This Nova Scotia Blueberry Cream Cake is a heavenly blend of light, fluffy cake and rich, whipped cream. The fresh blueberries add a burst of color and natural sweetness that elevates this dessert to the next level. The combination of simple ingredients creates a perfect balance of flavors, making it an irresistible treat for all occasions.
Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply indulging in a sweet snack, this cake is an easy and delicious choice. Its creamy topping and fresh blueberries are the ultimate combination for a show-stopping dessert. Plus, it’s perfect for beginners, so everyone can enjoy the satisfaction of creating something beautiful and delicious!
Full Recipe:
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1 ½ cups fresh blueberries
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 ½ tsp baking powder
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1/4 tsp salt
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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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1/2 cup milk
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/4 cup powdered sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1/4 cup fresh blueberries (for garnish)
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
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In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
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Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and then stir in the vanilla extract.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
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Gently fold in the blueberries.
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Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
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Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack.
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While the cake is cooling, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
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Once the cake has cooled, spread the whipped cream on top, and garnish with fresh blueberries.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
Nova Scotia Blueberry Cream Cake: A Delightful and Nutritious Dessert
Nova Scotia Blueberry Cream Cake is a dessert that combines the sweetness of fresh blueberries with the richness of a creamy topping, creating a treat that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. This cake, while simple to prepare, brings together the flavors of juicy blueberries and smooth whipped cream, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. In this article, we will dive into the health benefits of this dessert, offer tips for preparation, explore possible variations, and discuss why this recipe is so appealing.
Health Benefits of Nova Scotia Blueberry Cream Cake
One of the key ingredients in this cake is blueberries, which are often hailed as a superfood due to their numerous health benefits. Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body from harmful free radicals and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. They are also an excellent source of vitamin C, which plays a vital role in boosting the immune system and promoting healthy skin. Additionally, blueberries contain fiber, which supports healthy digestion and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
The cake itself is made with basic ingredients such as flour, butter, sugar, and eggs. While these ingredients are delicious, they can be enjoyed in moderation within a balanced diet. The whipped cream topping, made with heavy cream and powdered sugar, adds richness to the cake. While whipped cream is high in fat, it can be a satisfying indulgence when consumed as part of an overall balanced diet.
The use of fresh, natural ingredients in the cake, such as butter and milk, also contributes to a more wholesome dessert compared to store-bought options that may contain preservatives and artificial flavorings. By preparing this cake at home, you have control over the ingredients, ensuring a fresher, more nutritious treat.
Preparation Tips for Making the Cake
Making the Nova Scotia Blueberry Cream Cake is straightforward, but a few tips can help ensure that your cake turns out perfectly every time.
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Use Fresh Blueberries: Fresh blueberries provide the best flavor and texture, especially since they hold up well during baking. Frozen blueberries can be used, but make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the batter to prevent the cake from becoming soggy.
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Properly Measure Flour: Measuring flour correctly is crucial for the right cake texture. When measuring flour, it’s important not to pack it into the measuring cup. Instead, spoon the flour into the cup and level it off with a knife to avoid using too much flour, which can make the cake dense.
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting the recipe. This allows them to mix more evenly and results in a smoother batter.
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Don’t Overmix the Batter: When adding the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can result in a tough texture, which is not ideal for a light and fluffy cake.
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Cool the Cake Before Topping: Allow the cake to cool completely before spreading the whipped cream on top. If the cake is too warm, the cream may melt and become runny, affecting the appearance and texture of the dessert.
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Garnish with Blueberries: For an extra burst of flavor and color, garnish the finished cake with additional fresh blueberries. This adds a vibrant touch to the dessert and enhances its visual appeal.
Variations of Nova Scotia Blueberry Cream Cake
While the traditional Nova Scotia Blueberry Cream Cake is delicious on its own, there are several ways to modify the recipe to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.
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Gluten-Free Version: For those who need to avoid gluten, this cake can easily be made gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the rest of the ingredients for hidden gluten, such as in the powdered sugar or whipped cream. Additionally, adding a binding agent like xanthan gum can help the cake hold together.
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Vegan Option: For a vegan version of this cake, substitute the eggs and dairy products with plant-based alternatives. You can replace eggs with flax eggs or chia eggs and use non-dairy butter and milk such as almond milk or oat milk. For the whipped cream, try using coconut cream, which whips beautifully and gives the cake a similar creamy texture.
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Lemon-Blueberry Twist: Add a refreshing twist to the cake by incorporating lemon zest into the batter. The bright, citrusy flavor pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the blueberries, creating a delightful balance. You can also drizzle a lemon glaze over the whipped cream topping for an added zing.
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Other Berry Options: While blueberries are the star of this cake, you can experiment with other berries like raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries. These berries can be used alone or in combination to create a colorful, mixed-berry cake. Keep in mind that different berries may have varying moisture levels, so be cautious with the amount of liquid they release into the batter.
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Crispy Topping: For a bit of crunch, you can add a streusel topping made of oats, flour, butter, and brown sugar. Sprinkle it over the cake before baking to create a golden, crispy layer on top. This variation adds texture and a little extra sweetness to the dessert.
The Appeal of Nova Scotia Blueberry Cream Cake
What makes Nova Scotia Blueberry Cream Cake so appealing is its perfect balance of simplicity and elegance. It’s an easy dessert to prepare, yet it looks and tastes like something special. The cake itself is soft, light, and flavorful, while the whipped cream topping adds a rich, indulgent contrast. The fresh blueberries not only add flavor but also contribute to the cake’s visual appeal, making it perfect for sharing at parties, family gatherings, or special occasions.
This dessert is also incredibly versatile, allowing for numerous variations to suit different dietary preferences and occasions. Whether you prefer a gluten-free version, a vegan option, or a fresh twist with citrus or mixed berries, there’s a way to make this cake work for everyone. It can be enjoyed as a light afternoon treat or as the centerpiece of a dessert spread.
Furthermore, the health benefits of blueberries make this cake a slightly more wholesome option compared to many other indulgent desserts. The antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber in blueberries contribute to overall health, making this cake a relatively guilt-free treat when enjoyed in moderation.
Conclusion
Nova Scotia Blueberry Cream Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the health benefits of fresh blueberries with the indulgence of a rich cream topping. The recipe is simple to follow, making it a great choice for beginner bakers. With tips for successful preparation and plenty of room for creative variations, this cake can be customized to fit different tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying it as an afternoon treat, this cake is sure to impress with its light texture, vibrant colors, and delicious flavor.