Irresistible Blueberry Crumb Cake

The Ultimate Moist Blueberry Crumb Cake Recipe: Your Guide to a Perfect Homemade Treat

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this exquisite blueberry crumb cake, a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors. This isn’t just any cake; it’s a moist, tender masterpiece studded generously with juicy, ripe blueberries, crowned with a irresistible buttery, crunchy streusel topping. Whether you’re planning a lavish brunch, a cozy breakfast with family, or simply craving a comforting afternoon snack, this homemade blueberry crumb cake promises a satisfying experience with every single bite. Its simple yet sophisticated flavors make it a crowd-pleaser and an instant classic in any home baker’s repertoire. Get ready to impress with this effortlessly charming dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual family meals to more formal gatherings.

One of the best aspects of this easy blueberry crumb cake recipe is that it relies heavily on everyday pantry staples. You likely already have most of the essential ingredients such as flour, sugar, and baking powder. The star of the show, fresh blueberries, might be the only item you need to specifically add to your shopping list, especially if they aren’t currently in season or readily available in your fridge. For the rich, caramel-like sweetness that truly elevates the buttery crumb topping, ensure you have brown sugar on hand – it’s a non-negotiable for achieving that signature flavor. If your vanilla extract bottle is running low, consider picking up a new one during your next supermarket visit; its warm, aromatic notes are crucial for enhancing the overall flavor profile of this moist blueberry cake. Preparing this delightful treat is both straightforward and rewarding, promising a delicious outcome that feels gourmet yet accessible.

blueberry-crumb-cake-recipe

Key Ingredients for Your Perfect Blueberry Crumb Cake

Crafting the perfect blueberry crumb cake starts with understanding the role each ingredient plays. This section details the core components that come together to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures in your homemade dessert.

Flour (All-Purpose): This is the fundamental building block of our cake, providing essential structure and a tender, consistent texture. Using all-purpose flour ensures a light yet sturdy crumb that holds up beautifully to the juicy blueberries.

Granulated Sugar: Beyond just sweetness, sugar contributes to the cake’s moistness, helps with browning for a lovely golden crust, and works in conjunction with the leavening agents to create a soft, airy crumb.

Baking Powder: As a primary leavening agent, baking powder is crucial for making the cake rise, ensuring it develops a light and fluffy texture rather than being dense. It reacts with liquids and heat to create air bubbles.

Salt: A small amount of salt is a flavor enhancer. It doesn’t just make the cake taste “salty”; it balances the sweetness, deepens the other flavors, and provides a more complex taste profile.

Milk: Milk contributes significant moisture and richness to the cake batter, resulting in a wonderfully tender crumb. It also helps to activate the baking powder, ensuring a good rise.

Vanilla Extract: A cornerstone of most dessert recipes, vanilla extract adds a warm, sweet, and aromatic depth that complements the blueberries and enriches the overall flavor of the cake, tying all the other ingredients together.

Fresh Blueberries: These vibrant berries are the heart of our cake, infusing each slice with bursts of juicy, tart-sweet flavor. They also add beautiful specks of color throughout the cake’s tender crumb.

Brown Sugar (for Crumb Topping): Distinct from granulated sugar, brown sugar brings a deep, molasses-rich sweetness and a slightly moist texture to the crumb topping. This results in a more complex, caramel-like flavor that pairs exceptionally well with the blueberries.

Butter (Melted for Crumb Topping): Melted butter is essential for binding the crumb topping ingredients together, creating that delightful, sandy, and ultimately crunchy texture once baked. It also imparts a rich, irresistible buttery flavor.

Mastering the Art: Technique Tips for a Flawless Blueberry Crumb Cake

Achieving a perfectly moist and flavorful blueberry crumb cake requires attention to a few key techniques. These tips will help you ensure your cake has the ideal texture and taste, from the tender interior to the crisp, buttery topping.

To ensure your blueberry crumb cake boasts a perfectly moist interior with even distribution of fruit, it’s vital to handle the blueberries with care. Gently fold them into the batter using a spatula. Overmixing or crushing the blueberries can release too much moisture and color into the batter, potentially leading to a soggy or discolored cake. A gentle touch preserves their integrity and ensures bursts of juicy flavor in every slice. For the iconic crumb topping, the secret to its delightful crunch lies in its preparation. Use your fingertips to mix the brown sugar, flour, and melted butter. This method allows you to feel the mixture, ensuring it forms a coarse, sandy, and slightly clumpy texture, reminiscent of wet sand. Avoid overmixing, as you want distinct crumbs rather than a uniform paste. This texture is what creates a satisfyingly crunchy contrast against the soft cake beneath, making each bite a truly dynamic experience.

Elevate Your Experience: Suggested Side Dishes for Blueberry Crumb Cake

While a slice of blueberry crumb cake is a treat on its own, pairing it with the right accompaniment can transform it into an unforgettable dessert experience. These suggested side dishes are designed to complement the cake’s flavors and textures, adding an extra layer of culinary delight.

Lemon Zest Whipped Cream: Imagine a cloud of airy, homemade whipped cream, delicately infused with the vibrant and tangy essence of fresh lemon zest. This light and refreshing companion offers a bright, zesty contrast that beautifully cuts through the sweet, rich, and crumbly goodness of the blueberry crumb cake. It adds a sophisticated touch and a delightful creaminess.
Mint-Infused Fruit Salad: A lively and colorful medley of seasonal fruits, such as strawberries, peaches, and melon, all gently tossed and kissed by the cool, refreshing embrace of fresh mint leaves. This vibrant ensemble brings a burst of natural sweetness, a refreshing zing, and a delightful textural variety, perfectly complementing the warm, buttery notes of the cake and offering a lighter counterpoint.
Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: A timeless classic, a generous scoop of smooth, creamy vanilla bean ice cream melting alongside a warm slice of blueberry crumb cake is a match made in dessert heaven. The rich, cooling sensation of the ice cream beautifully contrasts with the warm, comforting embrace of the cake, creating a symphony of temperatures and flavors that is truly indulgent.
Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Compote: Delight in tender, sweet apples, gently simmered in a fragrant cinnamon syrup until soft and luscious. This warm, inviting topping adds a cozy, autumnal touch and a spiced depth that harmonizes wonderfully with the blueberries, invoking a nostalgic journey to a crisp fall day with every spoonful.
Honey-Glazed Roasted Nuts: A crunchy, nutty delight, where a mix of your favorite nuts (like pecans, walnuts, or almonds) are lovingly coated in a sticky, golden honey glaze and roasted until perfectly crisp. This side dish provides a fantastic textural contrast, enhancing the cake’s soft crumb with a satisfying, sweet crunch and an earthy undertone.

Creative Kitchen Swaps: Alternative Ingredients for Your Blueberry Crumb Cake

Experimenting with alternative ingredients can be a fun way to adapt this blueberry crumb cake recipe to dietary needs, explore new flavors, or simply use what you have on hand. Here are some effective substitutions you can try, along with notes on how they might alter the final product.

  • All-purpose flour – Substitute with whole wheat flour: Opting for whole wheat flour introduces a delightful nutty flavor and boosts the fiber content of your cake. Be aware that it may result in a slightly denser texture, and you might need to add a touch more liquid to the batter to maintain moisture.

  • Granulated sugar – Substitute with honey: Honey offers a natural, rich sweetness and adds extra moisture. If using honey, you may want to slightly reduce the amount of milk or other liquid in the recipe to maintain the proper batter consistency, as honey is a liquid sweetener.

  • Baking powder – Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: For every teaspoon of baking powder required, use ¼ teaspoon of baking soda combined with ½ teaspoon of cream of tartar. This combination creates a similar leavening effect, ensuring your cake rises beautifully.

  • Salt – Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity as regular salt. It might impart a slightly different, more pronounced mineral taste, which some find preferable in baked goods for its ability to brighten flavors.

  • Dairy milk – Substitute with almond milk: For a dairy-free option, almond milk works exceptionally well in baking. It provides similar moisture, although it may subtly alter the overall flavor profile of the cake, adding a hint of nuttiness.

  • Vanilla extract – Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a distinct yet pleasant flavor. It is more potent than vanilla, so use half the amount specified for vanilla extract to avoid overpowering the cake’s delicate flavors.

  • Blueberries – Substitute with raspberries: If you’re out of blueberries, fresh or frozen raspberries make an excellent tart alternative. They offer a similar juicy texture and a lovely tart contrast, though they can be slightly more delicate and may break down a bit more during baking.

  • Brown sugar – Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar is a popular alternative with a lower glycemic index and a caramel-like flavor, similar to brown sugar. While it works well, it may yield a crumb topping that is slightly less moist than with traditional brown sugar.

  • All-purpose flour – Substitute with oat flour: For a gluten-free option, oat flour adds a mild, sweet, and wholesome flavor. Keep in mind that oat flour can sometimes require additional binding agents (like an extra egg or a flax egg) to ensure the cake holds its shape well.

  • Melted butter – Substitute with coconut oil: For a plant-based fat alternative in the crumb topping, melted coconut oil is a fantastic choice. It contributes a subtle, pleasant coconut flavor and performs similarly to butter in achieving that desired crumbly texture.

Beyond Blueberries: Alternative Recipes to Satisfy Your Sweet Cravings

If you’ve loved making this blueberry crumb cake, you might be eager to explore other delightful baked goods that offer similar comforting flavors and textures. Here are some fantastic alternative recipes to broaden your baking horizons and bring more joy to your kitchen.

Lemon Raspberry Muffins: Brighten up any morning or afternoon with these delightful muffins. The zesty tang of lemons perfectly complements the sweet and slightly tart burst of fresh raspberries. These muffins are incredibly moist, flavorful, and make a refreshing treat, ideal for breakfast, a coffee break, or a light dessert.
Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake: Indulge in the heartwarming aroma and taste of this cozy coffee cake. It expertly combines the warming spice of cinnamon with the sweet, tender chunks of apples, all nestled in a moist cake with a delectable streusel topping. It’s a comforting dessert that pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it an ideal choice for a relaxing afternoon or a special breakfast.
Peach Cobbler: Capture the sweet essence of summer with this beloved classic dessert. Juicy, ripe peaches are simmered in a sweet syrup, then enveloped in a buttery, golden biscuit crust, creating a dish that’s both rustic and deeply satisfying. Serve it warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate comforting indulgence that evokes memories of sunny days.
Strawberry Shortcake: Celebrate the vibrant sweetness of fresh strawberries with this timeless and elegant dessert. Layers of light, fluffy shortcake, perfectly ripe fresh strawberries, and billows of whipped cream come together to create a delightful treat that’s perfect for spring, summer, or any occasion that calls for a touch of fresh fruit elegance.
Banana Nut Bread: This incredibly moist and flavor-packed quick bread is a favorite for a reason. It’s brimming with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and the satisfying crunch of toasted nuts, typically walnuts or pecans. It’s a wonderfully comforting bake that’s perfect for breakfast, a wholesome snack, or as a delicious way to utilize those overripe bananas sitting on your counter.

Preserving Perfection: How to Store and Freeze Your Blueberry Crumb Cake

To ensure your delicious blueberry crumb cake remains fresh and delightful for as long as possible, proper storage is key. Whether you plan to enjoy it within a few days or save it for a future treat, these guidelines will help you maintain its moistness and flavor.

  • Always allow the blueberry crumb cake to cool completely at room temperature before storing. Attempting to wrap a warm cake will trap condensation, leading to a soggy texture and potentially encouraging spoilage.

  • Once fully cooled, wrap the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This barrier helps to prevent air exposure, which is the main culprit for drying out cakes and making them stale.

  • For enhanced protection, particularly if you’re storing it for more than a day, place the tightly wrapped cake inside an airtight container. This double layer of defense acts as an extra shield against air and moisture loss.

  • If you intend to consume the cake within 2-3 days, storing it at room temperature is perfectly fine. Choose a cool, dry spot in your kitchen, away from direct sunlight or any heat sources that could compromise its freshness.

  • To extend the cake’s shelf life up to a week, refrigeration is recommended. Again, ensure the cake is very well-wrapped to prevent it from absorbing any odors from other foods in your refrigerator, which can easily alter its delicate flavor.

  • For longer-term preservation, freezing is an excellent option. First, wrap the cake securely in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil. This robust wrapping is crucial for preventing freezer burn and preserving the cake’s original texture and taste.

  • Always remember to label the wrapped cake with the date of freezing. This simple step helps you keep track of its freshness and ensures you enjoy it at its best quality within the recommended timeframe.

  • Place the double-wrapped cake in a freezer-safe bag or an additional airtight container. This provides an ultimate layer of protection against fluctuating freezer temperatures and potential odors.

  • A well-wrapped blueberry crumb cake can be frozen for up to 3 months without significant loss of quality. When you’re ready to enjoy it, plan ahead and thaw it slowly in the refrigerator overnight. This gentle thawing process helps maintain its moist texture.

  • For a quicker thaw, you can leave the cake at room temperature for a few hours. However, avoid using a microwave for thawing, as the rapid heat can drastically alter the cake’s delicate crumb and make it tough or rubbery.

  • Once thawed, if you desire that freshly-baked warmth and aroma, you can gently warm the cake slices in a low oven (around 250°F / 120°C) for about 10-15 minutes until just heated through.

Reviving the Deliciousness: How to Reheat Leftover Blueberry Crumb Cake

Don’t let leftover blueberry crumb cake go to waste! Reheating it properly can bring back that freshly baked taste and texture, especially ensuring the crumb topping regains its delightful crunch. Here are several methods for reheating, catering to different preferences and equipment.

  • Oven Method (For Best Results): Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Wrap individual slices or the remaining portion of the blueberry crumb cake loosely in aluminum foil. This helps to retain moisture and prevent it from drying out while ensuring even heating. Place the wrapped cake on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until it’s warmed through to your liking and the crumb topping feels slightly crisp to the touch.

  • Microwave Method (For Quickness): For a rapid reheat, the microwave is your friend. Place a single slice of the cake on a microwave-safe plate. To prevent it from becoming dry or rubbery, cover it loosely with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Check if it’s warm enough; if not, continue heating in short 10-second intervals until it reaches your desired temperature. This method is excellent for a quick, soft slice.

  • Air Fryer Method (For Crispy Topping): If you own an air fryer, it’s a fantastic tool for revitalizing the crumb topping. Set your air fryer to 300°F (150°C). Place the cake slice directly in the air fryer basket (ensure it’s not overcrowded) and heat for 5-7 minutes. This method is particularly effective at maintaining or even enhancing the crunchiness of the streusel while gently warming the cake inside.

  • Stovetop Method (Gentle Heating): For a gentle, even reheat, try the stovetop. Place a slice of the cake in a non-stick skillet over very low heat. Cover the skillet with a lid to trap moisture, and let it warm for about 5 minutes. This method gently heats the cake without the risk of drying it out, resulting in a soft and warm interior.

  • Toaster Oven Method (Small Portions): A toaster oven is perfect for reheating small portions and achieving a nice crispy topping. Set your toaster oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the cake slice on a piece of parchment paper or aluminum foil on the tray. Heat for 8-10 minutes, keeping an eye on it to prevent burning. This method mirrors the conventional oven approach but is ideal for single servings.

Your Baking Arsenal: Essential Tools for Crafting Blueberry Crumb Cake

Equipping your kitchen with the right tools makes the baking process smoother, more efficient, and ultimately more enjoyable. Here’s a list of essential items you’ll need to successfully create this delightful blueberry crumb cake, along with a brief explanation of their purpose.

  • Oven: The most crucial tool, used to bake the cake at a consistent and controlled temperature of 350°F (175°C), ensuring it cooks through evenly and develops a golden crust.

  • Baking pan: Typically an 8×8 or 9×9 inch square pan, this is the vessel where the cake batter is poured and baked. Greasing or lining it is key to preventing sticking.

  • Mixing bowl: You’ll need at least one large mixing bowl for combining the dry ingredients, and then incorporating the wet ingredients and blueberries to form the cake batter.

  • Measuring cups: Indispensable for accurately measuring larger quantities of ingredients such as flour, sugar, milk, and blueberries, ensuring the recipe’s ratios are precise.

  • Measuring spoons: Used for accurately measuring smaller quantities like baking powder, salt, and vanilla extract, where precision is paramount for flavor and leavening.

  • Spatula: A versatile tool, ideal for gently folding in delicate ingredients like blueberries without crushing them, and for scraping down the sides of the mixing bowl to ensure all ingredients are incorporated.

  • Whisk: Perfect for blending dry ingredients together to eliminate lumps and ensure even distribution of leavening agents and salt before liquid ingredients are added.

  • Toothpick: A simple yet effective tool used to test for doneness. Inserted into the center of the cake, if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your cake is perfectly baked.

  • Cooling rack: Essential for allowing the cake to cool evenly after baking. Air circulation around all sides prevents the bottom from becoming soggy and helps set the cake’s structure.

  • Small bowl: A separate small bowl is invaluable for preparing the crumb topping ingredients, keeping them distinct from the cake batter until it’s time to combine them.

Smart Baking: Time-Saving Tips for Your Blueberry Crumb Cake

Baking a delicious blueberry crumb cake doesn’t have to be a lengthy affair. With a few clever strategies, you can significantly cut down on prep time without sacrificing quality or flavor. Embrace these tips to make your baking experience more efficient and enjoyable.

Prepare ingredients in advance: A fundamental rule for efficiency in the kitchen is ‘mise en place.’ Measure and set out all your ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, etc.) before you even start mixing. This minimizes interruptions, reduces stress, and allows you to stay focused on the task at hand, making the assembly process much quicker.

Use frozen blueberries: Fresh blueberries are wonderful, but if they’re not in season or you’re short on time, frozen blueberries are a fantastic substitute. You can use them directly from the freezer; there’s no need to thaw them, which saves significant washing and drying time. Just remember to toss them lightly in a tablespoon of flour before adding to prevent them from sinking to the bottom.

Pre-mix dry ingredients: To streamline your baking on the actual day, consider combining all the dry ingredients – flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt – the night before. Store this mixture in an airtight container, and when you’re ready to bake, you’ll be halfway there, saving precious minutes in the morning or before guests arrive.

Quick crumb topping with a food processor: While hand-mixing the crumb topping is traditional, a food processor can dramatically speed up the process. Pulse the brown sugar, flour, and melted butter together a few times until it forms a coarse, sandy texture. Be careful not to overprocess; you want distinct crumbs, not a paste.

Line the baking pan: Instead of laboriously greasing and flouring your baking pan, opt for lining it with parchment paper. This not only ensures your cake won’t stick and releases easily but also makes cleanup a breeze, saving you valuable time on scrubbing sticky corners.

Classic Blueberry Crumb Cake

This classic blueberry crumb cake is wonderfully moist, bursting with juicy blueberries, and topped with a delightful buttery streusel – perfect for any breakfast, brunch, or dessert occasion.

Print Recipe
Jump to comment

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Course: Dessert, Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 250 kcal

Ingredients 

Cake Ingredients

  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries

Crumb Topping

  • 0.5 cup brown sugar
  • 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter melted

Instructions 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking pan, or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined and lump-free.
  3. Pour in the milk and vanilla extract, then add the fresh blueberries. Mix gently with a spatula until the ingredients are just combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can develop the gluten and make the cake tough.
  4. Evenly pour the cake batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it gently with the spatula.
  5. In a separate medium-sized bowl, prepare the crumb topping. Combine brown sugar, flour, and melted butter. Use your fingers or a fork to mix until it forms a coarse, crumbly texture.
  6. Generously sprinkle the prepared crumb topping evenly over the cake batter in the pan, ensuring a good coating.
  7. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached. The crumb topping should be golden brown and fragrant.
  8. Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes before attempting to slice and serve. This allows it to set properly and prevents crumbling. Enjoy!

Nutritional Value (per serving)

Calories: 250kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 200mg | Potassium: 100mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 200IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 100mg | Iron: 1mg

Keywords

Blueberry, Crumb Cake, Breakfast Cake, Brunch Dessert, Sweet Treat, Homemade Cake
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Perfect Pairings: Appetizers and Mains to Complement Your Dessert

While this delightful blueberry crumb cake serves as a superb dessert, planning a complete meal around it can elevate your dining experience. Here are some appetizer and main course suggestions that would beautifully complement the sweet and fruity notes of the cake, creating a balanced and memorable menu.

Suggested Appetizers

To begin your meal, consider lighter appetizers that won’t overpower the main course or dessert. A simple caprese salad, bruschetta with fresh tomatoes and basil, or a delicate spinach and feta phyllo pastry would offer a fresh and inviting start.

Suggested Main Courses

For the main event, think about savory dishes that offer a contrasting yet harmonious flavor profile to the sweet dessert. Here are two fantastic options:

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken: Elevate your dinner with a succulent Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken. This main course marries the vibrant, zesty brightness of fresh lemon with a fragrant medley of aromatic herbs like rosemary and thyme. The chicken breasts or thighs are marinated to perfection, allowing the tangy citrus and earthy herbs to deeply infuse, resulting in incredibly tender, juicy, and flavorful bites. Serve it alongside a crisp, vibrant garden salad with a light vinaigrette or a side of perfectly roasted seasonal vegetables (like asparagus or bell peppers) to complement the fresh, clean flavors. This dish is perfect for a warm summer evening, a healthy dinner option, or as a lighter main course that won’t steal the show from your blueberry crumb cake, but rather enhance the overall meal with its refreshing profile. Its lean protein and bright flavors make it an excellent choice before a richer dessert.
Hearty Stuffed Bell Peppers: Delight in the colorful and nutritious Stuffed Bell Peppers. These vibrant green, red, or yellow bell peppers are carefully halved and filled with a savory mixture typically consisting of seasoned ground meat (beef, turkey, or a vegetarian alternative), fluffy cooked rice, and a robust blend of Italian spices, often simmered in a rich tomato sauce. The peppers are then baked until they become tender, allowing all the hearty, comforting flavors to meld together beautifully. For an added layer of richness and flavor, you can top them with a sprinkle of melted cheese, like mozzarella or cheddar, during the last few minutes of baking. This dish is not only visually appealing but also incredibly satisfying and packed with essential nutrients, making it a wholesome and filling choice for any occasion. Serve with a side of warm, crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce or a simple green salad to complete this wonderfully comforting meal. Its savory depth provides a lovely contrast to the sweet fruitiness of the cake.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baking Blueberry Crumb Cake

FAQ: Your Blueberry Crumb Cake Questions Answered!
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh ones in this recipe?
Absolutely, using frozen blueberries is a perfectly acceptable and often convenient alternative, especially when fresh berries are not in season or hard to find. I frequently use them myself! The key is to make sure you thaw and thoroughly drain them before gently folding them into the batter. This step is crucial to prevent excess moisture from making your cake soggy and to avoid the blueberries bleeding too much color into the batter, which can result in a grayish hue. A light toss in a tablespoon of flour before adding them can also help prevent them from sinking to the bottom.
What size baking pan should I use for this blueberry crumb cake recipe?
For this specific recipe, I highly recommend an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) square baking pan. This size yields a cake with a good, substantial thickness, which helps in achieving that ideal moist crumb texture and ensures more even baking throughout. If you opt to use a different size, such as a 9×9-inch pan or a round cake pan, you might need to adjust the baking time slightly. A larger pan will result in a thinner cake that bakes faster, while a smaller or deeper pan might require a longer baking time. Always keep a close eye on it!
Can I substitute the dairy milk with a non-dairy alternative?
Yes, absolutely! This recipe is quite forgiving when it comes to milk substitutes. I’ve personally had great success using both unsweetened almond milk and oat milk, and both worked wonderfully without compromising the cake’s texture or flavor. You can use the exact same amount as the regular dairy milk specified in the recipe. Soy milk or cashew milk are also viable options if those are your preferred non-dairy alternatives.
How do I know when my blueberry crumb cake is perfectly baked and done?
The most reliable method I always use for checking doneness is the classic toothpick test. Simply insert a clean wooden toothpick into the very center of the cake. If it comes out clean, or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it, your cake is ready to be taken out of the oven. If you see any wet batter on the toothpick, give your cake a few more minutes to bake, checking again periodically. The crumb topping should also appear golden brown and smell wonderfully fragrant.
Is there a way to make the crumb topping even crunchier?
Certainly! If you’re a fan of extra crunch in your crumb topping, there are a couple of delightful additions you can make. You can stir in a tablespoon or two of old-fashioned rolled oats into the crumb mixture – they add a lovely chewy texture and a subtle nuttiness. Alternatively, incorporating a quarter cup of finely chopped nuts, such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds, will also provide a fantastic textural contrast and an extra layer of flavor. Experiment to find your favorite crunch!

More Amazing Recipes to Try!

Loved this blueberry crumb cake? Our kitchen is filled with many more incredible recipes waiting for you to discover. From savory delights to other sweet treats, we have something to satisfy every craving. Explore these fantastic options for your next culinary adventure and expand your recipe collection!

  • Scrambled Eggs and Tomatoes Recipe
    15 Minutes
  • Roasted Rack of Lamb Recipe
    40 Minutes
  • Pan-Fried Cube Steaks Recipe
    25 Minutes
  • Rosemary Braised Lamb Shanks Recipe
    2 Minutes
  • Breaded Pork Chops Recipe
    35 Minutes
  • BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe
    1 Hours
  • Asian Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe
    40 Minutes
  • Broiled Haddock Recipe
    20 Minutes