Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake: A Luscious Dessert Delight
Indulge in the heavenly layers of this Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake—a perfect harmony of tangy cream cheese, juicy blueberries, and a buttery crumb topping that crumbles with every bite. This delightful dessert combines a moist cake base with a rich cream cheese filling, studded with plump blueberries, and finished with a crunchy streusel topping. Ideal for brunches, afternoon tea, or a sweet treat after dinner, this cake is as beautiful as it is delicious. The vibrant purple hues of the blueberries peeking through the creamy layers make it a stunning centerpiece for any table. Whether you’re a baking enthusiast or a beginner, this recipe will guide you to a mouthwatering masterpiece!
The combination of creamy cheese, fresh fruit, and a crumbly topping creates a texture and flavor profile that’s hard to resist. It’s a versatile cake that can be enjoyed warm with a dollop of whipped cream or chilled for a refreshing bite. Let’s dive into the steps to create this irresistible treat in your own kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these fresh and pantry staples to craft your Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake:
For the Cake Base:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened (for a rich, tender crumb)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (to sweeten the base)
- 2 large eggs (for structure and moisture)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for a warm flavor note)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (for the cake’s foundation)
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder (to help the cake rise)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (to enhance flavors)
- ½ cup whole milk (for a moist texture)
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz (1 block) cream cheese, softened (for a creamy, tangy layer)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (to balance the tanginess)
- 1 large egg (to bind the filling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (to complement the cream cheese)
For the Blueberry Layer:
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries (no need to thaw if frozen)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (to prevent sinking)
For the Crumb Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (for a sandy texture)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for sweetness)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (for a crumbly finish)
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for a warm spice note)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan or round cake pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal, and lightly flour the sides to prevent sticking. This preparation ensures your cake comes out perfectly every time.
Step 2: Make the Cake Base
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or a wooden spoon to cream together the softened ½ cup butter and ¾ cup sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, beating until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups flour, 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the ½ cup milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined—overmixing can make the cake dense. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with ¼ cup sugar until smooth. Add 1 egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and lump-free. Spread this mixture evenly over the cake batter in the pan, creating a smooth layer.
Step 4: Add the Blueberries
Toss the 1 ½ cups blueberries with 1 tablespoon flour to coat—this helps them stay suspended in the filling rather than sinking. Gently sprinkle the blueberries over the cream cheese layer, pressing them slightly into the mixture for even distribution.
Step 5: Create the Crumb Topping
In a small bowl, combine ½ cup flour, ¼ cup sugar, and ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (if using). Add the ¼ cup cold, cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this crumb topping evenly over the blueberries, covering the surface for that signature crunch.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the cake portion (avoiding the cream cheese) comes out clean. The cream cheese filling may still be slightly jiggly, which is normal—it will set as it cools. If the top browns too quickly, tent it with foil during the last 15 minutes.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Run a knife around the edges, then release the springform pan (if using) or invert onto a plate and back onto a serving dish. Allow it to cool completely, about 1-2 hours, for the best texture. Slice and serve at room temperature or chilled, optionally with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips for the Best Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake
- Blueberry Options: Fresh blueberries are ideal, but frozen work well too—just don’t thaw them to avoid excess moisture. You can also try raspberries or blackberries for a twist.
- Make Ahead: This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if you prefer it warm.
- Crumb Variation: Add chopped nuts like pecans or almonds to the crumb topping for extra texture.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with a cup of coffee or tea, or serve as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
Nutritional Highlights
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour 20 minutes (plus cooling)
- Servings: 8-10
This cake is a rich dessert, with calorie content varying based on portion size and optional toppings. Enjoy it as a special treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake is a delightful blend of creamy, fruity, and crunchy elements, making it a standout dessert for any occasion. The moist cake base, luscious cream cheese layer, and burst of blueberries paired with the buttery crumb topping create a symphony of flavors and textures. It’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring as a personal indulgence. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply treating yourself, this cake is sure to impress.
Try this Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake and let us know how you enjoyed it! What’s your favorite fruit to bake with? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your ideas!
