Sure! Here’s a complete and extended version of Sherry’s Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake — with history, benefits, formation, instructions, nutritional value, lovers, conclusion, and more — as requested. 🍰💙
💙 Sherry’s Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake Recipe
🧁 Introduction:
Sherry’s Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake is a delightful fusion of soft buttery cake, a rich cream cheese layer, fresh blueberries, and a golden crumb topping. This treat combines the tanginess of cream cheese with the sweetness of blueberries and the crunch of streusel to create a harmonious and irresistible bite. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, tea time, or dessert.
📜 History:
Crumb cakes have a long-standing history in German and Eastern European baking traditions, where they are known as “Streuselkuchen.” When German immigrants arrived in the U.S., they brought these delicious traditions with them. Over time, American bakers infused local ingredients — like blueberries and cream cheese — creating regional adaptations like Sherry’s recipe.
The use of blueberries makes this cake particularly American, as wild blueberries are native to North America and have been enjoyed by Native peoples for centuries.
🫐 Ingredients:
For the Crumb Cake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
For the Crumb Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ¼ tsp cinnamon (optional)
🥣 Instructions & Methods:
🔹 Step 1: Prepare the Pan
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
🔹 Step 2: Make the Crumb Topping
- In a bowl, mix ½ cup flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Cut in cold butter cubes using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture is crumbly. Set aside.
🔹 Step 3: Make the Cake Base
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the softened butter and mix until the texture is sandy.
🔹 Step 4: Add Cream Cheese Mixture
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Add egg and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.
- Add to the dry mixture and mix until a smooth batter forms.
🔹 Step 5: Assemble the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Gently fold in blueberries or press them on top.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter.
🔹 Step 6: Bake
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let it cool for at least 15–20 minutes before slicing.
🧪 Formation (Layered Structure):
- Base Layer: Soft vanilla cream cheese-infused cake.
- Fruit Burst: Juicy blueberries evenly distributed.
- Topping: Buttery brown sugar crumb topping for texture and flavor.
🩷 Benefits:
- Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins C and K.
- Cream cheese adds calcium and protein.
- Homemade baking is free from preservatives and excess additives.
- Butter gives a healthy fat boost (when eaten in moderation).
- Mood booster: Baking and enjoying comfort food can help reduce stress.
🍽️ Nutrition (Per Slice – based on 9 slices):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~280–320 kcal |
| Carbs | ~28g |
| Fat | ~18g |
| Protein | ~4g |
| Sugar | ~16g |
| Fiber | ~1.5g |
| Calcium | ~60mg |
(Note: Nutrition may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.)
❤️ Lovers of This Cake:
- Brunch Hosts: It’s a perfect brunch centerpiece.
- Blueberry Fans: That sweet-tart burst of blueberries is unmatched.
- Cheesecake Enthusiasts: A subtle nod to cheesecake in a lighter form.
- Comfort Bakers: Anyone who enjoys a warm kitchen and baking from scratch.
- Kids & Adults: Universally loved across all age groups.
🔁 Additional Methods:
- Add a lemon zest twist to brighten the flavor.
- Swap blueberries with raspberries or mixed berries.
- Use almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty undertone.
- Make it gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Add a glaze: Mix powdered sugar + lemon juice and drizzle after baking.
🎯 Conclusion:
Sherry’s Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake is more than just a dessert — it’s a nostalgic, cozy experience. With layers of soft cake, creamy richness, and fresh fruit, it caters to every dessert lover’s dream. Whether you’re enjoying it with morning coffee or serving it after dinner, it’s bound to win hearts and create memories.
💞 Final Note for Cake Lovers:
Dear cake lovers — this one’s for you. Each bite holds warmth, comfort, and joy. Whether you bake it for someone special or just to treat yourself, you’ll taste the love baked into every crumb. 💙
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