Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings warmth and comfort to your kitchen, then this Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake is just the thing! This recipe holds a special place in my heart. With its luscious cream cheese filling and bursts of juicy blueberries, it’s perfect for brightening up a busy weeknight or adding a sweet touch to family gatherings. Trust me, every bite feels like a cozy hug!

Whether you’re enjoying it with your morning coffee, serving it at brunch, or indulging in dessert after dinner, this crumb cake is sure to become a favorite. The buttery streusel topping adds the perfect crunch to balance the creamy center and tender cake. Let’s dive into why you’ll love making this scrumptious treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With simple steps and common ingredients, this cake comes together quickly, making it ideal for bakers of all levels.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves blueberries! This cake is sure to please kids and adults alike, making it a hit at any table.
• Make-ahead convenience: Bake it ahead of time and store for later! It stays delicious for days—if it lasts that long!
• Versatile occasions: Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this cake fits seamlessly into any meal plan or celebration.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake is as easy as pie—well, actually easier! You probably have most of these wholesome items in your pantry already. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cake

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

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

Variations

This Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations you can try to mix things up:

• Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can lend an extra crunch and flavor to the crumb topping.
• Mix in spices: A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom can elevate the flavor profile of this cake beautifully.
• Change the fruit: Swap out blueberries for raspberries or blackberries for a different berry explosion.
• Go gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend; just ensure it has xanthan gum if needed.

How to Make Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures that your cake bakes evenly from the start. While that’s happening, grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper—this makes cleanup easier!

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth. This filling is what makes our crumb cake so delightful! Set it aside while you work on the batter.

Step 3: Make the Crumb Topping

In another bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the crumb topping. Cut in cold butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. This step adds texture and sweetness on top of your cake!

Step 4: Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Next, beat in eggs and vanilla before mixing in sour cream. This creates a rich base full of moisture that keeps your cake tender.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in another bowl. Add these dry ingredients into your wet mixture and stir until just combined—overmixing can lead to a dense cake!

Step 6: Layer It Up!

Spread half of your batter into the prepared pan. Next comes an even layer of that creamy filling topped with fresh blueberries—such a treat! Gently spread on the remaining batter before finishing with your crumb topping.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake in your preheated oven for about 45–50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. Allowing it to cool completely before slicing will help keep those layers intact.

Enjoy sharing this warm slice of Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake with friends and family—it’s bound to bring smiles all around!

Pro Tips for Making Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake

Making the perfect Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake is all about attention to detail and a few insider tricks. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out beautifully every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring that your eggs, butter, and cream cheese are at room temperature helps create a smoother batter, which results in a lighter texture.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined prevents gluten from developing too much, which can lead to a dense cake. Keep it light and fluffy!

• Choose quality blueberries: Whether fresh or frozen, high-quality blueberries will enhance the flavor of your cake. Look for plump, juicy berries for the best results.

• Let it cool completely: Allowing the cake to cool before slicing not only makes for cleaner cuts but also helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of almond extract alongside the vanilla for an extra layer of flavor that complements the blueberries perfectly.

How to Serve Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake

This delectable cake can be served in various delightful ways! Its rich flavors and textures make it a versatile treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a touch of elegance and sweetness without overpowering the flavors.
• Fresh mint leaves: Adding a couple of mint leaves on top not only looks beautiful but also provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
• Lemon zest: A sprinkle of lemon zest can brighten up the dish with its zesty aroma, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Side Dishes

• Coffee or Tea: Pair this crumb cake with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea. The warm beverage complements the cake’s texture and flavors perfectly.
• Yogurt Parfait: A side of creamy yogurt topped with fruit adds freshness and balances the richness of the crumb cake.
• Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad with seasonal fruits offers a refreshing contrast to the sweet and dense cake, making it an excellent addition to brunch spreads.
• Scrambled Eggs: For those enjoying this as part of breakfast or brunch, pairing it with fluffy scrambled eggs adds protein and makes for a well-rounded meal.

Enjoy your baking experience and savor every bite of this delightful Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake! It’s sure to become a favorite in your home.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it in advance and store it for later enjoyment, making it a fantastic option for busy mornings or unexpected guests.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container.
• Store at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Label the bag with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
• For easier serving, freeze the cake without the crumb topping.

Reheating

• To reheat, remove the desired amount from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or until heated through.
• Alternatively, reheat in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delightful recipe!

Can I use frozen blueberries in my Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake?

Absolutely! You can use fresh or frozen blueberries. If using frozen blueberries, there’s no need to thaw them before adding them to your cake batter.

How do I know when my Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake is done baking?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. Be sure not to overbake, as you want that lovely moist texture!

Can I substitute sour cream in this recipe?

Yes! If you don’t have sour cream on hand, you can substitute with plain yogurt or even cottage cheese blended until smooth.

How should I serve Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake?

This crumb cake is perfect on its own, but you can also serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake as much as I do! It’s such a cozy treat that brings comfort and joy whether served at breakfast, brunch, or dessert. This recipe is special because of its delightful layers of flavors and textures that will impress your family and friends. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and have fun baking this scrumptious cake! Happy baking!