Easy Berry Cake with Crumb Topping

This Easy Berry Cake with Crumb Topping is a delicious and simple dessert perfect for any occasion. Made with fresh mixed berries, a fluffy cake base, and a buttery crumb topping, this cake is both light and indulgent. The bright flavors of lemon zest and vanilla complement the berries, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and freshness. Whether you’re hosting a summer party, enjoying a weekend treat, or looking for a simple dessert to serve at brunch, this berry cake is sure to impress. Serve it with whipped cream or ice cream for an extra touch of indulgence.

Ingredients:

For the Berry Cake:

• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light olive oil
• 2 cups all-purpose flour, measured correctly
• 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 Tbsp lemon zest (from 1 large lemon)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup seltzer water or club soda
• 10 oz mixed berries (about 2 cups)

For the Crumb Topping:

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 4 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 tsp sea salt

Instructions:

1. Prep the Pan: Preheat the oven to 350˚F (175˚C). Line the bottom of a springform pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides with butter.
2. Make the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the eggs and sugar on high speed using an electric hand mixer (or stand mixer) for about 5 minutes, until thick and pale. Stir in the olive oil.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add half of the flour mixture to the batter, mixing on low speed until just combined.
4. Add Flavorings: Stir in the lemon zest and vanilla extract. With the mixer on low speed, add the seltzer water (or club soda), mixing until fully incorporated. Add the remaining half of the flour mixture and mix until combined.
5. Assemble the Cake: Transfer the batter into the prepared springform pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Evenly distribute the mixed berries over the top of the batter.
6. Prepare the Crumb Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, butter, and sea salt. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour mixture, creating a crumbly texture.
7. Bake: Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the berries. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. (Ours was perfect at 48 minutes.) Be careful not to over-bake, as the cake could turn out dry.
8. Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool slightly before removing from the springform pan. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Berry Cake with Crumb Topping is a delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The cake is light, fluffy, and filled with juicy mixed berries, while the crumb topping adds a sweet, buttery crunch. It’s simple to make, and the combination of lemon zest and vanilla gives it a fresh, bright flavor. This cake is perfect for summer gatherings, casual get-togethers, or whenever you’re craving a fruity, indulgent treat.

Tips

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature to ensure the batter comes together smoothly and the cake rises evenly.
• Don’t Overmix: When adding the flour mixture, mix just until incorporated to avoid overworking the batter, which can lead to a dense cake.
• Adjust Berry Variety: Feel free to swap the mixed berries for your favorite variety, such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries.

Variations and Substitutions

• Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, replace the butter in the crumb topping with a dairy-free butter alternative, and use non-dairy milk instead of the club soda.
• Sugar Substitutes: You can use coconut sugar, honey, or maple syrup in place of granulated sugar if you prefer a more natural sweetener.
• Add Nuts: For extra crunch and flavor, add chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds to the crumb topping.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen berries? Yes! Frozen berries will work just fine, but make sure not to thaw them before adding them to the cake to prevent the batter from becoming too watery.
• How do I store leftover cake? Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for longer freshness.
• Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, this cake can be made a day ahead of time and stored covered at room temperature. The flavors may even improve after sitting for a bit.

Serving

This cake is delicious served as-is or with a dollop of whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a scoop of yogurt. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert with a hot cup of tea or coffee.

Suggestions

• Add a Drizzle: For extra sweetness, drizzle the cake with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
• Pair with a Beverage: Serve with a light tea or a glass of sparkling water to balance the sweetness of the cake.