Easy Berry Cake with Crumb Topping – Simple & Juicy

A Sweet Slice of Summer in Every Bite

Some recipes taste like memories—and this easy berry cake with crumb topping takes me right back to my childhood summers in Chicago. My grandmother Elizabeth always had a cake cooling on the counter, usually with her signature buttery crumb topping and whatever berries were in season. Sometimes blueberries, sometimes raspberries—whatever we had in the fridge. That’s the beauty of this recipe: it’s as flexible as it is delicious.

The first time I baked this version, I was in a rush. Ella had friends over, Peter wanted something sweet, and I didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. I grabbed some frozen mixed berries, whisked together a quick batter, and topped it with a simple brown sugar crumble. Thirty-five minutes later, the house smelled like a bakery and the kids were asking for seconds.

This cake is my go-to for brunches, lazy weekends, or anytime I want something that feels special but doesn’t require a special occasion. It’s soft, juicy, and the crumb topping adds the perfect crunch on top. Plus, it works with any berries—fresh or frozen.

Why Berry Cakes Are the Perfect Everyday Treat

This easy berry cake isn’t just about flavor—it’s about flexibility and comfort. The tender vanilla base balances the tartness of the berries, and the crumb topping adds buttery richness. It’s not overly sweet, which makes it great as both a dessert or a breakfast slice with coffee.

You can make this with a handful of pantry basics and whatever berries are in your fridge or freezer. It’s one of those cakes that always feels homemade and heartfelt, even if you threw it together in 10 minutes.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

This easy berry cake with crumb topping comes together with basic ingredients you probably already have. The cake is tender and light, while the topping adds a golden crunch that contrasts beautifully with the juicy berries.

For the cake:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup milk
• 2 cups fresh or frozen mixed berries (don’t thaw if frozen)

For the crumb topping:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ tsp cinnamon
• 4 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed

If you’re using tart berries like raspberries or blackberries, you can toss them with 1 tablespoon of sugar before adding to the batter. For a citrusy note, try mixing in some lemon zest.

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How to Make the Berry Cake (Step-by-Step)

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch square pan or line it with parchment paper.

In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Stir in the vanilla.

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork the batter.

Fold in the berries gently, then pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.

To make the crumb topping, combine the flour, sugars, and cinnamon in a bowl. Cut in the cold butter using a fork or your fingers until it forms coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the batter.

Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool for 10–15 minutes before slicing.

What Makes This Berry Cake So Reliable?

The beauty of this easy berry cake with crumb topping is in its structure. The cake base is moist, soft, and sturdy enough to support juicy berries without getting soggy. That’s key when baking with fruit—especially frozen berries, which release more moisture.

The crumb topping gives the perfect textural contrast: crisp and buttery with a light cinnamon warmth. As the cake bakes, some of the topping melts into the berries while the rest stays golden and crunchy. Every bite is a blend of tart fruit, soft vanilla cake, and sweet, crumbly topping.

This cake also scores points for being make-ahead friendly. It holds up well for 2–3 days at room temperature and even better when refrigerated. You can serve it slightly warm, chilled, or at room temperature—it’s delicious no matter how you slice it.

Easy Variations to Keep It Fresh

What’s great about this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can make it your own with whatever’s in season—or in your freezer.

• Berry blends: Use all blueberries for a mellow flavor, or mix raspberries and blackberries for more tartness. Strawberries work well too—just chop them into smaller pieces.
• Zest it up: Add 1 tsp lemon or orange zest to the batter for a bright citrus twist.
• Go gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and the results are still soft and delicious.
• Add nuts: A handful of chopped walnuts or sliced almonds mixed into the crumb topping gives it extra crunch.

Want to make it brunch-worthy? Drizzle with a simple glaze (powdered sugar + milk) after baking. Or keep it classic and serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Best Ways to Serve Berry Cake

This easy berry cake with crumb topping is a true anytime treat. Serve it warm for dessert or enjoy a cooled slice with your morning coffee. It’s light enough for brunch but indulgent enough for after-dinner cravings.

For a classic finish, dust the top with powdered sugar right before serving. If you’re hosting, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes it feel extra special. Some like it warm from the oven, others chilled straight from the fridge—either way, it’s always a hit.

You can also dress it up by drizzling a lemon glaze (mix ½ cup powdered sugar with 1 tbsp lemon juice) over the cooled cake. That little tang adds brightness and makes the cake feel bakery-worthy.

How to Store and Keep It Fresh

Once the cake cools completely, store it covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate—it’ll keep beautifully for 4 to 5 days.

To reheat a slice, pop it in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. This softens the crumb and brings out the butter flavor in the topping. You can also warm the entire cake in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes if you’re serving guests.

This cake also freezes well. Just wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze in a sealed bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge or heat gently in the oven.

The topping may lose a little of its crispness after refrigeration or freezing, but the flavor holds strong. Whether it’s fresh, stored, or reheated, this berry cake always tastes like a warm hug from the oven.

FAQ: Easy Berry Cake with Crumb Topping

How do you make a simple berry cake?
To make a simple berry cake, prepare a basic vanilla batter using butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. Fold in fresh or frozen berries and bake until golden. For added texture and sweetness, top the cake with a crumb mixture made from flour, sugar, and butter before baking.

What berries are best for baking?
Blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are excellent for baking because they hold their shape and offer natural sweetness with a bit of tartness. Strawberries also work well but should be chopped to avoid excess moisture.

What is crumb topping made of?
Crumb topping is typically made from flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter. The butter is cut into the dry ingredients to create a sandy, crumb-like texture that turns golden and crisp during baking.

Can I use frozen berries in cake?
Yes, you can use frozen berries in cake. Add them directly to the batter without thawing to prevent excess moisture. Tossing them lightly in flour before mixing helps distribute them evenly and keeps them from sinking.

Conclusion

This easy berry cake with crumb topping is the kind of recipe every home baker should have in their back pocket. It’s flexible, fast, and always delivers on flavor. Whether you use fresh berries from the market or grab a frozen bag from the freezer, this cake turns everyday ingredients into something that feels special. The sweet, tender base and buttery crumb topping strike the perfect balance between rustic charm and bakery-quality flavor. Make it for brunch, dessert, or just because—because simple, delicious baking should be part of every day.

👉 I hope you enjoyed baking this Easy Berry Cake with Crumb Topping. If you’re craving more comfort desserts, don’t miss our own Easy Peach Cobbler with Cake Mix—a three-ingredient favorite that’s sweet, gooey, and always a hit.

Looking for something creamy and nostalgic? You’ll love this Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe—it’s loaded with fresh fruit, pudding, and Southern charm.

And if you’re all about berries, keep an eye out for our upcoming Triple Berry Tarts and Lemon Blueberry Cake—colorful, bright, and made for celebrations.

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