Occasions for Serving
One of the reasons this cake has endured for decades is its versatility. While it’s certainly indulgent enough to be served as a dessert, it’s also casual and simple enough for everyday occasions. Here are some perfect times to enjoy it:
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Afternoon Tea or Coffee Break: Pair with a cup of tea or strong coffee for an elevated treat.
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Brunch: A slice alongside eggs and bacon adds a sweet touch to the table.
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Potlucks and Picnics: Travels well and can be served at room temperature.
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Holidays and Special Occasions: Adds a nostalgic, homemade feel to festive spreads.
Because it doesn’t rely on frosting or elaborate decoration, it has a rustic appearance that feels authentic and homey perfect for informal gatherings or farmhouse-style dinner tables.
Make It Your Own: Recipe Variations
The Nova Scotia Blueberry Cream Cake is beloved in its classic form, but like many regional recipes, it lends itself well to personal interpretation. Depending on your taste, you might want to explore some of these variations:
1. Swap the Fruit
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While blueberries are traditional, raspberries, blackberries, or even sliced strawberries can also work well. Just be sure to choose fruits with low moisture content to avoid making the cake soggy.
2. Add Citrus Zest
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A bit of lemon or orange zest in the batter or cream layer can brighten the flavor and complement the berries beautifully.
3. Use Greek Yogurt
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For a slightly tangier and higher-protein alternative to sour cream, full-fat Greek yogurt can be substituted.
4. Spice It Up
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A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the batter adds a subtle warmth that pairs nicely with the fruit.
5. Top with Streusel
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For those who like texture, a cinnamon-butter streusel added before baking can transform the cake into a hybrid of cream cake and coffee cake.
Storage Tips
This cake stores wonderfully and may even taste better the next day as the cream layer continues to set and the flavors meld. Keep it covered and refrigerated for up to 4 days. Serve it chilled or allow it to come to room temperature for a softer texture. It also freezes surprisingly well — just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic and foil, then defrost overnight in the fridge before serving.
Nutritional Note
While indulgent, this cake isn’t overwhelmingly sweet or heavy. A single slice satisfies thanks to its rich texture and fruity brightness. It’s a great example of how desserts can be comforting and hearty without being cloying. If you’re looking to reduce sugar or calories, the sugar can be cut back slightly without compromising flavor.
Conclusion:
The Nova Scotia Blueberry Cream Cake is a culinary love letter to simplicity, seasonal ingredients, and regional pride. Its comforting layers rich cake, creamy custard, and juicy blueberries come together to create a dessert that’s both nostalgic and endlessly enjoyable.
Whether you’re already familiar with Canadian coastal cuisine or just beginning to explore it, this cake is a fantastic starting point. It invites you into the kitchens of generations past while allowing you to make it your own. From its humble roots in wild blueberry country to your modern dining table, the Nova Scotia Blueberry Cream Cake proves that the best recipes are the ones that tell a story and taste like home.