This beloved Maritime dessert showcases the region’s famous wild blueberries in a light, creamy cake that’s perfect for special occasions. Nova Scotia’s wild blueberries, known for their intense flavor and deep color, make this cake a true celebration of Atlantic Canadian cuisine.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of tender vanilla cake, wild blueberries, and rich cream filling creates a perfectly balanced dessert. The cake layers are sturdy enough to hold the filling while remaining light and moist, and the wild blueberries provide bursts of flavor throughout. The whipped cream filling and frosting add richness without overwhelming the delicate cake.

Essential Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 cups wild blueberries (fresh or frozen)

For the Cream Filling:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup wild blueberry preserves

For the Frosting:

• 3 cups heavy whipping cream
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For Garnish:

• 1 cup fresh wild blueberries
• Mint leaves (optional)
• Additional blueberry preserves

Required Equipment

• Two 9-inch round cake pans
• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Large mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sifter or fine-mesh strainer
• Offset spatula
• Cake turntable (optional)
• Wire cooling racks
• Pastry brush

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Cake

1. Preheat and prepare:

• Set oven to 350°F (175°C)
• Grease and flour cake pans
• Line bottoms with parchment

1. Mix dry ingredients:

• Sift flour, baking powder, salt
• Whisk to combine
• Set aside

1. Cream butter and sugar:

• Beat until light and fluffy
• About 3-4 minutes
• Scrape bowl as needed

1. Add wet ingredients:

• Beat in eggs one at a time
• Add vanilla extract
• Alternate flour and milk
• Mix until just combined

1. Fold in blueberries:

• Toss berries with flour first
• Fold gently into batter
• Divide between pans

Baking and Cooling

1. Bake the cakes:

• 25-30 minutes
• Test with toothpick
• Edges should pull away
• Cool 10 minutes in pans

1. Cool completely:

• Remove from pans
• Place on wire racks
• Cool to room temperature
• Wrap if making ahead

Making the Filling

1. Prepare cream cheese mixture:

• Beat cream cheese until smooth
• Add powdered sugar
• Mix in vanilla
• Set aside

1. Whip the cream:

• Beat until soft peaks
• Fold into cream cheese
• Keep chilled until needed

Assembly

1. Level cakes:

• Cut domes if needed
• Split layers horizontally
• Brush with simple syrup

1. Layer the cake:

• Place first layer on plate
• Spread with cream filling
• Add blueberry preserves
• Repeat with remaining layers

1. Frost and decorate:

• Cover with whipped cream
• Smooth sides and top
• Pipe decorative borders
• Garnish with fresh berries

Pro Tips for Success

1. Cake Tips:

• Use room temperature ingredients
• Don’t overmix batter
• Toss berries in flour
• Test for doneness properly

1. Cream Tips:

• Keep everything cold
• Don’t overwhip cream
• Stabilize if needed
• Chill between steps

1. Assembly Tips:

• Chill layers before filling
• Use cake board for support
• Keep decorations simple
• Work in a cool room

Storage and Make-Ahead

Make-Ahead Options:

• Bake layers up to 2 days ahead
• Wrap well and refrigerate
• Make filling day before
• Assemble day of serving

Storage Guidelines:

• Keep refrigerated
• Best eaten within 3 days
• Don’t freeze assembled cake
• Cover when storing

Variations and Adaptations

Fruit Options:

• Mixed berries
• Raspberries
• Blackberries
• Strawberries

Filling Variations:

• Mascarpone cream
• Lemon curd addition
• Berry mousse
• Vanilla custard

Decorative Ideas:

• Fresh flower garnish
• Candied blueberries
• White chocolate shavings
• Sugared mint leaves

This Nova Scotia Blueberry Cream Cake showcases the best of Maritime baking traditions while creating an elegant dessert that’s perfect for special occasions. The combination of wild blueberries, tender cake, and cream filling makes it a memorable treat that captures the essence of Nova Scotia’s culinary heritage.