Nova Scotia Blueberry Cream Cake

### **Instructions:**

#### 1. **Prepare the Cake:**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
– In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
– In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
– Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
– Gradually add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the sour cream and buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
– Gently fold in the blueberries by hand. If you’re using frozen blueberries, be sure to fold them in gently to prevent them from bleeding into the batter and turning it blue.

#### 2. **Bake the Cake:**
– Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
– Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.

#### 3. **Prepare the Cream Filling:**
– While the cakes are cooling, make the cream filling by beating the softened cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
– In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar together until stiff peaks form.
– Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and set the cream filling aside.

#### 4. **Make the Blueberry Sauce:**
– In a small saucepan, combine the blueberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the berries release their juices and the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
– Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature before using it.

#### 5. **Assemble the Cake:**
– Once the cakes are completely cool, place one cake layer on a serving platter.
– Spread a generous layer of the cream filling on top of the first cake layer.
– Carefully place the second cake layer on top and gently press down to secure it in place.
– Spread the remaining cream filling over the top and sides of the cake, smoothing it out with a spatula.

#### 6. **Top with Blueberry Sauce:**
– Drizzle the cooled blueberry sauce over the top of the cake, allowing it to cascade down the sides for a beautiful, vibrant effect.
– Garnish with extra fresh blueberries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar if desired.

#### 7. **Serve and Enjoy:**
– Slice the cake into generous pieces and serve chilled. This cake is perfect for dessert at any special occasion or as a sweet treat with afternoon tea.

### **Tips:**
– **Blueberry Options:** If fresh Nova Scotia blueberries are unavailable, you can use any other fresh or frozen blueberries. Fresh berries will give the cake a slightly lighter texture, while frozen berries may release more juice during baking.
– **Make-Ahead Option:** This cake can be made ahead of time! After assembling, refrigerate the cake for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
– **Creamy Variation:** For an extra creamy texture, add a dollop of whipped cream or mascarpone cheese on top of the cake when serving.

### **Why You’ll Love This Recipe:**
– **Perfectly Moist Cake:** The combination of sour cream and buttermilk ensures that the cake remains incredibly moist, making every bite soft and tender.
– **Tropical Blueberry Flavor:** The blueberries provide a burst of natural sweetness and tang that pairs beautifully with the creamy filling and the slight tang of the cream cheese.
– **Light Yet Indulgent:** This cake strikes the perfect balance between light, fluffy texture and indulgent, creamy filling, making it suitable for any occasion.
– **Versatile Dessert:** Whether you’re serving it for a birthday, a family gathering, or a cozy dessert after dinner, this cake is sure to impress guests with its elegance and delightful flavors.

### **Conclusion:**
**Nova Scotia Blueberry Cream Cake** is a true celebration of the beauty and flavor of blueberries, paired with a luscious, creamy filling. It’s the perfect dessert to enjoy year-round, whether you’re craving something fresh and fruity for summer or a rich, comforting treat for the colder months. With its layers of moist cake, velvety cream, and sweet blueberry sauce, this cake will undoubtedly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Try it today and experience the flavors of Nova Scotia in every bite!