Get ready to bake a show-stopping Blueberry Swirl Cheesecake Cake! This berry cake recipe combines the rich creaminess of cheesecake with a moist cake, all swirled with vibrant blueberries. You’ll love this beautiful and delicious dessert.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Cream Cheese: Use full-fat for the best texture. Low-fat cream cheese can alter the consistency.
- Fresh Blueberries: Frozen blueberries work too, just don’t thaw them first.
- All-Purpose Flour: A gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend can be substituted.
- Granulated Sugar: You can reduce slightly if you prefer less sweetness, but it affects the cake’s structure.
Ingredients:
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 8 ounces (226g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Blueberry Swirl:
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
For the Cake Batter:
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk (or milk + 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice, rested 5 mins)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Tools Needed: 9-inch round springform pan, stand mixer or hand mixer, small saucepan, whisk, spatulas.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round springform pan. This berry cake recipe bakes beautifully in a prepared pan.
2. Make the Cheesecake Layer
Beat softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined. Set this creamy mixture aside.
3. Prepare the Blueberry Swirl
Combine blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the mixture thickens and berries burst, about 5-7 minutes. Let it cool slightly. This creates a fantastic berry cake swirl.
4. Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution for a perfectly risen cake.
5. Cream Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix the berry cake batter.
7. Assemble Your Cake
Pour about two-thirds of the cake batter into your prepared pan. Spoon dollops of the cheesecake mixture over the batter, then spoon dollops of the blueberry swirl. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the layers.
8. Add Remaining Batter and Swirl Again
Carefully add the remaining cake batter in dollops over the swirled layers. Add more dollops of the remaining blueberry swirl. Gently swirl again for a beautiful pattern.
9. Bake Your Cheesecake Cake
Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the cake part (not the cheesecake part) comes out clean. Let it cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
Variation Ideas:
- Lemon Zest Boost: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the cake batter for a brighter flavor.
- Other Berries: Try raspberries or mixed berries for a different berry cake twist.
- Crumb Topping: Sprinkle a simple streusel topping over the cake before baking for added texture.
- Chocolate Chip Swirl: Add mini chocolate chips to the cheesecake layer or cake batter for a different flavor profile.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover Blueberry Swirl Cheesecake Cake tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This cake is best served chilled. You can also freeze individual slices for longer storage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, you can! Do not thaw them before adding to the saucepan for the swirl.
Why is my cheesecake layer sinking?
This can happen if the cheesecake batter is too thin or the cake batter is too thick. Ensure ingredients are at room temperature.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! This berry cake recipe is even better the next day after the flavors have melded.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
Insert a wooden skewer into the cake portion; it should come out clean. The cheesecake part will still be slightly jiggly.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can make your own by adding 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
Can I use a different size pan?
A 9-inch round pan is recommended for even baking. Adjust baking time if you use a different size.