Description
Peach & Blueberry Crumb Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake:
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup milk
For the Filling:
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 large peach (sliced)
For the Crumb Topping:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
For the Glaze:
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1-2 tbsp milk
Directions
Preheat the oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and set aside.
Make the cake batter: Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt, then alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the batter.
Layer the cake: Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan. Layer peach slices and blueberries over the batter.
Prepare the crumb topping: Mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Stir in melted butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over the fruit layer.
Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool slightly before removing from the pan.
Make the glaze: Whisk powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8
Calories: 290 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect results. First, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature. Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar for a full 3-4 minutes until pale and fluffy. This incorporates air for a lighter cake. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. When adding the dry ingredients and milk, begin and end with the dry mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid a tough crumb. For the fruit layer, pat the peach slices and blueberries dry with a paper towel to prevent excess moisture. When sprinkling the crumb topping, squeeze handfuls to create some larger clusters for better texture.
Serving Suggestions
This crumb cake is versatile. Serve it slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a decadent dessert. For a brunch or afternoon coffee, it’s perfect as-is with a dusting of powdered sugar instead of the glaze. Pair it with a cup of strong coffee or a glass of cold milk.
How-to Summary
In summary, this cake involves four key stages: 1) Cream butter and sugar, then mix in wet ingredients. 2) Combine dry ingredients and alternate adding them with milk to the wet mix. 3) Layer the batter, fruit, and crumb topping in a prepared pan. 4) Bake, cool, and drizzle with a simple glaze before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen fruit? Yes, but do not thaw. Toss frozen blueberries and peach slices in 1 tablespoon of the recipe’s flour before layering to absorb excess liquid.
- What can I use instead of a springform pan? A 9-inch round or square cake pan works. Line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
- How should I store this cake? Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Can I make this cake ahead of time? Absolutely. Bake and cool the cake completely, then wrap tightly and freeze (unglazed) for up to 3 months. Thaw and add the glaze before serving.
- Why is my crumb topping not clumping? Ensure your butter is melted, not just softened. The mixture should look like wet sand. If too dry, add 1/2 tbsp more melted butter; if too wet, add a sprinkle of flour.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the batter: This develops gluten, leading to a dense, tough cake. Mix just until ingredients are incorporated.
- Using cold ingredients: Cold butter and eggs won’t emulsify properly, resulting in a curdled-looking batter and uneven texture.
- Overloading with wet fruit: Not drying fresh fruit or using thawed frozen fruit will make the cake soggy.
- Overbaking: Check the cake at the 40-minute mark. A toothpick should have moist crumbs, not be completely dry.
Conclusion
This Peach & Blueberry Crumb Cake masterfully balances tender cake, juicy seasonal fruit, and a buttery crumb topping. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll create an impressive, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Its simple elegance and fantastic flavor make it a recipe you’ll return to again and again.