Sugar: Adds delightful caramelized sweetness, fine granulated sugar melts beautifully.
Vanilla: Introduces warm, inviting notes, pure extract recommended.
Butter: Helps bind crumbles and creates golden, crunchy layer, use cold butter for best results.
Tools to Bake a Tender German Blueberry Cake
Equipment & Tools:
Springform pan: Essential for creating the perfect cake shape with removable sides.
Colander: Perfect for washing blueberries thoroughly and draining excess water.
Saucepan: Ideal for cooking blueberry filling to the right consistency.
Large mixing bowl: Necessary for preparing shortcrust pastry and crumble topping.
Sifter: Great for ensuring smooth, lump-free flour and baking powder.
Fork: Helpful for pricking pastry and creating texture.
Measuring spoons and cups: Critical for accurate ingredient measurements.
Wooden spoon or spatula: Useful for stirring and mixing ingredients.
Knife: Needed for cutting butter into cubes.
How to Make a Traditional German Blueberry Cake
Blueberry Bliss
Foundation Preparation Softly sifted flour mingles with sweet sugar, creating a tender base for our delightful cake. Gently combine dry ingredients in a mixing bowl, forming a cloud-like mixture that promises delectable results.
Dough Magic Blend butter and eggs into the flour mixture, kneading until a smooth, silky dough emerges. Press this golden treasure into a springform pan, carefully lining the bottom and sides with loving care.
Berry Transformation Fresh blueberries dance with sugar and a whisper of lemon, transforming into a vibrant, glossy filling. Simmer the berries until they release their deep purple essence, creating a luscious compote that will make taste buds sing.
Crumble Crown Craft a crispy topping by gently mixing flour, butter, and sugar. Sprinkle these delicate crumbles across the berry landscape, creating a textural masterpiece that promises crunch in every bite.
Oven Symphony Slide the cake into a warm oven, letting heat work its magic. Watch as the golden crust develops and the berry filling bubbles with anticipation. After 45 minutes, the cake will emerge as a stunning centerpiece of culinary art.
Sweet Finale Allow the cake to cool, letting flavors meld and settle. Dust with a delicate snow of powdered sugar, and serve with a cloud of whipped cream – a perfect ending to a delicious journey.
Tips to Add More Flavor to Your Blueberry Cake
Use an accurate oven thermometer to ensure the exact temperature for perfect golden crumbles and even baking.
Select fresh, firm blueberries and wash them gently to maintain their shape and prevent bruising during cooking.
Experiment with adding ground almonds or cinnamon to the crumble topping for extra depth and a personalized touch to the traditional German recipe.
Prepare the blueberry filling and shortcrust pastry a day in advance to reduce day-of cooking stress and enhance flavor development.
Enhance the cake's presentation by serving slightly warm with a dollop of vanilla bean whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
Serving German Blueberry Cake for Dessert or Tea
Blueberry Dessert Companions: Delightful Pairings
Creamy Whipped Cream Complement: Fresh, fluffy whipped cream adds a luxurious touch that perfectly balances the cake's fruity intensity and buttery crust.
Refreshing Beverage Match: Serve alongside a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea or a chilled glass of German Riesling to enhance the cake's sweet and tangy blueberry notes.
Elegant Presentation Twist: Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of powdered sugar to create a visually stunning dessert that looks as amazing as it tastes.
Seasonal Serving Option: Pair with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream during summer months for a cool, refreshing contrast to the warm, crumbly cake texture.
Smart Storage for German Blueberry Cake
Fresh Serving Window: Enjoy your German blueberry cake within 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. The cake maintains its delightful texture and flavor during this period.
Refrigeration Strategy: Wrap the cake carefully in plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to prevent moisture loss. Refrigerated cake stays fresh for up to 5 days, ensuring extended enjoyment of your delicious dessert.
Freezing Technique: Slice the cake into individual portions before freezing. Place each slice in a freezer-safe wrap, protecting it from freezer burn. Frozen slices remain tasty for 2-3 months, perfect for unexpected sweet cravings.
Room Temperature Tips: Keep the cake away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Store in a cool, dry spot on a cake stand with a protective dome to maintain its crumbly texture and prevent staleness. Room temperature storage works best within the first two days after baking.
Sweet aromas of homemade blueberry cake from Southern Germany fill kitchens with nostalgic comfort. Bakers craft delicate layers packed with fresh berries, creating a delightful dessert you’ll savor with each tender bite.
Ingredients
Scale
1 kg blueberries (4 cups | 2.2 lb)
200 g all-purpose flour (7 oz | 1 ⅔ cups)
100 g all-purpose flour (¾ cup | 3.5 oz)
100 g soft cold butter (7 tbsps | 3.5 oz)
80 g soft cold butter (6 tbsps | 2.6 oz)
175 g sugar (½ cup + 6 tbsps | 6.2 oz)
2 tbsps lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
2 tsps vanilla extract
1 egg (XL)
1 ½ tsps baking powder
50 g vanilla pudding powder (⅓ cup | 1.76 oz) or cornstarch + 1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 pinch of salt
Instructions
Blueberry Filling Creation: Rinse blueberries, then combine with sugar, lemon juice, and zest in a saucepan. Gently heat until simmering, cooking for 3 minutes while preserving berry integrity.
Sauce Thickening: Whisk pudding powder or cornstarch with cold water, blending into berry mixture until the sauce transforms and slightly thickens. Remove from heat and cool completely.
Pastry Dough Preparation: Sift flour and baking powder into a mixing bowl, adding sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Create a central well, crack an egg into the center, and distribute cubed butter around the edges.
Dough Kneading: Knead the mixture until achieving a smooth, non-sticky consistency that holds together effortlessly.
Pan Preparation: Line a springform pan with parchment paper, using more than half the dough to cover bottom and sides. Roll remaining dough into strips, pressing along pan edges to create a raised border. Perforate the base with a fork to prevent air bubbles.
Filling Assembly: Pour cooled blueberry filling over the prepared shortcrust pastry.
Crumble Topping: Mix flour, sugar, vanilla, and butter in a bowl, using fingertips to create a loose, sandy texture. Distribute evenly across the blueberry filling.
Baking Process: Preheat oven to 182°C (360°F), positioning the rack in the middle. Bake for 40-45 minutes, shifting to a higher rack during the final 5 minutes to achieve a golden, crisp crumble topping.
Cooling and Serving: Allow cake to cool completely within the pan to set the filling. Carefully transfer to a serving plate, dust with powdered sugar, and garnish with a dollop of fresh whipped cream.
Notes
Rinse Berries Carefully: Use a colander and cool water to clean blueberries thoroughly without damaging their delicate skin.
Control Cooking Temperature: Simmer blueberries gently to preserve their shape and develop rich, intense flavor without breaking down the fruit.
Master Dough Texture: Knead until the dough becomes smooth and doesn’t stick to fingers, indicating perfect consistency for a tender shortcrust pastry.
Prevent Soggy Bottom: Create small fork perforations in the pastry base to allow steam escape and maintain a crisp crust while baking.
Focus: Studying how food affects health, learning about balanced diets, and understanding the nutritional needs of different people.
South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town
Program: Professional Culinary Arts Diploma
Focus: Practical cooking skills, focusing on healthy meal preparation and understanding various cooking methods.
Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.
Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.
Sophie Martin
Co-Founder & Content Creator
Expertise
Education
Stellenbosch University, South Africa
South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town
Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.
Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.