When it comes to classic comfort desserts, few treats hit all the right notes like a crumb cake. Moist, buttery cake paired with a rich filling and a crisp topping never goes out of style. But when you introduce fresh blueberries and a smooth cream cheese layer into the mix, you get a dessert that is not only satisfying but truly irresistible.
This blueberry cream cheese crumb cake brings together the best of several dessert worlds: the softness of a sponge cake, the tang of cream cheese, the brightness of blueberries, and the crunch of a cinnamon-sugar streusel. Whether you’re baking for a brunch table, offering something homemade to guests, or simply enjoying a quiet moment with coffee or tea, this cake adds something special.
What Makes This Cake a Favorite?
Moist and fluffy cake base that holds together beautifully
Creamy layer of sweetened cream cheese adds depth and contrast
Blueberries deliver bursts of tart and sweet flavor in every bite
Golden crumb topping provides a crunchy, buttery finish
Great for breakfast, afternoon tea, dessert, or a potluck contribution
This cake strikes a balance between rich and light, and thanks to simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s easy enough for weekday baking yet impressive enough for weekends or holidays.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the cake batter:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen (do not thaw if frozen)
For the cream cheese layer:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the crumb topping:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
How to Make Blueberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan, or line a deep 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in batches, alternating with the sour cream. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
Gently fold in the blueberries with a spatula, being careful not to crush them.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer
In a separate mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the sugar, egg, and vanilla, and mix until fully combined and creamy.
This layer adds a velvety texture and rich flavor that contrasts beautifully with the cake and the tartness of the berries.
Step 3: Make the Crumb Topping
In a small bowl, stir together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and mix with a fork until you have a coarse, crumbly texture. Set aside.
This topping will bake into a crisp, golden layer that adds texture and a hint of warm spice.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Spoon half of the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the batter and spread it out in an even layer.
Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the cream cheese layer and gently spread to cover. Don’t worry if some cream cheese peeks through.
Evenly sprinkle the crumb topping over the top of the batter, pressing lightly if needed to help it adhere.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with only moist crumbs (not wet batter). The top should be golden brown and the cake should have slightly pulled away from the edges of the pan.
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. The cream cheese layer will firm up more as the cake cools.
Serving Suggestions
- Dust the top with powdered sugar for an elegant look
- Serve slightly warm with a spoonful of whipped cream
- Pair it with a scoop of vanilla or lemon ice cream
- Enjoy with hot coffee or a cup of earl grey tea
This cake also holds up beautifully for potlucks, breakfast spreads, or gifting to neighbors and friends.
Storage and Freezing Tips
Store the cooled cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving if chilled.
To freeze, slice the cake and wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or reheat in the microwave in short bursts.
Avoid freezing the cake whole unless it’s well wrapped in several layers of plastic and foil to prevent freezer burn and moisture loss.
Final Thoughts
This blueberry cream cheese crumb cake is the kind of dessert that brings a homemade charm to any gathering. With its layers of moist cake, tangy cream cheese, juicy blueberries, and buttery crumb topping, every bite offers a satisfying mix of flavors and textures.
It’s an easy-to-make cake that looks impressive and delivers on both taste and comfort. Whether you’re hosting brunch, packing lunchbox treats, or just baking for yourself, this recipe is sure to become one of your favorites.
Variations to Try
While the base recipe is already delicious on its own, it’s also incredibly flexible. Here are some ways you can personalize this cake to suit different preferences or seasonal ingredients:
Mixed Berries – Replace half the blueberries with raspberries or blackberries for a mixed berry version with extra color and flavor contrast.
Lemon Zest – Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture or cake batter to brighten the flavor and pair naturally with the blueberries.
Almond Crumb Topping – Substitute a portion of the flour in the topping with finely ground almonds or add a few drops of almond extract to the batter for a nutty twist.
Spiced Cake Base – Mix a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the cake batter for a warm, bakery-style note.
Chocolate Chip Swirl – Fold in a handful of mini white chocolate chips to the cream cheese layer for a rich, sweet contrast to the tangy berries.
These options make it easy to keep the base recipe fresh and exciting, whether you’re baking it for the third time this season or turning it into a holiday favorite.
Tips for Best Results
Use room temperature ingredients for both the cream cheese and butter. This ensures smooth blending and better consistency throughout the batter.
Don’t overmix after adding the flour and sour cream. Overworking the batter can make the cake dense or rubbery.
Frozen blueberries are fine to use, but don’t thaw them before mixing in. Adding them frozen prevents them from bleeding too much into the batter.
Check doneness with a toothpick in multiple spots. Since this cake has a cream cheese layer, some areas may appear moist. You want clean crumbs—not raw batter—on the tester.
Let the cake cool fully before slicing. This helps the layers settle and makes for cleaner, more beautiful servings.
When to Serve This Cake
This cake shines at brunch tables, especially alongside coffee cakes, danishes, or fruit platters. But it also transitions effortlessly into dessert after dinner.
Here are a few perfect occasions to make it:
- Weekend breakfast with family
- Mother’s Day or Easter brunch
- Baby showers or bridal showers
- Picnic desserts in the spring or summer
- A cozy treat on cool days, served warm with tea
It also travels well if baked in a square dish, making it great for potlucks and work parties.
Final Reflection
There’s something about the simplicity and texture of this blueberry cream cheese crumb cake that makes it timeless. It’s the kind of dessert that feels both nostalgic and special, without being fussy. Every component—the moist cake base, the silky cream cheese center, the sweet-tart blueberries, and the golden crumb topping—comes together into something harmonious and comforting.
Whether you’re serving it for guests or just sneaking a slice with your afternoon coffee, this cake promises to please every time. It’s not just a recipe—it’s one you’ll likely pass along or keep bookmarked for seasons to come.
Let it cool, slice generously, and don’t be surprised if people ask for seconds—or the recipe.