Blueberry Brioche Crumb Cake

Blueberry Brioche Crumb Cake is an indulgent treat that combines the luxurious texture of brioche with the tangy sweetness of fresh blueberries. This cake is a sensory delight – imagine a rich, buttery cake infused with bursts of juicy blueberries and topped with a crunchy, cinnamon-spiced crumb. Whether it’s for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a dessert to impress guests, this recipe is worth making for its unique flavor profile and comforting qualities. Plus, the step-by-step process ensures that even novice bakers can create this masterpiece with ease.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Blueberry Brioche Crumb Cake is designed for everyone – from busy parents to novice cooks. The preparation is straightforward, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. It features minimal ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, making the process even simpler. The dish is not only family-friendly but also versatile; you’ll find that it can be served at a brunch gathering or enjoyed with a cup of tea at home. In just about an hour, you can whip up a scrumptious cake that’s sure to please.

Ingredients for Blueberry Brioche Crumb Cake

To create the perfect Blueberry Brioche Crumb Cake, gather the following ingredients:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, sifted for lightness
2 tsp baking powder to give it that perfect rise
1/2 tsp salt, enhancing all the flavors
1 cup unsalted butter, softened to create a creamy texture
1 cup sugar, for the right balance of sweetness
4 large eggs, enriching the batter
1 tsp vanilla extract for a warm, inviting aroma
1/2 cup whole milk to keep it moist
1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries, bursting with antioxidants and flavor
For the crumb topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp cinnamon for that cozy spice note

Step-by-Step Directions

Now that we have all the ingredients, let’s dive into making your Blueberry Brioche Crumb Cake!

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or non-stick spray. This ensures that your cake comes out easily once baked.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 1/4 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Set this dry mixture aside as we prepare the wet ingredients.
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, a process that should take about 3-4 minutes. This aeration is crucial for a tender cake.
Add the four large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Follow this with the teaspoon of vanilla extract, ensuring everything is well-combined.
Gradually add the dry flour mixture and the 1/2 cup of whole milk alternately, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined – be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the cake dense.
Gently fold in the 1 1/2 cups of fresh blueberries, making sure to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly.
For the crumb topping, combine the 1/2 cup of flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of melted butter, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon in a bowl. Mix until crumbly, then sprinkle this mixture over the top of the cake batter.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve at room temperature, and enjoy every delightful bite!

Tips & Tricks

For a delightful tweak, consider adding lemon zest to the batter for a refreshing citrus flavor that pairs beautifully with blueberries. To keep the blueberries from sinking to the bottom, toss them in a bit of flour before folding into the batter. This technique helps suspend them throughout the cake. If you prefer a nutty flavor, add a handful of crushed walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping for added texture.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This Blueberry Brioche Crumb Cake can be enjoyed on its own but pairs exceptionally well with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a delightful brunch spread, serve it alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, or warm coffee. A drizzle of honey or maple syrup adds an indulgent touch that elevates this treat into a special occasion dessert.

Nutritional Information

One slice of Blueberry Brioche Crumb Cake (assuming 12 slices) contains approximately 250 calories. The cake is rich in carbohydrates from the flour and sugar, while the blueberries add antioxidants. Though it’s a delicious indulgence, consider enjoying it in moderation, especially if you’re watching your calorie intake or sugar consumption. You can also swap some of the sugar for natural sweeteners, if preferred.

Storing Tips & Variations for Blueberry Brioche Crumb Cake

To store your Blueberry Brioche Crumb Cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator for up to five days. This cake also freezes well; simply slice it and place pieces in an airtight container for up to three months. When you are ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. For a healthier variation, consider substituting half of the butter with applesauce and using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.

Conclusion for Blueberry Brioche Crumb Cake

Now is the perfect time to try your hand at this delicious Blueberry Brioche Crumb Cake. Its irresistible flavor, combined with ease of preparation, makes it a fantastic recipe for bakers of all levels. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice (or two) of this delightful cake; trust me, they will be asking for seconds!

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries in this recipe; however, do not thaw them beforehand, as this can make the batter too watery.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! Bake the cake the day before you plan to serve it, and store it in an airtight container. It actually tastes better the next day as flavors develop!
Can I use other fruits in this recipe?
Sure! This cake can be easily adapted. Raspberries, blackberries, or chopped strawberries can be great alternatives to blueberries.
How do I check if the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is done. If there are wet crumbs or batter on the toothpick, continue baking for an additional 5 minutes.
What can I do if my cake is too dense?
If your cake turns out dense, it may be due to overmixing. Ensure you mix your wet and dry ingredients just until combined, and be careful not to pack the flour too tightly when measuring.

Blueberry Brioche Crumb Cake

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Author: eliana-quinn
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

An indulgent treat combining brioche texture with fresh blueberries and a crunchy crumb topping.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
Whisk together the 2 1/4 cups of flour, 2 tsp of baking powder, and 1/2 tsp of salt in a medium bowl.
Beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy in a large mixing bowl.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then add the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry mixture and whole milk alternately, beginning and ending with the flour.
Fold in the blueberries gently until evenly distributed.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly.
Mix the crumb topping ingredients together until crumbly, then sprinkle over the cake batter.
Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Serve at room temperature and enjoy!