🍰 Sherry’s Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake
Moist, buttery, and rich with juicy blueberries and a velvety cream cheese center, this crumb cake is a showstopper for brunch, dessert, or any sweet craving. The crunchy crumb topping and creamy filling strike the perfect balance of texture and flavor.
📝 Ingredients:
For the Cake Base:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Blueberry Layer:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (if frozen, do not thaw)
For the Crumb Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ tsp cinnamon (optional)
- ¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
👩🍳 Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
- Prepare the cake base: In a medium bowl, mix 1 cup flour, ½ cup sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press evenly into the bottom of the pan.
- Make the cream cheese filling: In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, ¼ cup sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth. Spread over the cake base.
- Add the blueberries evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Make the crumb topping: Mix ½ cup flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over the blueberries.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the center is set and the crumb is golden. Let cool completely before slicing.
💡 Notes:
- Use a food processor or pastry cutter to make crumb layers easier.
- If using frozen berries, toss them lightly in flour before adding to prevent bleeding.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
🌟 Tips:
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the cream cheese layer for a slight tang.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a bakery-style look.
- Let the cake sit at room temp for 10 minutes before serving to soften the cream cheese layer.
🍽️ Servings:
- Makes 9 generous squares or 12 smaller pieces
🔢 Nutritional Info (Per Square – Based on 9 Servings):
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 18g
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 4g
- Calcium & Vitamin A: Moderate
✅ Health Benefits:
- Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which support brain and heart health.
- Cream cheese adds calcium and a creamy texture for satisfaction.
- While indulgent, this cake can be a mindful treat when portioned.
❓ Q & A:
Q: Can I use other berries?
A: Absolutely! Try raspberries, blackberries, or a mix of berries for variety.
Q: Can this be made gluten-free?
A: Yes—use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Yes! Freeze in slices wrapped in plastic and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm briefly before serving.
Q: What can I serve it with?
A: A hot cup of coffee, tea, or a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream takes it to the next level.