If you’re craving something sweet, fresh, and easy to make, you’re in the right place! This Lemon Blueberry Crumb Cake offers a burst of citrus flavor paired with juicy blueberries. With simple ingredients and step-by-step directions, you'll whip up a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or dessert. Let’s dive into this yummy recipe and bring sunshine to your kitchen!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Bright and Zesty Flavor: The combination of fresh lemon juice and zest with sweet blueberries creates a delightful balance that is refreshing and uplifting.
- Perfectly Moist Texture: This crumb cake remains incredibly moist thanks to the use of both butter and milk, making each bite melt in your mouth.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced bakers alike.
- Versatile Dessert: Whether served for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat after dinner, this cake suits any occasion beautifully.
Ingredients
To make the Lemon Blueberry Crumb Cake, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries (can substitute with frozen, thawed)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup oats
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Each ingredient plays a key role in creating this delightful cake. The all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour give structure. The sugar adds sweetness, while the butter keeps it moist. Eggs act as a binder and help the cake rise. Milk adds creaminess, and baking powder and baking soda provide leavening.
Lemon zest and juice give a bright flavor that pairs perfectly with blueberries. Fresh blueberries add bursts of sweetness in every bite. The crumb topping, made of brown sugar, oats, and cinnamon, creates a crunchy layer on top.
Gather these ingredients, and you are ready to bake a delicious cake!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for a perfectly baked cake. Grease a 9x9 inch baking pan or use parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the crumb topping: In a medium bowl, mix 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup oats, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Add 2 tablespoons of softened butter. Use your fingers to crumble the mixture until it looks like coarse crumbs. Set it aside for later.
3. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup whole wheat flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and the zest of 1 lemon. Make sure everything is well combined.
4. Cream butter and sugar: In another bowl, cream 1/2 cup unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar. Do this until the mixture is light and fluffy, which takes about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer.
Combining Ingredients
5. Combine wet and dry mixtures: Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each. Then, stir in 1/2 cup milk, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
6. Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Gently fold in 1 1/2 cups of fresh blueberries.
7. Transfer to baking pan: Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Smooth out the top with a spatula.
8. Add crumb topping: Evenly sprinkle the crumb topping you made earlier over the batter. This will add a nice crunch.
9. Baking process: Place the cake in the oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean.
Cooling and Serving
10. Cooling time before serving: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. This helps the cake set and makes it easier to cut.
11. Presentation tips: Dust the top with powdered sugar. Add a few fresh blueberries on top. Serve with lemon slices for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Tips & Tricks
Baking Tips
- Ensuring the right oven temperature: Always preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). An accurate temperature helps the cake rise evenly. Use an oven thermometer if needed.
- How to avoid overmixing: Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Overmixing makes the cake tough. Gently fold in blueberries to keep them intact.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Alternatives for eggs: If you need an egg substitute, use 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or 1/4 cup yogurt. These options work well and keep the cake moist.
- Dairy-free options: You can replace milk with almond milk or oat milk. This keeps the cake creamy without dairy.
Serving Suggestions
- Pairing with beverages: Enjoy this cake with a cup of tea or coffee. Lemonade also pairs well for a bright flavor boost.
- Ideal occasions for serving: This cake shines at brunches, picnics, or casual get-togethers. Serve it at birthdays or family gatherings for a sweet treat.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Blueberries: Fresh blueberries not only taste better but also hold their shape during baking, giving you that perfect burst of flavor in every bite.
- Prevent Sinking: Toss the blueberries in a bit of flour before adding them to the batter. This helps keep them suspended in the cake instead of sinking to the bottom.
- Experiment with Zest: For an extra zing, try adding zest from an additional lemon or even from an orange for a unique flavor twist.
- Storage Tips: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain its freshness.
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can switch up the flavor of this cake easily. Adding spices like nutmeg gives it warmth. Nutmeg pairs well with lemon and blueberry. You could also try cinnamon for a cozy feeling. If you want to mix in different fruits, fresh raspberries or strawberries work great. Each fruit adds a new twist to the cake.
Dietary Adjustments
If you need a gluten-free cake, use a gluten-free flour blend. It will still taste amazing! For a vegan version, swap the eggs with flax eggs. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water for each egg. You can also use plant-based milk and vegan butter. These changes keep the cake light and fluffy.
Serving Styles
Serving styles can make your cake even more special. You can layer it with creams or sauces. A lemon glaze or whipped cream adds a delightful touch. For fun, serve individual portions. This makes it easy to share and enjoy. You can also serve the whole cake for a big gathering. Everyone will love a slice!
Storage Info
Short-Term Storage
To store leftovers, let the cake cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. You can also place it in an airtight container. This keeps the cake fresh and moist for a few days.
Long-Term Storage
For long-term storage, you can freeze the cake. First, slice it into portions. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place all slices in a freezer-safe bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to eat, thaw the slices in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This warms the cake nicely and keeps it soft.
Shelf Life
Lemon blueberry crumb cake stays fresh for about 3-4 days at room temperature. If stored in the fridge, it can last up to a week. Freezing extends its life up to 3 months. Enjoy it while it’s fresh for the best taste!
FAQs
Common Questions
Can I use frozen blueberries? Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Make sure to let them thaw and drain excess juice. This will help keep the cake from getting too wet.
How can I make the cake more lemony? To boost the lemon flavor, add more lemon zest or juice. You can also serve it with a lemon glaze for extra zest.
Troubleshooting
What to do if the cake is too dry? If the cake turns out dry, try adding a bit more milk next time. You can also check your oven temperature. A too-hot oven can dry out the cake.
How to tell if the cake is fully baked? Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done. If it has batter on it, bake for a few more minutes.
Serving and Pairing
Best accompaniments for Lemon Blueberry Crumb Cake This cake pairs well with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. A side of fresh berries also makes a nice touch.
Can this cake be served warm or chilled? You can serve this cake warm or chilled. Both options are delicious and bring out the flavors in different ways.
This blog post covered how to make a delicious Lemon Blueberry Crumb Cake. We explored the key ingredients, detailed steps for mixing and baking, and shared tips for perfect results. You learned about flavor variations, storage, and substitutions. Keep these ideas in mind to create your own unique cake. Enjoy each bite, and experiment with new flavors. Baking can be fun and creative, so let your taste guide your next masterpiece. With this knowledge, you can impress your family and friends with a delightful treat.
