Sharon BrownBefore diving into the delightful world of Barefoot Contessa’s Blueberry Crumb Cake, consider how you can elevate this dish. Pair it with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or serve it alongside a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Fresh fruit salad and a hot cup of Earl Grey tea also complement those flavors beautifully. A sprinkle of lemon zest gives an extra pop, making each bite even more satisfying.
You know that feeling when you bite into something so comforting that it instantly takes you back? That’s the magic of a well-made crumb cake. The combination of sweet blueberries nestled in a buttery, crumbly topping can brighten even the dullest of days. When I first discovered the Barefoot Contessa Blueberry Crumb Cake recipe, it felt like I stumbled upon a hidden gem. There’s something so inviting about baking, especially when the rich, warm scents fill the kitchen.
I remember the day I baked this cake for the first time. The sun shone just right through the kitchen window, and I found myself humming an old tune as I gathered my ingredients. From the moment I cracked those eggs to the second the warm cake came out of the oven, I was in pure bliss. So, let’s get to the heart of the matter—what makes this crumb cake a must-try?
What is Barefoot Contessa Blueberry Crumb Cake?
Barefoot Contessa Blueberry Crumb Cake is a delightful recipe created by the charming Ina Garten. She is known for her effortless entertaining style and sophisticated yet simple recipes. This particular cake is loaded with fresh blueberries and topped with a lovely crumbly mixture that adds texture and flavor. It’s perfect for brunch, an afternoon snack, or even dessert. Soft, buttery, and bursting with juicy blueberries, this cake is a crowd-pleaser every time.
Unlike many traditional crumb cakes, this recipe leans into tangy ingredients like sour cream and lemon juice, resulting in a unique, balanced flavor profile. The cake itself isn’t overly sweet, allowing the blueberries to shine while the streusel topping provides just the right amount of sweetness and crunch.
What Makes This Recipe Different From Other Blueberry Crumb Cake Recipes?
What sets Barefoot Contessa’s Blueberry Crumb Cake apart from others is its delightful texture and depth of flavor. The addition of sour cream and lemon juice brings moisture and a slight tang that elevates the cake experience. Many recipes might skimp on the fruit, but not here. Fresh blueberries burst with juice, creating a juicy contrast to the rich crumb topping.
This cake also takes a unique approach to the streusel topping. It’s not just a sprinkle of dry ingredients; it’s a warm, buttery blend that adds crunch and a heartwarming smell as it bakes. Each bite is a magical combination of soft cake and delightful crumbs.
How Does It Taste?
The first bite of this cake is an experience. It’s soft yet textured, sweet but balanced. The blueberries burst with flavor, offering a delightful contrast to the rich crumb topping. The lemon zest adds a refreshing zing that brightens the palate. Trust me; this is the kind of cake that can turn a regular afternoon into an extraordinary event.
Ingredients You’ll Need To Make This Dish
Creating this scrumptious Blueberry Crumb Cake requires everyday ingredients and a dash of love. Here’s what you need:
For the Streusel:
- 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 pound (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
For the Cake:
- 2 extra-large eggs, room temperature
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (3/4 stick)
- 3/4 cup granulated white sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
- 2/3 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Step by Step Instructions
Now, let’s get baking! Follow these steps to create your own Barefoot Contessa Blueberry Crumb Cake.
Step 1: Prepare the Streusel
In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, pecans, and flour. Pour in the melted butter and mix until crumbly. Set aside. Easy as pie—or should I say, cake?
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, and mix in the vanilla extract and lemon zest. Pour in the sour cream and lemon juice, mixing well until everything is combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined. Be careful; overmixing can make your cake dense.
Step 4: Fold in Blueberries
Gently fold in the blueberries. The trick here is to be patient—this helps maintain the integrity of those juicy berries.
Step 5: Assemble for Baking
Spread the batter in a prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to even it out. Then, crumble the streusel topping over the batter. Prepare to be dazzled as it bakes.
Step 6: Bake
Pop the baking pan into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Let it bake for about 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the cake cool for about 20 minutes. A quick dusting of confectioners’ sugar will make it look divine.
Tips & Tricks On Making Barefoot Contessa Blueberry Crumb Cake
Here are some tried-and-true tips to ensure your cake turns out beautifully:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps them incorporate well, leading to a smoother batter.
- Don’t Skip the Lemon Zest: It adds brightness that complements the blueberries perfectly.
- Be Gentle with Blueberries: Overmixing can burst them, turning your batter purple. Fold them in gently.
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Fresh eggs, real butter, and high-quality vanilla extract will elevate the cake’s taste.
- Check for Doneness Early: Every oven is different. Start checking your cake a few minutes before it’s supposed to be done.
Nutrition Information
barefoot contessa blueberry crumb cake recipe nutrition facts
How Do I Store This Dish?
Storing your Blueberry Crumb Cake is easy. First, let it cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It lasts up to three days at room temperature or about a week in the refrigerator. For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices. Just wrap them tightly and thaw as needed. A trick I love is to reheat slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds—heavenly!
What Other Substitutes Can You Use in Barefoot Contessa Blueberry Crumb Cake Recipe?
Here are some substitutes you might consider:
- Greek Yogurt for Sour Cream: It will yield a similar texture while adding extra protein.
- Buttermilk for Liquid: If you don’t have sour cream, buttermilk works wonders and provides a slight tang.
- Sunflower Oil for Butter: Offers a slightly different taste and can make the batter more moist.
- Frozen Blueberries for Fresh: If you’re not in blueberry season, frozen berries can be a great alternative. Just toss them in flour before adding to prevent clumping.
- Almond Extract for Vanilla: For a different twist, almond extract adds a lovely, nutty flavor that pairs well with blueberries.
Barefoot Contessa Blueberry Crumb Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Baking pan
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 pound 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
- 2 extra-large eggs room temperature
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter softened (3/4 stick)
- 3/4 cup granulated white sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
- 2/3 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, pecans, and flour. Pour in the melted butter and mix until crumbly. Set aside. Easy as pie—or should I say, cake?
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, and mix in the vanilla extract and lemon zest. Pour in the sour cream and lemon juice, mixing well until everything is combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined. Be careful; overmixing can make your cake dense.
- Gently fold in the blueberries. The trick here is to be patient—this helps maintain the integrity of those juicy berries.
- Spread the batter in a prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to even it out. Then, crumble the streusel topping over the batter. Prepare to be dazzled as it bakes.
- Pop the baking pan into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Let it bake for about 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once out of the oven, let the cake cool for about 20 minutes. A quick dusting of confectioners’ sugar will make it look divine.
Notes
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps them incorporate well, leading to a smoother batter.
- Don’t Skip the Lemon Zest: It adds brightness that complements the blueberries perfectly.
- Be Gentle with Blueberries: Overmixing can burst them, turning your batter purple. Fold them in gently.
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Fresh eggs, real butter, and high-quality vanilla extract will elevate the cake’s taste.
- Check for Doneness Early: Every oven is different. Start checking your cake a few minutes before it’s supposed to be done.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
In the kitchen, some recipes leave lasting impressions. The Barefoot Contessa Blueberry Crumb Cake is one of those gems. It not only delights the taste buds but also strengthens bonds over shared meals.
Each bite transports you, igniting memories and creating new ones. Worth every minute spent in the kitchen, this cake is an invitation to savor life, one crumb at a time. So, whether it’s brunch with friends or a quiet family dessert, this crumb cake is your ticket to indulgence. Give it a try, share the joy, and watch it become a staple in your home.
