When it comes to starting your morning on a delightful note, few things compare to a homemade blueberry crumb cake. Packed with the natural sweetness of blueberries and the buttery richness of a crumb topping, this recipe is a perfect companion for your morning coffee or tea. Here’s a comprehensive guide to making a blueberry crumb cake with buttermilk, ensuring a moist texture and vibrant flavor that will impress everyone.
Why Blueberry Crumb Cake?
Blueberries are not only delicious but also a superfood, rich in antioxidants and vitamins. When combined with the tanginess of buttermilk and the buttery crunch of the crumb topping, they create a perfect balance of flavors. This cake is versatile enough to serve as breakfast, a snack, or even a light dessert.
Ingredients for Blueberry Crumb Cake
Before diving into the recipe, gather these ingredients to ensure you have everything ready:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
For the Crumb Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crumb Topping
- In a medium bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Drizzle in the melted butter and mix with a fork until crumbly. Set aside.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In another large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 3 minutes.
Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and tender.
Step 7: Fold in Blueberries
Gently fold in the fresh blueberries using a spatula, ensuring even distribution without crushing the berries.
Step 8: Assemble the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly using a spatula. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter.
Step 9: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The crumb topping should be golden brown.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips for the Best Blueberry Crumb Cake
- Use Fresh Blueberries: Fresh blueberries provide the best flavor and texture, but you can use frozen ones if fresh berries are unavailable. Just make sure to toss frozen blueberries in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter to prevent them from sinking.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring your butter, eggs, and buttermilk to room temperature for a smoother batter and even baking.
- Customize the Crumb Topping: Add a handful of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for an extra crunch.
- Don’t Skip the Buttermilk: The acidity in buttermilk reacts with the baking soda, ensuring a tender and fluffy cake.
- Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for longer storage.
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of buttermilk and baking soda creates a perfectly moist and fluffy cake. The crumb topping adds texture and a burst of sweetness, while the blueberries bring natural tartness. This harmonious balance ensures that every bite is a treat
Serve and Enjoy!
Whether you’re hosting a brunch, preparing a family breakfast, or simply treating yourself, this blueberry crumb cake is sure to become a favorite. Its beautiful presentation and mouthwatering flavor make it a showstopper on any table.
Try this recipe today, and let the aroma of freshly baked blueberry crumb cake fill your kitchen!