Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Creamy & Tangy: The luscious cream cheese layer adds a velvety contrast to the sweet cake and juicy blueberries.
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Bursting with Flavor: Every bite is packed with fresh (or frozen) blueberries for a fruity explosion.
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Buttery Crumb Topping: A golden, crunchy topping that perfectly complements the soft cake.
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Simple & Accessible: Made with pantry staples and easy-to-follow steps—great for bakers of all levels.
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Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for brunches, potlucks, or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking powder
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½ tsp baking soda
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¼ tsp salt
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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1 large egg
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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1 large egg yolk
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½ tsp vanilla extract
For the Blueberry Layer:
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1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries
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1 tbsp all-purpose flour (to prevent sinking)
For the Crumb Topping:
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½ cup all-purpose flour
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¼ cup brown sugar
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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½ tsp ground cinnamon
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¼ tsp salt
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4 tbsp unsalted butter, cold & cubed
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
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In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
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Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
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Alternate adding the dry ingredients and sour cream, beginning and ending with the dry mix. Stir until just combined.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer
In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside.
Step 4: Prep the Blueberries
Toss blueberries with 1 tbsp flour to prevent them from sinking into the batter.
Step 5: Make the Crumb Topping
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In a small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
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Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter (or your fingers) until it resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
Step 6: Assemble the Cake
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Spread half of the cake batter evenly into the prepared pan.
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Dollop and spread the cream cheese mixture over the batter.
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Evenly scatter the floured blueberries over the cream cheese layer.
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Gently spread the remaining cake batter over the blueberries.
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Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly on top.
Step 7: Bake
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Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (blueberry juices are okay!).
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Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
Why This Recipe Works
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Layered Flavors: A perfect balance of tangy cream cheese, sweet blueberries, and buttery crumbs.
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Moist & Rich: Sour cream keeps the cake ultra-moist.
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Crispy Crumbs: The cold butter in the topping creates an irresistible crunch.
Variations to Try
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Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
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Zesty Twist: Add lemon zest or almond extract for brightness.
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Berry Swap: Try raspberries, blackberries, or diced strawberries.
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Spiced Up: A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom adds warmth.
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Vegan-Friendly: Use plant-based butter, dairy-free cream cheese, and a flax egg substitute.
Tips for Success
✔ Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter until just combined to keep it light and fluffy.
✔ Use Cold Butter for the Crumb Topping: This ensures a crunchy, buttery texture.
✔ Storage: Store at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Serving Ideas
✨ Brunch Favorite: Pair with coffee, tea, or mimosas.
✨ Elegant Dessert: Dust with powdered sugar and serve with whipped cream.
✨ Party-Ready: Add it to a dessert platter alongside cookies and brownies.
Final Thoughts
This Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake is the perfect blend of creamy, fruity, and buttery goodness. Whether for a weekend treat, a gathering with loved ones, or just because—this cake is guaranteed to impress.
Have you ever made a crumb cake? Let me know your favorite variations below! 🫐💙