Blueberry Shortcake Cake is my fresh and fruity twist on the classic shortcake dessert. It layers soft vanilla cake with juicy blueberries and fluffy whipped cream for a treat that’s light yet indulgent. Every bite combines tender cake, sweet-tart berries, and creamy richness, making it the perfect dessert for spring, summer, or any time I’m craving something bright and cheerful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this cake captures the essence of a traditional shortcake but in a beautiful, sliceable form. It’s easier to serve at gatherings than individual shortcakes, and the flavors always impress. The blueberries bring bursts of freshness, the cake is soft and buttery, and the whipped cream ties it all together. It’s a crowd-pleaser that looks as good as it tastes.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the cake:
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All-purpose flour
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Baking powder
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Salt
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Granulated sugar
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Unsalted butter, softened
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Eggs
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Vanilla extract
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Whole milk
For the blueberry filling:
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Fresh or frozen blueberries
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Granulated sugar
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Lemon juice
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Cornstarch (for thickening)
For the whipped cream:
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Heavy whipping cream
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Powdered sugar
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Vanilla extract
For garnish (optional):
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Extra fresh blueberries
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Lemon zest
Directions
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I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
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To make the cake, I whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in one bowl. In another bowl, I beat the butter and sugar until fluffy, then add the eggs and vanilla. I alternate mixing in the dry ingredients with the milk until smooth. I divide the batter between the pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. I let the cakes cool completely.
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For the blueberry filling, I combine the blueberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan. I cook over medium heat until the berries release their juices. I stir in cornstarch mixed with a little water and cook until the mixture thickens. Then I let it cool.
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For the whipped cream, I beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
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To assemble, I place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread with whipped cream, and spoon some blueberry filling on top. I add the second cake layer and repeat, finishing with more whipped cream and fresh blueberries for garnish.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 10–12 servings and takes about 30 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of baking time, plus cooling before assembling.
Variations
Sometimes I add strawberries or raspberries along with the blueberries for a mixed berry shortcake cake. For a tangy twist, I fold lemon zest into the cake batter or add a touch of cream cheese to the whipped cream. I’ve also baked it as a sheet cake and served it with blueberries and cream on top for a simpler presentation.
storage/reheating
I store the cake covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. The whipped cream stays soft and the cake keeps moist from the blueberry filling. If I want to make it ahead, I bake the cake layers a day early and assemble the cake the day I plan to serve it. This cake isn’t great for freezing once assembled, but the plain cake layers freeze beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, I often use frozen blueberries for the filling. I don’t thaw them first — I just cook them straight from frozen.
Can I make the cake layers in advance?
Absolutely. I bake the layers a day or two ahead, wrap them well, and store them at room temperature or freeze for longer storage.
Can I use store-bought whipped topping?
Yes, though I prefer homemade whipped cream for the best flavor and texture. Store-bought can work in a pinch.
Do I have to make the blueberry filling?
Not at all — I sometimes use fresh blueberries tossed in a little sugar and lemon juice instead for a lighter, fresher version.
How do I keep the whipped cream stable?
If I want it to hold longer, I add a spoonful of cornstarch or powdered gelatin when whipping the cream to help it stay firm.
Conclusion
Blueberry Shortcake Cake is the kind of dessert that feels both simple and special. The combination of soft vanilla cake, juicy blueberries, and fluffy cream makes it perfect for celebrations, potlucks, or just a weekend treat. Every slice feels like sunshine on a plate, and it always leaves me reaching for seconds.
Print
Blueberry Shortcake Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour plus cooling
- Yield: 10 to 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Blueberry Shortcake Cake is a light yet indulgent dessert made with layers of soft vanilla cake, juicy blueberry filling, and fluffy whipped cream. It’s a sliceable twist on the classic shortcake, perfect for spring, summer, or any special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk
For the Blueberry Filling:
3 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
For the Whipped Cream:
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish (optional):
Extra fresh blueberries
Lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, mixing until smooth.
- Divide batter evenly between pans and bake 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cakes cool completely.
- Meanwhile, prepare the blueberry filling: In a saucepan, combine blueberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until berries release juices. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened. Let cool.
- For whipped cream: Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
- To assemble: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread with whipped cream, then spoon blueberry filling on top. Add second cake layer, then top with more whipped cream and blueberries.
- Garnish with fresh blueberries and lemon zest if desired. Slice and serve.
Notes
Add strawberries or raspberries for a mixed berry version.
Fold lemon zest into the cake batter for a citrusy twist.
Mix a little cream cheese into the whipped cream for richness.
Can be baked as a sheet cake for a simpler presentation.
Bake cake layers ahead and assemble before serving for best texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 95mg