Name: Bursting Blueberry Crumb Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 5 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Western
Ingredients: 2/3 cups plain/all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup caster sugar (superfine sugar); 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder; 1/8 tsp kosher salt; 60 g (4 tbsp) melted unsalted butter; 1/4 tsp vanilla extract; 1 1/3 cups plain/all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder (ensure it’s fresh and active); 1/4 tsp kosher salt; 3/4 cup caster sugar (superfine sugar); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tbsp lemon zest (from about 1 lemon); 2 large eggs, at room temperature; 90 g (6 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled; 1/3 cup sour cream, at room temperature (can substitute with plain yogurt); 1/3 cup full-fat milk, at room temperature (low fat acceptable); 500 g (1 lb) fresh blueberries (frozen can be used if thawed and drained); 2 tsp lemon juice; 2 tbsp caster sugar (superfine sugar); 3 tbsp plain/all-purpose flour

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 9 reviews

If you are looking for a delightful treat that combines soft, tender lemon cake with juicy, plentiful berries and an irresistible crunchy topping, you have to try this Bursting Blueberry Crumb Cake Recipe. What makes this recipe truly stand out is the generous amount of fresh blueberries nestled inside a zesty vanilla-lemon cake crumbed with a buttery streusel, creating an experience that feels like biting into a warm blueberry crumble. Whether you enjoy it fresh from the oven or as a cozy snack later in the day, this cake promises to brighten any moment with its burst of flavors and textures.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up of a silver metal bowl filled with small, round blueberries covered in white powder, likely flour, resting on a white marbled surface. The blueberries are piled unevenly, showing different shades of dark blue and purple with a light dusting of powder giving a soft texture over them. The bowl takes up most of the frame, and the inside shines with soft reflections of light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Bursting Blueberry Crumb Cake Recipe lies in its simple, straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role. Fresh blueberries provide juicy bursts, the lemon zest and vanilla add aromatic freshness, and the buttery crumb topping brings satisfying crunch and sweetness that perfectly complements the tender cake below.

Flour: The base that gives structure and softness to our cake and crumb topping.
Caster sugar (superfine sugar): Adds sweetness that blends smoothly without graininess.
Cinnamon powder: Brings a subtle warm spice to the crumb for extra flavor depth.
Salt (kosher or cooking): Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
Melted butter: Adds richness and moisture both in the cake and crumb.
Vanilla extract: Provides warm, inviting aroma that elevates the cake’s taste.
Baking powder: Essential to give the cake its perfect rise and fluffy texture.
Lemon zest and juice: Infuse bright citrus notes that marry so well with blueberries.
Eggs (room temperature): Help bind ingredients and add tenderness to the crumb.
Sour cream (or plain yogurt): Contributes moisture and a slight tang, making the cake tender.
Milk (room temperature): Adds just the right amount of moisture, aiding smooth batter mixing.
Fresh blueberries: The star ingredient, giving luscious bursts of flavor in every bite.

How to Make Bursting Blueberry Crumb Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Crumb Topping

Begin by mixing flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl to set the stage for your crumb topping’s flavor and texture. Add melted butter and vanilla and gently toss with a fork until the mixture is just wet but still lumpy and crumbly. This charming texture will bake into crunchy clusters that make each bite exciting.

Step 2: Preparing the Blueberries

Before you add these juicy gems to the cake, toss your blueberries with fresh lemon juice to brighten their flavor. Then sprinkle with sugar and flour – this coating prevents the berries from sinking during baking and thickens the juices just right, so the cake stays beautifully moist without becoming soggy.

Step 3: Mixing the Cake Batter

Whisk your dry ingredients – flour, baking powder, and salt – separately to evenly distribute the leavening agents. In another bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest until frothy. Next, blend in melted butter and sour cream for richness. Fold in the dry mix in batches with a spatula, then stir in the milk just until combined, keeping the batter slightly lumpy for ultimate softness.

Step 4: Assembling and Baking

Pour your luscious batter into a lined springform pan, then scatter the blueberry mixture evenly on top. Sprinkle any leftover flour from the berries over them to keep everything nicely coated. Next, generously top with the crumb mixture, pressing clumps together if needed to cover about 85% of the surface. Bake for about an hour, rotating halfway, until a skewer comes out clean – a little blueberry residue is perfect!

How to Serve Bursting Blueberry Crumb Cake Recipe

A slice of cake is placed on a white plate on a white marbled surface. The cake has three layers: the bottom layer is golden yellow and dense, the middle layer is filled with dark purple berries, and the top layer is a crumbly, light brown topping. A scoop of vanilla ice cream sits on top of the cake, melting slightly and dripping down over the berry layer. A spoon rests next to the cake on the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on a warm slice of this cake is pure joy and really complements the fresh blueberry flavor. For a lighter touch, a dollop of whipped cream or a simple dusting of powdered sugar also works wonderfully and makes the cake look irresistible.

Side Dishes

If you want to make it a fuller dessert or brunch option, fresh fruit salads, a cup of hot tea or coffee, or a glass of cold milk are all excellent companions. The cake’s moist texture and balanced sweetness pair beautifully with both warm and cool beverages.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the cake in rustic slices on wooden boards for a cozy vibe or cut into neat squares as bite-sized treats for parties. You could dollop yogurt and scatter extra blueberries on plates before placing slices on top for an elegant look that invites everyone to dig in happily.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, keep your Bursting Blueberry Crumb Cake Recipe covered at room temperature if eating within 1–2 days. This preserves its crumbly crisp topping. For longer freshness, store it wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing

This cake freezes wonderfully, making it a great bake-ahead treat. Wrap individual slices or the entire cooled cake tightly in plastic and foil then place in a freezer bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Warm slices in the oven at a low temperature or briefly in the microwave to revive that freshly baked softness and to bring back the melt-in-your-mouth crumb texture. Add a little vanilla ice cream or cream after reheating, and you are set for pure comfort.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries for this Bursting Blueberry Crumb Cake Recipe?

Yes, you can! Just thaw and drain them well before tossing with lemon juice, sugar, and flour to prevent extra moisture from soaking into the batter and making it soggy.

What makes this recipe different from other blueberry cakes?

The attention to generous blueberry quantity and the extra crunchy streusel topping truly sets this recipe apart. The lemon vanilla cake base is also uniquely tender and flavorful, balancing sweet and tart beautifully.

Why should the eggs, milk, and sour cream be at room temperature?

When these ingredients are room temperature, they blend more smoothly into the batter, resulting in a lighter, more even crumb texture without clumping.

Can I substitute the sour cream with something else?

Absolutely! Plain yogurt is a perfect substitute and will maintain the moistness and slight tang that sour cream contributes.

How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Insert a skewer in the center—if it comes out clean or with just blueberry smears (not wet batter), your cake is perfectly baked and ready to cool.

Final Thoughts

This Bursting Blueberry Crumb Cake Recipe is an absolute joy to make and share. Its tender lemon-infused cake, full of juicy blueberries and topped with crunchy crumb, promises smiles and satisfied taste buds every time. So go ahead and bake this wonderful cake for family, friends, or just your own sweet moment—you won’t regret it!