Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake

This Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake is a delightful treat that combines the tanginess of cream cheese with juicy blueberries and a buttery streusel topping. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this cake will impress your family and friends with its rich flavor and inviting aroma. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Versatile Delight: This cake serves well as a brunch dish or a sweet dessert after dinner.
• Creamy Texture: The cream cheese filling adds an irresistible creaminess that pairs beautifully with the blueberries.
• Simple Ingredients: With common pantry staples, you won’t need to make a special trip to the store.
• Easy Preparation: Even novice bakers can master this recipe with its straightforward steps.
• Make-Ahead Option: Bake ahead of time and enjoy it fresh out of the oven or warmed up later.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth baking process. Having everything ready beforehand will save you time and effort.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 8×8-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Knife for cutting

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spills or messes.
• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort, ensuring ingredients are well-blended to create a fluffy batter.
• Baking pan: A good quality pan ensures even baking, preventing sticking and burning.

Ingredients

For the Cake Batter

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Cream Cheese Filling

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Crumb Topping

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

For the Blueberries

• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (if frozen, do not thaw)

How to Make Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. Set this mixture aside.

Step 3: Make the Crumb Topping

In another bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the crumb topping. Cut in cold butter using a fork or pastry cutter until you achieve a crumbly texture.

Step 4: Create the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract. Mix in sour cream until well combined.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in another bowl. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 6: Assemble the Cake

Spread half of the cake batter into your prepared pan. Pour the cream cheese mixture over this layer evenly. Then sprinkle blueberries on top before adding the remaining cake batter over everything. Finally, sprinkle with crumb topping.

Step 7: Bake

Place your cake in the preheated oven and bake for 45–50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean. Allow it to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares to serve.

Enjoy your delicious Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake!

How to Serve Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake

This Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

Pair with Coffee

• A classic pairing with coffee enhances the flavors of the cake. The rich creaminess complements the coffee’s bitterness beautifully.

Serve with Fresh Whipped Cream

• Top your slice with fresh whipped cream for a light and airy addition. It adds a lovely sweetness that balances the tanginess of the cream cheese.

Add a Scoop of Ice Cream

• For a decadent dessert, serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla or berry ice cream. The melting ice cream creates a delicious contrast to the warm cake.

Garnish with Fresh Berries

• Fresh blueberries or raspberries make an excellent garnish. They add color and an extra burst of fruity flavor that complements the cake perfectly.

Drizzle with Berry Sauce

• A homemade berry sauce can elevate your cake. Simply simmer fresh berries with a bit of sugar and water to create a sweet drizzle.

How to Perfect Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake

Achieving the perfect Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake involves a few simple techniques. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out amazing every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Avoid Overmixing: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined to keep your cake tender and fluffy.
• Choose Quality Blueberries: Fresh blueberries will yield better flavor than frozen ones. If using frozen, do not thaw them before adding to the batter.
• Cool Before Slicing: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This helps maintain its structure and prevents it from crumbling.
• Store Properly: Keep any leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerated for up to a week.

Best Side Dishes for Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake

Serving side dishes alongside your Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad brings brightness and complements the flavors of the cake nicely.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh berries for a creamy contrast that pairs well with coffee cakes.
3. Chia Seed Pudding: This healthy option offers a unique texture while adding nutritional benefits without overpowering the dessert.
4. Granola Bars: Nutty granola bars provide crunchiness, making them an excellent snack alongside slices of crumb cake.
5. Herbal Tea: Herbal teas like chamomile or mint can be soothing companions that balance sweetness.
6. Savory Muffins: Consider serving savory muffins, such as cheddar or herb muffins, for a delightful contrast to the sweet cake.
7. Oatmeal Cookies: These chewy cookies can add another layer of flavor while keeping within comforting baked goods.
8. Cheese Plate: A small cheese plate can offer savory bites alongside sweet slices for those who enjoy complex flavor combinations.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to avoid for the best results.

• Boldly Overmixing – Mixing the batter too long can make the cake dense. Always mix until just combined to keep it light and fluffy.
• Ignoring Ingredient Temperature – Using cold ingredients can affect the texture. Ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for a smooth batter.
• Skipping the Cooling Step – Cutting into the cake before it cools can lead to crumbling. Allow it to cool completely for clean slices.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately – Baking is precise; use a kitchen scale or measuring cups carefully to ensure success.
• Using Thawed Blueberries – Thawing frozen blueberries can make them mushy and bleed into the batter. Use them straight from the freezer for better results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• The cake will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake

• Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave – Place a slice on a plate and microwave for 20-30 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop – Warm in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid to retain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding the Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake.

Can I use frozen blueberries in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries directly without thawing them. This helps maintain their shape and prevents excess moisture.

How do I customize my Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake?

You can add lemon zest for a citrusy flavor or mix in other berries like raspberries or blackberries for variety.

What is the best way to serve this cake?

This cake pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea and makes an excellent choice for brunch or dessert.

How do I store leftovers of Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, or freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

This Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake is not just delicious but also versatile enough for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Feel free to experiment with different fruits or spices based on your taste preferences. Enjoy this delightful treat that everyone will love!