Easy Blueberry Brioche Crumb Cake Recipe for Cozy Mornings

Sweet mornings call for special breakfast treats, and this blueberry brioche crumb cake recipe delivers pure comfort.

Bursting with fresh blueberries nestled in soft, buttery brioche, this cake brings decadence to your morning routine.

Rich layers of tender crumb and juicy berries create a delightful harmony of textures and flavors.

Each slice promises a delectable balance between delicate pastry and sweet fruit.

The golden crumb topping adds a delightful crunch that elevates this cake from ordinary to extraordinary.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this impressive yet approachable dessert.

Gather your ingredients and let the baking magic begin!

Ingredients for Brioche Crumb Cake

• Bread Flour: A high-protein flour that provides structure and chewiness to the brioche dough.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps create a tender and soft texture in the cake.
• Active Dry Yeast: Essential for helping the dough rise and develop a light, airy texture.

• Whole Milk: Adds richness and helps activate the yeast for proper dough development.
• Large Eggs: Provide richness, color, and help bind the ingredients together.
• Unsalted Butter: Contributes to the tender, soft texture and rich flavor of the brioche.

• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps feed the yeast during fermentation.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and controls yeast growth.
• Lemon Zest: Adds a bright, citrusy note to both the dough and streusel.

• Fresh Blueberries: The star fruit that creates a vibrant, sweet filling for the cake.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the blueberry jam and create a stable filling.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates the base for the crumbly streusel texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a crisp topping.
• Unsalted Butter: Binds the streusel ingredients and provides a rich flavor.

Simple Steps for Blueberry Brioche Cake

Step 1: Activate Yeast Mixture

Warm the milk to a cozy temperature.

Sprinkle yeast and sugar into the milk, letting them dance together until frothy.

Add flour, salt, egg, and butter to create a soft, silky dough.

Knead passionately, working the dough until it becomes stretchy and smooth, passing the delicate windowpane test.

Step 2: Allow Dough to Bloom

Let the dough rest and rise, growing plump and puffy.

Give it about an hour to double in size, or tuck it into the refrigerator overnight for a slow, flavor-developing rise.

Step 3: Craft Blueberry Jam

Tumble fresh blueberries into a saucepan with sugar and bright lemon zest.

Simmer the mixture until it bubbles and transforms.

Whisk together cornstarch and lemon juice, then stir into the berries.

Cook until the jam thickens into a luscious, glossy spread.

Step 4: Create Crumbly Streusel Topping

Melt butter and mix with sugar, flour, and zesty lemon zest.

Work the ingredients with your fingers until they form delightful, sandy crumbs that will crown the cake with a golden, crispy texture.

Step 5: Shape and Proof Cake

Gently press the risen dough into a lined 8-inch pan.

Let it rise again, becoming puffy and full of promise.

This second rise will create an airy, tender cake base.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Spread the vibrant blueberry jam across the risen dough.

Generously scatter the streusel crumbs over the top.

Bake in a warm oven until the cake turns golden brown and reaches a perfect internal temperature, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Tips for Moist, Tender Crumb Cake

• Ensure milk is exactly 100F to wake up yeast without killing it, using a kitchen thermometer for accuracy.
• Knead dough until you can stretch a small piece thin enough to see light through without tearing, indicating perfect gluten development.
• Stir blueberry mixture constantly and watch for thickening, removing from heat just as it reaches a jam-like texture to prevent burning.
• Sprinkle streusel gently to avoid pressing it into jam, maintaining a light, crispy texture during baking.
• Use a light-colored metal pan and place on middle oven rack to ensure even heat distribution and golden, crisp cake base.

Brioche Crumb Cake Variations

• Raspberry Remix: Swap blueberries with raspberries for a tangy, vibrant jam that adds a bright flavor profile to the classic brioche crumb cake.
• Gluten-Free Garden: Replace wheat flour with almond and coconut flour blend, ensuring a tender crumb for those avoiding gluten while maintaining rich texture.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute milk with almond milk and use coconut oil instead of butter, creating a luscious cake suitable for lactose-intolerant bakers.
• Vegan Vanilla Version: Use plant-based milk, egg replacer, and margarine to transform the traditional recipe into a completely animal-product-free indulgence.

Serving Blueberry Crumb Cake

• Breakfast Companion Spread: Pair this cake with a dollop of vanilla yogurt or whipped cream for a luxurious morning treat.
• Weekend Brunch Star: Serve alongside crispy bacon and fresh-squeezed orange juice for a delightful weekend gathering centerpiece.
• Coffee Shop Experience: Enjoy a slice with a hot cappuccino or espresso, recreating a cozy café atmosphere right at home.
• Gift-Worthy Presentation: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper with a rustic twine bow for a charming homemade gift that wows friends and family.

Best Storage for Brioche Cake

• Store the blueberry brioche crumb cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep it covered to prevent drying out and maintain its soft texture.
• Wrap the completely cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Cut the cake into portions, wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 weeks for quick individual servings.
• If serving within 1-2 days, keep the cake at room temperature in a sealed container. Ensure it's away from direct sunlight and heat to preserve its quality.

FAQs

• Why is kneading the dough important?

Kneading develops gluten, which gives brioche its soft, stretchy texture. Proper kneading creates structure and helps the dough rise evenly, resulting in a light and airy cake.

• Can I use frozen blueberries for the jam?

Yes, frozen blueberries work perfectly. Thaw them first and drain excess liquid to prevent the jam from becoming too watery. This ensures a thick, concentrated blueberry flavor.

• How do I know if my dough is properly kneaded?

Perform the windowpane test: stretch a small piece of dough. If it stretches thin enough to see light through without tearing, it’s properly kneaded. This indicates developed gluten and a strong dough structure.

Blueberry Brioche Crumb Cake: Sweet Essentials

• Bake and Savor Rich Flavor: Dive into a delightful combination of soft brioche, sweet blueberry jam, and crunchy streusel topping that creates a mouthwatering taste experience.
• Master Baking Skills: Learn advanced pastry techniques like kneading dough, making homemade jam, and creating perfectly textured streusel while boosting your culinary confidence.
• Wow Brunch Guests: Impress friends and family with a stunning homemade cake that looks professionally crafted but can be prepared in your own kitchen with patience and care.
• Customize with Creativity: Experiment with different fruit jams or add nuts to the streusel, making this recipe a versatile canvas for your personal baking style.

Blueberry Brioche Crumb Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Luxurious blueberry brioche crumb cake delivers a delightful fusion of French pastry elegance and homestyle comfort. Sweet berries nestled in buttery brioche create a perfect morning indulgence you’ll savor with pure breakfast pleasure.

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Ingredients

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Brioche:

Main Ingredients:

• 160g (1 1/3 cups) all-purpose flour
• 1 egg, room temperature
• 56g (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, room temperature

Secondary Ingredients:

• 80g (1/3 cup) whole milk
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon salt

Wild Blueberry Jam:

Main Ingredients:

• 380g (2 3/4 cups) frozen wild blueberries
• 75g (1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons) granulated sugar

Supplementary Ingredients:

• 32g (1/4 cup) cornstarch
• 42g (3 tablespoons) lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon

Lemon Streusel:

Main Ingredients:

• 90g (3/4 cup) all-purpose flour
• 65g (1/3 cup) light brown sugar

Secondary Ingredients:

• 45g (3 1/4 tablespoons) unsalted butter
• Zest of 1 lemon

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Instructions

1. Create a warm bath for yeast by heating milk to precisely 100F, then sprinkle yeast and sugar. Gently incorporate flour, salt, egg, and softened butter into a cohesive dough. Knead vigorously for 15-20 minutes until achieving a translucent, stretchy windowpane texture.
2. Allow dough to expand and relax in a draft-free environment until volume doubles, approximately 1 hour. Alternatively, slow-proof overnight in refrigerator for enhanced flavor development.
3. Craft vibrant blueberry jam by simmering berries with sugar and lemon zest. Introduce cornstarch-lemon liquid mixture, continuously stirring until sauce thickens and transforms into glossy compote.
4. Prepare streusel topping by combining melted butter with granulated sugar, flour, and fragrant lemon zest. Mix until achieving a crumbly, sandy consistency that will provide delightful textural contrast.
5. Gently press proofed dough into a parchment-lined 8-inch pan, ensuring even distribution. Allow second rise for 30 minutes until volume noticeably increases.
6. Elegantly spread blueberry jam across risen dough surface, then generously scatter streusel crumbles. Bake at 350F for 30-35 minutes, targeting an internal temperature of 190F for perfect golden-brown completion.

Notes

• Activate dry yeast properly by ensuring milk temperature is precisely 100-110F to promote optimal fermentation without killing yeast.
• Knead dough thoroughly until achieving windowpane test, indicating gluten development for tender, stretchy texture with light, airy crumb.
• Consider making jam ahead of time and refrigerating to intensify blueberry flavor and allow easier spreading during assembly.
• Customize streusel by adding ground almonds or replacing some flour with almond meal for enhanced nutty undertones and interesting texture variation.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 17g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 40mg