Berry Crumb Cake

Indulge in the delectable symphony of flavors with the delightful “Berry Crumb Cake.” This recipe is a testament to the harmonious union of sweet and tangy notes, brought to life by the luscious combination of fresh blueberries and the warmth of cinnamon. The soft and tender dough, kissed with the essence of orange zest, is crowned by a tantalizing streusel topping that adds both texture and visual appeal. As you embark on the journey of creating this masterpiece, you’ll find that the marriage of rich flavors and contrasting textures creates a dessert that is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a visual delight. Join us in unraveling the art of crafting this elegant cake that embodies the essence of indulgence and comfort.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• ¾ cup sour cream
• 1 large egg plus 2 egg yolks
• ¼ cup water
• 4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• Grated zest of 1 large orange
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon plus ½ teaspoon SAF yeast or 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon bread machine yeast
• ¾ cup (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, cut into pieces

For the Streusel Topping:

• 1¹⁄₃ cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• ²⁄₃ cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon or apple pie spice
• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract or 2½ teaspoons vanilla powder
• ½ cup plus 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and cut into pieces
• 3 cups fresh blueberries, rinsed and picked over, or frozen unsweetened blueberries, unthawed
• ½ cup confectioners’ sugar, for dusting

Preparations

1. Prepare for the baking enchantment by assembling the dough’s ingredients, except the butter, in your bread machine’s pan according to the manufacturer’s recommended order.
2. Set the program to the Dough cycle and press Start. After approximately 10 minutes, the dough will have a firm and springy texture.
3. As the timer sings its gentle reminder, open the lid and incorporate the unsalted butter pieces into the dough. Add a few pieces at a time, ensuring each is incorporated before adding more. Allow the machine to run for a minute or two to achieve this.
4. As the Knead 2 phase concludes, set a timer for 30 minutes. This resting phase will encourage the dough to rise within the machine. Once the timer completes, press Stop, unplug the machine, and lovingly transfer the dough to a 4-quart plastic bucket that has been greased or sprayed with butter-flavored cooking spray. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest overnight in the refrigerator.
5. The following day, it’s time to create the enticing streusel topping. In the work bowl of a food processor, combine the flour, sugar, and your choice of ground cinnamon or apple pie spice. With the motor running, add the vanilla in a slow dribble, then introduce the chilled butter pieces. Pulse the mixture until it forms a crumbly mass with large clumps. Take care not to overmix. Place the mixture in a covered plastic container and refrigerate overnight, if preparing it the day before, or create it in the morning.
6. As morning unfolds, lay the foundation for your creation by lining an 18-by-12-by-1-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper. Extend your preparation by spraying the sides and bottom with butter-flavored cooking spray, ensuring the cake’s effortless release.
7. Gently transfer the chilled dough onto a lightly floured work surface. This dough, although cold and stiff, will gradually yield to your touch. Employ a rolling pin to fashion the dough into a rectangle that elegantly fits the pan’s dimensions.
8. As the dough drapes the pan’s bottom, cover it with plastic wrap and allow it to rest at room temperature. Watch with anticipation as it doubles in bulk, a transformation that takes approximately 3 hours.
9. Embrace the warmth of the oven by preheating it to 350ºF (180ºC), preparing the stage for the cake’s final act.
10. With the pan uncovered, sprinkle the blueberries over the top of the dough, gently pressing them into its embrace. Create the crowning glory by loosening the chilled streusel topping with a fork and scattering it generously over the entire pan, ensuring that the dough and berries are covered in this delightful mixture.
11. Allow the cake to perform its magic in the oven, baking for 30 to 35 minutes. As time progresses, witness the golden transformation that occurs, turning the cake’s top and edges into a luscious shade of brown. The cake is ready when a cake tester, inserted with care, emerges clean from its center.
12. As the cake basks in the admiration of its creation, place the pan on a wire rack. To elevate its elegance, sift confectioners’ sugar over the top, a delicate finishing touch that mirrors a gentle dusting of snow.

Nutritional Information per Serving

• Calories: 250
• Fat: 13 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g

The “Berry Crumb Cake” is a masterpiece that encapsulates the harmony of flavors, textures, and aromas, creating a dessert that is both visually appealing and utterly delectable. The symphony of ingredients, from the tender dough kissed by orange zest to the burst of fresh blueberries and the richness of the streusel topping, culminates in a creation that speaks to indulgence and comfort.

Each element of this cake plays a distinct role in crafting an experience that delights the senses. The dough, carefully nurtured through the Dough cycle and allowed to rest, becomes a canvas for the symphony of flavors that follows. The incorporation of unsalted butter enriches the dough, while the orange zest infuses it with a refreshing brightness that balances the sweetness to come.

The creation of the streusel topping, with its combination of flour, sugar, and cinnamon or apple pie spice, brings a textural contrast to the cake. The addition of vanilla adds a layer of depth and sophistication, creating a crumbly mixture that dances between sweet and aromatic.