Summer fruits like nectarines and blackberries are a delicious and vibrant addition to the season’s bounty. Nectarines, with their smooth, juicy flesh and sweet, slightly tangy flavor, are a refreshing treat on a hot summer day. Paired with the bold, juicy burst of blackberries, these fruits create a symphony of flavors that embody the essence of summer. Whether enjoyed fresh, baked into pies and cobblers, or blended into smoothies and desserts, nectarines and blackberries are a delightful reminder of the abundance and beauty of the summer harvest. Coffee cakes with a crumble top are a delightful indulgence that pairs perfectly with your morning cup of coffee or afternoon tea. These cakes, with their moist and tender crumb, are elevated by a generous layer of buttery crumble topping, adding a delightful crunch and sweetness to every bite. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast treat or a cozy dessert, coffee cakes with crumble tops are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Their irresistible aroma and comforting flavors make them a beloved classic that never goes out of style.
Why is this the best recipe?
Perfect Texture: The combination of sour cream in the cake batter and almond flour in the crumble creates a moist and tender texture that is perfectly balanced with the crunchy crumble top. Flavor Harmony: The sweet and slightly tart flavors of the blackberries and peaches complement each other beautifully, creating a deliciously fruity taste experience. Ease of Preparation: Despite its impressive appearance and flavors, this cake is easy to prepare, making it a great option for both experienced bakers and beginners. Versatility: This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit your preferences. You can use different fruits or even add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the flavors. Visual Appeal: The vibrant colors of the blackberries and peaches peeking through the crumble top make this cake visually appealing and perfect for special occasions. Crowd-Pleaser: This cake is sure to be a hit with friends and family. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients and substitutes
Butter (unsalted, softened): Provides richness and flavor to the cake batter and crumble. Can substitute with margarine or dairy-free butter for a dairy-free version. Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake batter and crumble. Can substitute with brown sugar for a slightly different flavor. All-Purpose Flour: Forms the structure of the cake and crumble. Can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version, but the texture may vary slightly. Baking Powder: Acts as a leavening agent, helping the cake rise. No direct substitute. Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and creates a tender crumb. Can be omitted if using self-raising flour, but the texture may be slightly different. Salt: Enhances the flavor of the cake and balances the sweetness. No direct substitute. Sour Cream: Adds moisture and richness to the cake batter. Can substitute with Greek yogurt for a similar effect. Vanilla Extract: Adds flavor to the cake batter. Can substitute with other flavor extracts like almond or lemon for a different flavor profile. Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds structure to the cake. Can substitute with a flax or chia egg for a vegan version. Fresh Blackberries: Provide a burst of fruity flavor and add moisture to the cake. Can substitute with other berries like raspberries or blueberries. Fresh Nectarines: Adds sweetness and a juicy texture to the cake. Can substitute with other fruits like peaches, apples, or pears. Almond Flour: Adds a nutty flavor and helps create a crunchy texture in the crumble. Can substitute with finely ground almonds or omit if allergic to nuts (increase regular flour amount accordingly).
Step by step : Blackberry nectarine crumb cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F /175°C/ Gas Mark 4 and grease a 9 x 13-inch sheet cake pan. Dry ingredients – Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Cream – In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time and beat until well combined, followed by the vanilla extract and jam if using. Combine – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream, and mix until just combined. Do not overmix. Fruit – Spread the batter into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the blackberries over the batter, then layer the nectarine slices on top. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the fruit layer. To make the crumble topping, combine the all-purpose flour, almond flour, and sugar in a bowl (or food processor). Add the cold butter cubes and mix with your fingers or a fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the fruit layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Cool – Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before serving.
Tips for Success
Use Fresh, Ripe Fruit: Choose ripe nectarines and fresh blackberries for the best flavor and texture in your cake. Prepare Ingredients in Advance: Measure out all your ingredients before starting to make the process smoother and more organized. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for even mixing and a better texture. Do Not Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined to avoid developing too much gluten, which can result in a tough cake. Layer the Batter and Fruit Evenly: Distribute the batter, blackberries, and nectarine slices evenly in the pan for uniform flavor and texture throughout the cake. Crumble Topping Consistency: The crumble should resemble coarse crumbs with pea-sized lumps. Don’t overmix, or it may become too dense. Baking Time: Check the cake for doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. Cooling: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps prevent the cake from breaking apart. Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to five days. You can also freeze the cake for longer storage. Serve Warm: This cake is delicious when served slightly warm. You can reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
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Frequently asked questions
Creative variations
Spiced Crumble: Add ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the crumble topping for a warm, spiced flavor. Lemon Zest: Add some fresh lemon zest to the cake batter for a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the fruits. Almond Extract: Use almond extract instead of vanilla extract in the cake batter for a subtle almond flavor that pairs well with the fruits. Mixed Berries: Use a mix of different berries, such as raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries, for a colorful and flavorful twist. Pecan or Walnut Crumble: Replace the almond flour in the crumble topping with finely chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch. Coconut Flakes: Sprinkle some unsweetened coconut flakes over the fruit layer before adding the crumble for a tropical twist. Ginger Infusion: Infuse the butter with fresh grated ginger before incorporating it into the crumble topping for a spicy kick. Glaze or Drizzle: Drizzle a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and lemon juice over the cooled cake for added sweetness and flavor. Ice Cream Topping: Serve each slice of cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. Mini Cakes or Muffins: Use the same batter and crumble topping to make individual mini cakes or muffins for a cute and portable treat.
Creative ways to serve blackberry nectarine crumb cake
Individual Servings: Cut the cake into squares or rectangles and serve each piece individually on a plate or in cupcake liners for a cute presentation. Warm with Ice Cream: Serve slices of the cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a classic and comforting dessert. Sliced with Sauce: Drizzle each slice of cake with a warm fruit sauce made from additional blackberries and nectarines cooked down with a bit of sugar and lemon juice. Trifle: Cut the cake into cubes and layer it in a trifle dish with whipped cream, custard, and fresh berries for a stunning and delicious dessert. Cake Pops: Mix the cake with frosting to form cake pops. Dip them in melted chocolate and decorate with sprinkles for a fun and portable treat. Tiramisu: Use slices of the cake instead of ladyfingers in a classic tiramisu recipe for a fruity twist on this Italian dessert. Milkshake or Smoothie: Blend a slice of the cake with milk or yogurt and a scoop of ice cream to create a delicious milkshake or smoothie.
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