Blueberry Crumb Cake

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Blueberry Crumb Cake

Blueberry Crumb Cake is a delightful treat that combines the natural sweetness of blueberries with a moist, buttery cake and a crunchy crumb topping. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as an afternoon snack with a cup of coffee, this cake is a favorite across generations. The vibrant blueberries burst with flavor in every bite, while the crumb topping adds a satisfying texture and sweetness.

History of Blueberry Crumb Cake

Crumb cakes trace their roots back to Germany, where “streuselkuchen” was a staple dessert. German immigrants brought the concept of crumb-topped cakes to the United States, where they evolved into various versions, including the blueberry crumb cake. The addition of blueberries, native to North America, gave the traditional crumb cake a unique twist, and it quickly became a beloved classic in American homes.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened

1 cup (200g) granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup (120ml) milk

2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 cups (300g) fresh or frozen blueberries

For the Crumb Topping:

1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar

1/3 cup (40g) all-purpose flour

1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crumb Topping:

In a bowl, combine sugar, flour, and cinnamon.

Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.

  1. Prepare the Cake Batter:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch (or similar) baking pan.

In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined.

Gently fold in the blueberries.

  1. Assemble the Cake:

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.

Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter.

  1. Bake the Cake:

Bake in the preheated oven for 40–50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Methods and Techniques

  1. Butter and Sugar Creaming: This ensures the cake has a light and fluffy texture.
  2. Layering the Crumb Topping: Evenly distribute the topping to achieve a uniform crunch.
  3. Folding in Blueberries: Fold gently to prevent the blueberries from breaking and staining the batter.

Formation and Presentation

Once cooled, slice the cake into squares or rectangles. Serve on a decorative plate with a dusting of powdered sugar for added elegance. You can also pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a luxurious dessert.

Why People Love Blueberry Crumb Cake

  1. Flavor Lovers: The combination of sweet blueberries, buttery cake, and cinnamon-spiced crumb topping is irresistible.
  2. Texture Enthusiasts: The contrast between the moist cake and the crunchy topping makes every bite enjoyable.
  3. Seasonal Fans: Blueberry lovers particularly adore this cake during summer, when fresh blueberries are in abundance.

Conclusion

Blueberry Crumb Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and tradition. Whether shared at a family brunch, a holiday gathering, or enjoyed alone with coffee, this cake has a special place in the hearts of dessert enthusiasts. Its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation make it a go-to recipe for both novice bakers and seasoned chefs.

Enjoy the magic of blueberries in this classic cake and share the love with your friends and family!

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