Dreamy Blueberry Shortcake Cake is a light, luscious dessert that captures all the flavors of a classic shortcake—with an elegant twist. Layers of tender vanilla cake, sweet blueberry filling, and fluffy whipped cream create a beautiful, irresistible treat that’s perfect for spring and summer celebrations, brunches, or whenever you crave something fresh and fruity.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cake takes everything you love about traditional strawberry shortcake and gives it a vibrant blueberry makeover. It’s simple yet stunning, combining soft cake layers with juicy blueberries and a cloud of whipped cream. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday or just to impress your guests, it’s a showstopping dessert that looks fancy but is incredibly easy to make.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the cake:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Unsalted butter (softened)
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Milk or buttermilk
For the blueberry filling:
- Fresh or frozen blueberries
- Sugar
- Lemon juice
- Cornstarch (to thicken)
- Water
For the whipped cream topping:
- Heavy whipping cream
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
Optional for garnish:
- Fresh blueberries
- Lemon zest
- Mint leaves
directions
- Bake the cake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, mixing just until combined.
- Divide batter between pans and bake for 2226 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
- Make the blueberry filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, water, and cornstarch. Stir until thickened and glossy. Let cool completely.
- Prepare the whipped cream: In a chilled bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Assemble the cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of whipped cream, followed by a layer of blueberry filling. Top with the second cake layer and repeat with whipped cream on top. Add more blueberries and garnish as desired.
- Chill until ready to serve. Slice and enjoy!
Servings and timing
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Cooling & assembly: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 1012 slices
Variations
- Lemon version: Add lemon zest to the cake batter and whipped cream for a citrusy twist.
- Sheet cake style: Bake in a 9×13-inch pan and top with whipped cream and blueberry filling.
- Mini cakes: Use a biscuit cutter to make individual shortcake-style servings.
- Mixed berries: Use a combination of blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days.
This cake is best enjoyed chilled. The whipped cream may soften slightly after the first day, but the flavor remains delicious. Avoid freezing the fully assembled cake.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought whipped cream?
Yes, but homemade whipped cream offers better flavor and texture for layering.
Can I use frozen blueberries?
Absolutely. No need to thaw—just cook a little longer when making the filling.
How do I prevent the cake from getting soggy?
Let the blueberry filling cool completely before layering and avoid overfilling.
Can I make this cake in advance?
You can bake the cake and prepare the filling a day ahead. Assemble the cake the day you plan to serve it.
Is this cake very sweet?
It’s lightly sweet with balanced flavors from the fruit and whipped cream. You can adjust the sugar to taste.
What can I use instead of whipped cream?
Try a mascarpone whipped frosting or stabilized whipped topping for a firmer texture.
Can I use a box cake mix?
Yes, a vanilla or white cake mix can be used for a shortcut—just prepare as directed and layer as described.
Can I serve this warm?
It’s best served chilled or at room temperature to keep the whipped cream stable.
How do I make clean slices?
Chill the cake before slicing and use a sharp, serrated knife wiped clean between cuts.
Can I make this into cupcakes?
Yes, bake the cake as cupcakes and top each with blueberry filling and whipped cream.
Conclusion
Dreamy Blueberry Shortcake Cake is a fresh, airy, and elegant dessert that’s perfect for any special occasion—or no occasion at all. With tender cake layers, a sweet-tart blueberry filling, and fluffy whipped cream, every bite is light, fruity, and irresistible. It’s easy to make and even easier to love—a true celebration of blueberries and homemade goodness.
Description
Dreamy Blueberry Shortcake Cake is a stunning layered dessert made with tender vanilla cake, whipped cream, and juicy blueberry compote—perfect for spring and summer celebrations.
- Make the Cake: 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, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in vanilla.
- Alternate adding flour mixture and milk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
- Divide batter between pans and bake for 2530 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Make the Blueberry Compote: In a saucepan, combine blueberries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat. Simmer for 57 minutes until berries begin to burst. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook 12 more minutes until thickened. Cool completely.
- Make the Whipped Cream: In a large bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Keep chilled.
- Assemble: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of whipped cream and spoon half the blueberry compote on top. Repeat with the second layer, topping with whipped cream and remaining compote. Garnish with extra blueberries if desired.
Notes
- Cake layers can be made a day ahead and wrapped tightly once cooled.
- Use stabilized whipped cream if storing assembled cake for longer periods.
- Best served chilled or at room temperature within 24 hours of assembling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 115mg