Sherry’s Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake: A Sweet, Creamy Delight
Looking for a dessert that’s bursting with fresh blueberries, creamy richness, and a buttery crumb topping? Sherry’s Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake is the perfect treat! This delightful cake combines a tender, cream cheese-enriched batter with juicy blueberries and a cinnamon-sugar crumble that adds just the right crunch. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this cake is easy to make and sure to impress. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or enjoying a slice with coffee, this recipe brings comfort and flavor in every bite. Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Blueberry Crumb Cake
This Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake is a crowd-pleaser for all the right reasons:
- Perfect Balance: Creamy, tangy cream cheese batter meets sweet blueberries and a crunchy crumb topping.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it beginner-friendly.
- Versatile: Great for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack.
- Seasonal Star: Showcases fresh blueberries, but frozen work too!
With its golden crumble and juicy fruit, this cake is as beautiful as it is delicious. Ready in about an hour, it’s a must-try for any baking enthusiast.
Ingredients
To make Sherry’s Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake, you’ll need:
For the Cake:
-
1 cup all-purpose flour
Forms the tender base of the cake. -
½ cup sugar
Sweetens the batter for a balanced flavor. -
1 tsp baking powder
Gives the cake a light, fluffy rise. -
¼ tsp salt
Enhances all the flavors. -
½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
Adds richness and moisture. -
8 oz cream cheese (softened)
Creates a creamy, tangy texture. -
1 egg
Binds the batter and adds structure. -
1 tsp vanilla extract
Infuses a warm, aromatic note. -
1 cup fresh blueberries
Provides bursts of juicy sweetness.
For the Crumb Topping:
-
½ cup brown sugar
Adds a caramel-like sweetness to the crumble. -
¼ cup flour
Gives structure to the topping. -
1 tsp ground cinnamon
Brings warm, spicy flavor to the crumble.
Yield: Serves 8-10
Calories per serving: ~300 kcal (based on 10 servings)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps to create your Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake:
-
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or non-stick spray, or line with parchment paper for easy removal. -
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, and ¼ tsp salt. Set aside. -
Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat ½ cup softened unsalted butter, 8 oz softened cream cheese, 1 egg, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. -
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring with a spatula or mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender. -
Fold in Blueberries
Gently fold 1 cup fresh blueberries into the batter using a spatula, ensuring even distribution without crushing the berries. -
Pour into Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. -
Make the Crumb Topping
In a small bowl, combine ½ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup flour, and 1 tsp ground cinnamon. Mix well. If desired, add 2 tbsp melted butter for a richer, clumpier topping (optional). Sprinkle the topping evenly over the batter. -
Bake
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The topping should be golden brown. -
Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions
- Breakfast or Brunch: Pair with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a latte for a cozy start to the day.
- Dessert: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- Garnish: Dust with powdered sugar or add fresh blueberries and mint leaves for a vibrant presentation.
- Occasions: Perfect for potlucks, baby showers, or casual gatherings with its rustic charm.
Pro Tips for Perfect Crumb Cake
-
Use Room-Temperature Ingredients
Ensure butter, cream cheese, and egg are softened (leave at room temp for 1-2 hours) for a smooth batter. Microwave cream cheese or butter in 10-second bursts if needed, but don’t melt. -
Handle Blueberries Gently
Fold blueberries carefully to avoid breaking them, which can tint the batter purple. If using frozen berries, don’t thaw; toss in 1 tsp flour to prevent sinking. -
Perfect the Crumb Topping
For a chunkier crumble, mix 2 tbsp cold butter into the topping with a fork until pea-sized clumps form. For a finer crumble, use the dry mix as written. -
Check for Doneness
Test at 30 minutes with a toothpick. If the center is still wet, bake in 2-minute increments to avoid overcooking. -
Prevent Sticking
Grease the pan thoroughly or use parchment paper. Run a knife around the edges before removing the cake to ensure a clean release. -
Flavor Variations
- Lemon Zest: Add 1 tsp lemon zest to the batter for a citrusy twist.
- Mixed Berries: Swap half the blueberries for raspberries or blackberries.
- Nutty Crunch: Add ¼ cup chopped pecans or almonds to the crumb topping.
-
Make It Gluten-Free
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (e.g., Bob’s Red Mill) for the batter and topping. Ensure baking powder is gluten-free. -
Make It Dairy-Free
Replace butter with vegan margarine, cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative (e.g., Kite Hill), and use a plant-based egg substitute. -
Storage and Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep for up to 5 days due to cream cheese; let sit at room temp for 15 minutes before serving.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
-
Make Ahead
Prepare the batter and topping separately, refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then assemble and bake. Or bake the cake a day ahead and store covered.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes! Use frozen blueberries without thawing to prevent bleeding. Toss in 1 tsp flour before folding into the batter to avoid sinking.
2. Can I make this in a different pan?
Yes, an 8×8-inch square pan works for thicker slices (bake 35-40 minutes). A 9×13-inch pan makes a thinner cake (bake 25-30 minutes).
3. What if I don’t have cream cheese?
Substitute with an equal amount of Greek yogurt or mascarpone for a similar creamy texture, though the flavor will vary slightly.
4. Can I reduce the sugar?
Reduce sugar in the batter to ⅓ cup for a less sweet cake. The crumb topping can use ⅓ cup brown sugar without affecting texture.
5. Why is my cake dense?
Overmixing the batter or using cold ingredients can cause a dense texture. Mix until just combined and ensure butter and cream cheese are softened.
6. Can I make this cake vegan?
Yes, use vegan butter, dairy-free cream cheese, and a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water, let sit 5 minutes). Check that sugar is vegan-friendly.
7. How do I know when the cake is done?
A toothpick should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). The topping should be golden, and the edges slightly pulled from the pan.
8. Can I add more blueberries?
Yes, increase to 1½ cups, but toss with 1 tbsp flour to prevent sinking and excess moisture. Too many berries may make the cake soggy.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 10 Servings)
- Calories: ~300 kcal
- Carbohydrates: ~35g (from flour, sugar, and blueberries)
- Protein: ~4g (from egg and cream cheese)
- Fat: ~15g (from butter and cream cheese)
- Note: Values are approximate and depend on portion size and ingredients used.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Blueberries: Rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber.
- Cream Cheese: Provides protein and calcium.
- Moderate Treat: Balanced with fruit and dairy for a satisfying dessert.
Dietary Information:
- Contains dairy, gluten, and eggs.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use vegan butter and cream cheese.
- Vegetarian: Naturally vegetarian.
Conclusion
Sherry’s Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake is a delightful blend of creamy, fruity, and crunchy textures that’s perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this cake brings homemade comfort to your table in under an hour. Our tips and FAQs ensure you’ll bake a perfect cake every time, whether you’re a novice or a seasoned baker. Grab your blueberries, preheat the oven, and treat yourself to this irresistible dessert that’s sure to become a favorite!