Sherry’s Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake

There’s something irresistibly comforting about the smell of blueberries baking in the oven, mingling with the creamy sweetness of cheesecake and the buttery aroma of a golden crumb topping. Sherry’s Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake is that perfect marriage of rich, creamy indulgence and homey, fruity charm. Each bite is a little moment of joy, moist cake layers, velvety cream cheese, and bursts of juicy blueberries, all topped with a crumbly streusel that melts in your mouth.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe was born from Sherry’s weekend baking ritual, those quiet Saturday mornings where the kitchen fills with soft music, the hum of the mixer, and the promise of something sweet. It’s a family favorite that’s been passed down and perfected over years, evolving from a simple coffee cake into a bakery-worthy treat. It’s the kind of cake that feels like a hug from the past, lovingly recreated in your own oven.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Blueberry crumb cakes trace their roots to classic American coffee cakes that became popular in the mid-1900s. The addition of cream cheese takes inspiration from New York–style cheesecakes, adding luscious richness. Sherry’s version bridges these traditions, combining the tender crumb of a coffee cake with the smooth decadence of a cheesecake layer, a true fusion of comfort and elegance.

Why You’ll Love Sherry’s Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake

This cake isn’t just a dessert, it’s an experience, and here’s why it’s sure to steal your heart.

Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or even a midnight snack.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry ingredients and fresh or frozen blueberries.
Quick and Easy: No complicated techniques, just mix, layer, and bake.
Customizable: Try swapping blueberries for raspberries, blackberries, or even peaches.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit for family gatherings or potlucks.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be baked a day early and still tastes amazing.
Great for Leftovers: Stays moist and flavorful for days, if it even lasts that long.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

A few professional touches can take your cake from good to unforgettable.

1. Use room temperature ingredients for smoother blending and an even texture.
2. Toss blueberries in flour before folding them in to prevent sinking.
3. Chill the crumb topping briefly before baking for a crunchier texture.
4. Don’t overmix the batter, gentle folding keeps the cake soft and tender.
5. Let it cool completely before slicing to preserve the creamy layers.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Before diving in, let’s make sure your kitchen is ready.

Mixing Bowls: For preparing batter, cream cheese filling, and crumb topping.
Electric Mixer: Helps create a fluffy, smooth batter.
9-inch Springform Pan: Ideal for easy release and perfect presentation.
Spatula: For even layering of batter and filling.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is key to balance and flavor.

Ingredients in Sherry’s Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake

Every ingredient in this cake has a purpose, a role in creating that irresistible balance of texture and flavor.

1. All-Purpose Flour: 2 ¼ cups, provides structure and body to the cake.
2. Granulated Sugar: ¾ cup, sweetens the base while keeping it tender.
3. Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons, ensures a light, airy rise.
4. Salt: ¼ teaspoon, balances the sweetness.
5. Unsalted Butter: ½ cup (softened), adds moisture and rich flavor.
6. Eggs: 2 large, help bind ingredients and add richness.
7. Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, infuses warmth and aroma.
8. Sour Cream: 1 cup, keeps the cake moist and tangy.
9. Fresh Blueberries: 1 ½ cups, bring juicy bursts of flavor.
10. Cream Cheese: 8 ounces (softened), creates the luscious middle layer.
11. Powdered Sugar: ¼ cup, sweetens the cream cheese filling gently.
12. Brown Sugar: ½ cup, gives the crumb topping its caramel-like depth.
13. Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon, adds cozy warmth.
14. Butter (for topping): ¼ cup (melted), binds the crumb mixture together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Sometimes you need to improvise, and that’s perfectly fine.

Sour Cream: Use plain Greek yogurt for similar tang and texture.
Fresh Blueberries: Frozen blueberries work just as well, no need to thaw.
Cream Cheese: Mascarpone can be used for a lighter, silkier filling.
Brown Sugar: Substitute with coconut sugar for a hint of caramel flavor.

Ingredient Spotlight

Blueberries: Bursting with antioxidants and natural sweetness, they add vibrant color and a tart contrast to the creamy layers.
Cream Cheese: The heart of the recipe, lending a smooth, tangy richness that balances the sweetness beautifully.

Instructions for Making Sherry’s Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake

This is where the magic unfolds, layer by layer, flavor by flavor.

1. Preheat Your Equipment: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla and sour cream. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt, then gently fold into the wet mixture.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Spread half the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
4. Assemble the Dish: Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth, then spread over the batter. Sprinkle half the blueberries on top, add remaining batter, then top with the rest of the blueberries.
5. Cook to Perfection: Combine brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and melted butter to form crumbs. Sprinkle evenly over the cake. Bake for 45–50 minutes until golden and set in the center.
6. Finishing Touches: Let cool completely before removing from the pan. Dust with a touch of powdered sugar if desired.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Slice and savor each layer, soft cake, creamy filling, juicy berries, and crunchy crumbs in perfect harmony.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

What makes this cake unforgettable is its symphony of contrasts. The soft, buttery crumb gives way to the velvety cream cheese center, while juicy blueberries burst with freshness. The crumb topping adds a satisfying crunch, tying it all together in a balance of sweet, tangy, and buttery bliss.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

A few simple tricks make all the difference.

• Keep ingredients at room temperature for better blending.
• Use a springform pan for easy, clean slices.
• Add a pinch of lemon zest to the batter for extra brightness.
• Store leftovers covered to keep the crumb crisp.

What to Avoid

Avoid these common slip-ups to keep your cake bakery-perfect.

• Overmixing the batter, it leads to a dense texture.
• Skipping the flour toss for blueberries, they’ll sink to the bottom.
• Baking too long, overbaked cake dries quickly.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 10
Calories per serving: Approximately 360
Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can easily prepare this cake a day before serving. Once cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5. It also freezes beautifully, simply wrap slices individually and thaw overnight in the fridge.

How to Serve Sherry’s Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake

This cake shines on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of vanilla glaze. For brunch, serve it warm with coffee or tea. For dessert, try a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement its creamy, fruity notes.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Give your leftovers a second life.

• Crumble pieces into yogurt for a breakfast parfait.
• Use slices as layers in a trifle with whipped cream and berries.
• Toast lightly and enjoy with a smear of cream cheese.

Additional Tips

If you want an extra punch of flavor, add a hint of almond extract to the batter. Always cool the cake completely before covering it to prevent condensation. And for an elegant finish, sprinkle a few fresh blueberries and mint leaves on top just before serving.

Make It a Showstopper

Presentation matters, serve your cake on a white platter to highlight its golden crumb and vibrant berries. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a bakery-style touch, while a few scattered blueberries make it look effortlessly beautiful.

Variations to Try

1. Lemon Blueberry Version: Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest for brightness.
2. Mixed Berry Crumb Cake: Use raspberries and blackberries alongside blueberries.
3. Cinnamon Swirl Delight: Add a layer of cinnamon sugar between the batter.
4. Glazed Finish: Drizzle a simple vanilla glaze once cooled.
5. Nutty Crumb Topping: Mix chopped pecans into the streusel for crunch.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, just use them straight from the freezer without thawing.

Q2: Can I make it gluten-free?
Absolutely, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

Q3: How do I know when it’s done baking?
A toothpick inserted near the center should come out clean with a few crumbs.

Q4: Can I skip the cream cheese layer?
You can, but it’s the creamy heart of this cake, highly recommended!

Q5: How long does it stay fresh?
Up to 3 days at room temperature or 5 days refrigerated.

Q6: Can I use oil instead of butter?
Butter is best for flavor, but neutral oil can work in a pinch.

Q7: What’s the best pan size?
A 9-inch springform or deep round cake pan is ideal.

Q8: Can I add a glaze?
Yes, a light lemon or vanilla glaze enhances both taste and look.

Q9: Can this be made into muffins?
Yes, bake in muffin tins for 25–30 minutes instead.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
Certainly, just use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust baking time as needed.

Conclusion

Sherry’s Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake is the kind of bake that brings people together, cozy, fragrant, and full of love. Whether served at a family breakfast or as a sweet ending to dinner, it’s a recipe that never fails to impress. Trust me, you’re going to love this one, every bite is worth the effort, and every crumb tells a story of comfort and joy.

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