Blueberry Crumble Cake: A Perfectly Sweet and Crumbly Dessert

Introduction
Blueberry crumble cake is a delightful combination of tender cake, juicy blueberries, and a buttery crumble topping. Perfect for dessert, brunch, or a sweet treat with coffee, this cake is easy to make and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just to satisfy a craving, this blueberry crumble cake is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Juicy Blueberries: Fresh or frozen blueberries add a burst of sweetness and tang.
Buttery Crumble Topping: The crumbly, golden topping provides a satisfying contrast to the soft cake.
Versatile: Ideal for dessert, breakfast, or an afternoon snack.
Easy to Make: Requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries (if using frozen, do not thaw)

For the Crumble Topping:

½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease a 9-inch round or square baking pan.

2. Prepare the Crumble Topping

In a small bowl, mix the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
Add the melted butter and stir until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Set aside.

3. Make the Cake Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Do not overmix.

4. Fold in the Blueberries

Gently fold the blueberries into the batter, taking care not to crush them.

5. Assemble the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
Sprinkle the crumble topping over the batter.

6. Bake the Cake

Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Slice and serve the blueberry crumble cake warm or at room temperature.

Tips for the Best Blueberry Crumble Cake

Coat Blueberries in Flour: Toss the blueberries in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter to prevent them from sinking.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can make the cake dense. Mix just until combined.
Use Fresh or Frozen Blueberries: Both work well, but frozen blueberries may slightly extend the baking time.
Test for Doneness: Insert a toothpick in the center of the cake; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Add Lemon Zest: For extra brightness, add the zest of one lemon to the batter.

Variations

Mixed Berry Crumble Cake: Substitute some of the blueberries with raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries.
Nutty Topping: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping for extra crunch.
Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.
Spiced Cake: Add ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg or cardamom to the cake batter for a warm, spiced flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Blueberry crumble cake is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it with these accompaniments:

Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream complements the cake beautifully.
Ice Cream: Serve with vanilla or lemon ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Powdered Sugar: Dust the cake with powdered sugar before serving for a simple garnish.
Coffee or Tea: Enjoy a slice with your favorite hot beverage for a cozy treat.

Health Benefits of Blueberries in the Cake

Blueberries not only add flavor but also offer several health benefits:

Rich in Antioxidants: Help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
High in Fiber: Supports digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness.
Vitamin C: Boosts immunity and skin health.
Low in Calories: Makes blueberries a guilt-free addition to desserts.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, frozen blueberries work well. Do not thaw them before adding to the batter.

2. How do I store blueberry crumble cake?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.

3. Can I freeze blueberry crumble cake?

Yes, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

4. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

5. What type of baking pan works best?

A 9-inch round or square pan is ideal, but you can also use a loaf pan or muffin tin for smaller portions.

6. Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the butter with plant-based butter and the sour cream with a non-dairy alternative like coconut yogurt.

7. How do I prevent the crumble from sinking into the cake?

Ensure the crumble mixture is coarse and evenly distributed on top of the batter.

8. Can I add spices to the crumble topping?

Yes, cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom can add a warm flavor to the topping.

9. What can I use instead of sour cream?

Plain yogurt or buttermilk are excellent substitutes for sour cream.

10. Is this cake suitable for vegans?

You can adapt the recipe by using vegan substitutes for butter, eggs, and sour cream.

Conclusion

Blueberry crumble cake is a delightful dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With its tender cake, juicy blueberries, and buttery crumble topping, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Customize it with your preferred variations and enjoy it as a treat for brunch, dessert, or a mid-afternoon snack.