Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake

by

Absolutely! Here’s a complete, rich, and detailed recipe for Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake, including its origin, preparation, serving ideas, variations, and more—ideal for a blog, cookbook, or serious home baker.

Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake

A Decadent Fusion of Tart Berries, Velvety Cream Cheese & Buttery Crumble

Introduction

Few desserts capture the harmony of textures and flavors quite like the Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake. Imagine a moist vanilla cake base layered with silky cream cheese, bursting with sweet-tart blueberries, and crowned with a golden brown sugar crumb. This cake is a tribute to comfort, ideal for brunches, holidays, or just a cozy afternoon treat.

History & Inspiration

The crumb cake, or “Streuselkuchen” in Germany, finds its roots in Central Europe, where buttery crumbs are sprinkled over yeast-based doughs. Over time, American bakers reinvented the classic using baking powder cakes and added beloved local ingredients—like blueberries. The addition of cream cheese, inspired by New York–style cheesecakes, brings richness and structure, blending European tradition with American indulgence.

Ingredients

Cake Base

  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1¼ cups (160 g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) sour cream or plain yogurt

Cream Cheese Layer

  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 egg
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

Blueberry Layer

  • 1½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries (do not thaw if frozen)
  • 1 tsp flour (to coat blueberries)

Crumb Topping

  • ⅓ cup (65 g) brown sugar
  • ⅓ cup (40 g) all-purpose flour
  • ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
  • 3 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed

Tools Needed

  • 9-inch springform or round cake pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand or stand mixer
  • Spatula
  • Whisk
  • Cooling rack
  • Oven

Method

1. Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line your baking pan with parchment paper.

2. Make the Cake Batter

  • In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until fluffy.
  • Add eggs one at a time, beating well.
  • Mix in vanilla extract.
  • In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • Alternately mix dry ingredients and sour cream into the wet batter. Mix gently—do not overwork.
  • Spread the batter evenly in the pan.

3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer

  • In a bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
  • Add egg and vanilla; beat until creamy.
  • Gently pour and spread this layer over the cake batter.

4. Add Blueberries

  • Toss blueberries with flour to help them stay suspended.
  • Evenly scatter blueberries over the cream cheese layer.

5. Crumb Topping

  • In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon.
  • Cut in cold butter using a fork or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse sand.
  • Generously sprinkle over the top.

6. Bake

  • Bake for 50–60 minutes, until the top is golden and the center is set.
  • A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs, not raw batter.
  • Let cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes before removing.

Serving & Storage

  • Best served chilled or at room temperature.
  • Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.
  • Pairs perfectly with coffee, tea, or a dollop of whipped cream.

Variations for Lovers of Baking

  • Citrus Twist: Add lemon zest to the cream cheese filling.
  • Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or almonds to the crumb topping.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly treat.
  • Berry Medley: Replace some blueberries with raspberries or blackberries.

Conclusion

The Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake isn’t just a dessert—it’s a celebration of texture and flavor. From the soft cake to the creamy middle and crumbly top, each bite is rich, comforting, and full of charm. It’s the kind of cake that evokes cozy mornings, lazy weekends, and shared moments. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or indulging solo, this cake is a timeless treat that blueberry lovers and crumb cake enthusiasts alike will adore.

Would you like a printable PDF or styled web page version of this recipe?

Leave a Comment