- Cream cheese (full-fat, softened) – The velvety heart of the filling, lending tang and creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the sweet cake.
- Granulated sugar – Sweetens the tangy cream cheese without overwhelming.
- Large egg yolk – Adds richness and a golden hue to the filling, making it indulgent yet light.
- Pure vanilla extract – A hint of warmth and depth in the creamy layer.
Timing Your Creation
One of the joys of baking this cake is its straightforward nature paired with a sense of indulgence. Here’s a breakdown of the timing you can expect:
- Prep Time: 20–25 minutes — This includes measuring ingredients, melting butter, mixing the batter, and gently folding in those gorgeous wild blueberries.
- Bake Time: 40–50 minutes — While it bakes, your kitchen will fill with a heavenly aroma, a signal that something delicious is underway.
- Cooling Time: At least 30 minutes — Patience pays off here. Allowing the cake to cool fully ensures clean slices and perfect texture, especially for serving or layering.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients and Equipment
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. If using frozen blueberries, thaw and drain them well to avoid adding excess moisture to your batter.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
In another large bowl, whisk the wet ingredients:
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing gently until just combined — be careful not to overmix, which can toughen the cake.
Step 3: Fold in the Blueberries
Gently fold in 1½ to 2 cups of fresh or thawed Nova Scotia wild blueberries. These little bursts of flavor should be evenly distributed but still intact. Use a spatula and be gentle — we want to preserve their beautiful shape and prevent too much juice from bleeding into the batter.
Step 4: Prepare the Cream Filling
In a small bowl, beat together:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Mix until smooth and creamy, with no lumps. The cream filling adds a luscious, tangy contrast to the sweet cake, creating that irresistible cream layer.
Step 5: Layer and Bake
Pour half of the blueberry cake batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Spoon the cream cheese filling evenly over the batter, then gently pour the remaining cake batter on top, spreading carefully to cover the cream filling layer without mixing.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the cake in the oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown, the edges pull away slightly from the pan, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are okay, but no wet batter).
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. This cooling time helps the cream filling set properly and makes slicing easier. For the cleanest slices, run a knife along the edges before carefully removing the cake from the pan.
Why This Cake is Truly Special
Nova Scotia Wild Blueberries
What sets this cake apart from other blueberry desserts is the use of wild Nova Scotia blueberries. These berries are smaller and more intensely flavored than their cultivated cousins — a sweet-tart punch that elevates every bite. Wild blueberries are often celebrated for their antioxidant properties and distinctive coastal terroir, making your cake not just delicious but a little taste of Nova Scotia’s natural bounty.
Cream Cheese Layer
The cream cheese layer adds a decadent surprise inside the cake, providing a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweet, soft crumb. This balance is essential — it makes the cake feel more special and adds complexity in flavor and texture.
Versatility and Occasion
This cake fits perfectly on many occasions:
- Afternoon tea: Serve a slice with a cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea.
- Summer picnics: Portable, moist, and packed with fresh fruit flavor.
- Special gatherings: Its elegant layers make it an impressive yet homey dessert for celebrations.
- Everyday indulgence: Because sometimes you deserve a little slice of heaven just because.
Tips for Baking Success
- Use room temperature ingredients: For best mixing and texture, make sure eggs, milk, and cream cheese are at room temperature before starting.
- Don’t overmix batter: Overworking flour activates gluten, leading to a tougher cake. Fold ingredients gently until just combined.
- Drain frozen blueberries well: Extra moisture can make the batter too wet and affect the cake’s texture.
- Check doneness early: Ovens vary, so start testing your cake at the 40-minute mark.
- Cool completely: This helps the cream cheese filling set and the cake slice beautifully.
Optional Additions and Variations
- Lemon zest: Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon zest to the batter for a bright citrus twist.
- Almond extract: Replace ½ teaspoon vanilla with almond extract for a nutty undertone.
- Streusel topping: For extra crunch, sprinkle a cinnamon-sugar streusel over the top before baking.
- Whipped cream: Serve slices with lightly sweetened whipped cream and a few fresh blueberries for garnish.
- Glaze: Drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the cooled cake for added sweetness and shine.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
- Store in the fridge: Keep the cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. The cream cheese filling requires refrigeration. It will keep well for up to 3 days.
- Serve chilled or room temperature: For best flavor, serve the cake at room temperature by taking it out of the fridge 15-20 minutes before serving.
- Freeze for later: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Final Thoughts: A Coastal Classic in Your Kitchen
The Nova Scotia Blueberry Cream Cake is more than just a dessert — it’s a celebration of coastal flavors, simple ingredients, and the magic that happens when the two come together. Its layers of moist cake, juicy wild blueberries, and creamy filling make every bite a blissful experience.
Baking this cake is a joyful way to bring a bit of Nova Scotia’s natural beauty to your table, any time of year. So next time you want a sweet treat that feels both comforting and a little special, try this recipe — your taste buds will thank you!
