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Blueberry Cake
This vintage Blueberry Cake recipe hails from a time when home baking relied on pantry staples and handwritten notes passed among neighbors and friends. The cake is tender, buttery, and dotted with sweet bursts of blueberries, a nostalgic taste of New England kitchens where seasonal berries turned humble ingredients into simple delights. The balance of sugar, flour, and cream of tartar gives it a soft crumb and subtle tang. Perfect with afternoon tea or as a comforting dessert, this cake embodies timeless American baking traditions that favor wholesome simplicity and heartfelt flavor.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 210 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp butter (softened)
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp cream of tartar
  • 1 pinch salt (optional)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Preheat Oven

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

  • In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Add the egg and beat well. Stir in milk until blended.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

  • In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt.

Step 4: Combine Batter

  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until smooth and thick.

Step 5: Add Blueberries

  • Gently fold in the blueberries to avoid crushing them.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

  • Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
  • Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

  • Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
  • Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally dusted with powdered sugar.

Tips

  • Use fresh or frozen blueberries; if frozen, don’t thaw to avoid discoloring the batter
  • Toss blueberries lightly with a tablespoon of flour to help prevent sinking
  • Add lemon zest or vanilla for added flavor depth
  • Bake in a buttered and floured pan for easier release
  • Sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking for a crunchy crust
  • Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
  • Convert to muffins by reducing baking time to about 18 to 20 minutes
  • For a tender crumb, avoid overmixing after adding flour

Nutrition

Calories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 3gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 95mgPotassium: 65mgFiber: 1gSugar: 19gVitamin A: 220IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1mg
Keyword blueberry cake, classic recipes, from scratch, heritage baking, old-fashioned cake, simple cake, summer dessert, vintage recipe
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