Sherry’s Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake
Description of this recipe: Sherry’s Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake is a delightful and comforting dessert that marries the tangy creaminess of cream cheese with the sweet burst of fresh blueberries, all topped with a buttery, cinnamon-spiced crumb topping. This cake is perfect for brunch, afternoon tea, or a special occasion, offering a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will leave everyone craving for more.
Why you will love this recipe: This cake is incredibly moist and tender, thanks to the cream cheese in the batter. The blueberries add a refreshing sweetness, while the crumb topping provides a delightful crunch and warm spice notes. It’s easy to make, using simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. It’s also versatile – you can easily adapt it by using different berries or adding a lemon zest for extra zing. Ultimately, you’ll love this cake because it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings joy with every bite.
Introduction
Sherry’s Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. Imagine a slice of moist, tender cake, dotted with juicy blueberries, and crowned with a golden-brown, buttery crumble. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water, and the first bite is pure bliss. This cake is the perfect embodiment of comfort food, ideal for sharing with loved ones or enjoying on a quiet afternoon with a cup of tea or coffee. The recipe is simple and straightforward, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, you’ll find this cake easy to prepare and utterly satisfying to eat. The combination of cream cheese, blueberries, and crumb topping creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. The cream cheese adds a subtle tanginess and richness to the cake, while the blueberries provide a burst of sweetness and freshness. The crumb topping adds a delightful crunch and warm spice notes, making each bite a truly delightful experience. This cake is also incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it to suit your preferences by using different types of berries, adding a lemon zest for extra zing, or substituting gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version. No matter how you choose to customize it, Sherry’s Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake is sure to become a favorite in your household. It’s a cake that evokes feelings of warmth, happiness, and nostalgia, reminding you of simpler times and cherished memories. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a cake that will bring joy to everyone who tastes it.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
For the Crumb Topping:
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup (½ stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan. This step is crucial as it ensures that the cake bakes evenly and doesn’t stick to the pan. You can use butter, shortening, or cooking spray to grease the pan. Alternatively, you can line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper for easier removal of the cake after baking.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which is essential for a consistent cake texture. Whisking the ingredients together helps to break up any lumps and incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in a lighter and fluffier cake.
Step 3: In a separate, larger bowl, beat together the softened butter, softened cream cheese, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Using an electric mixer is recommended for this step, but you can also use a whisk if you don’t have a mixer. The key is to ensure that the butter and cream cheese are properly softened before beating them together, as this will prevent lumps from forming in the batter. Beat the ingredients until they are light and fluffy, which will contribute to the cake’s moist and tender texture.
Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough cake. Mix until the dry ingredients are just incorporated, and then stop mixing. A few streaks of flour are okay at this stage. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can make the cake dense and chewy.
Step 5: Gently fold in the fresh blueberries. Use a spatula to gently fold the blueberries into the batter, being careful not to crush them. Folding is a technique that involves gently lifting the batter over the blueberries, rather than stirring them in. This prevents the blueberries from breaking and bleeding into the batter, which can discolor the cake.
Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly in the pan. This ensures that the cake bakes evenly and has a consistent shape.
Step 7: In a small bowl, combine the light brown sugar, flour, and ground cinnamon for the crumb topping. Use your fingers or a pastry blender to cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The crumb topping is what gives this cake its signature texture and flavor. The brown sugar adds a caramel-like sweetness, while the cinnamon provides a warm spice note. Cutting in the cold butter is crucial for creating a crumbly texture. If the butter is too soft, it will melt into the dry ingredients, resulting in a doughy topping rather than a crumbly one.
Step 8: Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the cake batter. Make sure to distribute the crumb topping evenly over the entire surface of the cake. This will ensure that every bite of the cake has a delicious crumbly topping.
Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so it’s important to check the cake for doneness using a wooden skewer or toothpick. If the skewer comes out clean, the cake is done. If it comes out with wet batter, continue baking for a few more minutes and check again.
Step 10: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling the cake in the pan allows it to firm up and prevents it from crumbling when you remove it. Inverting the cake onto a wire rack allows air to circulate around it, which helps it to cool more quickly and evenly.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
- Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Pair with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.
Tips:
- Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for a smooth batter.
- Don’t overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough cake.
- Gently fold in the blueberries to prevent them from bursting and discoloring the batter.
- Use cold butter for the crumb topping for a crumbly texture.
- If the crumb topping starts to brown too quickly, tent the cake with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
30-35 minutes
Total Time:
50-55 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
Calories: Approximately 350-400 per serving
Protein: Approximately 5-7 grams per serving
Sodium: Approximately 200-250mg per serving
Conclusion
Sherry’s Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its moist and tender texture, sweet blueberries, and crumbly topping, this cake is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. Whether you’re serving it for brunch, afternoon tea, or a special celebration, this cake is guaranteed to bring joy and satisfaction. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy the deliciousness of Sherry’s Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake! It is a delightful treat that combines the tanginess of cream cheese, the sweetness of blueberries, and the comforting warmth of a crumb topping. Its ease of preparation and versatile nature make it a go-to recipe for bakers of all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice in the kitchen, this cake is sure to impress with its delicious flavor and delightful texture. So, why not try it today and experience the magic for yourself? Share it with your loved ones, enjoy it on a quiet afternoon, or bring it to your next gathering – Sherry’s Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone wanting more.
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh blueberries?
A: Yes, you can use frozen blueberries instead of fresh blueberries. However, it’s important to rinse the frozen blueberries before adding them to the batter, as they can release excess moisture that can make the cake soggy. Pat them dry with a paper towel before folding them into the batter. Also, keep in mind that frozen blueberries may bleed into the batter more than fresh blueberries, so the cake may have a slightly more blue hue.
Q2: Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour?
A: Absolutely! You can easily substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum, as this will help to bind the ingredients together and prevent the cake from becoming crumbly. Follow the recipe as directed, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free version of Sherry’s Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake.
Q3: Can I add lemon zest to the batter for extra flavor?
A: Yes, adding lemon zest is a fantastic way to enhance the flavor of this cake. The lemon zest will complement the blueberries and cream cheese beautifully, adding a bright and zesty note to the cake. Simply add the zest of one lemon to the wet ingredients before mixing them with the dry ingredients.
Q4: How do I store leftover Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake?
A: To store leftover Sherry’s Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also store it in the refrigerator for up to a week, but keep in mind that the cake may become slightly drier in the refrigerator. Before serving, you can warm it up slightly in the microwave or oven to restore its moistness.
Q5: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make this cake ahead of time. Bake the cake as directed, let it cool completely, and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. You can store it at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to serve it, let it come to room temperature or warm it up slightly in the microwave or oven. You can also freeze the cake for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
