Blueberry Coffee Cake Recipe
The delightful Blueberry Coffee Cake is one of those comforting, bakery-style treats that brings instant cheer to any table. Lush blueberries burst in every moist, tender bite, all beneath a golden cinnamon crumble and sweet drizzle. Whether you enjoy it as a breakfast indulgence or a cozy afternoon snack, this simple cake captures the very best of homemade baking. Fresh berries, a rich crumb, and an irresistible topping come together to make a Blueberry Coffee Cake that’s just as perfect for special brunches as it is for casual coffee breaks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Blueberry Coffee Cake keeps things classic and flavorful, letting you experience pure comfort from scratch. Every ingredient, from tangy sour cream to those juicy blueberries, plays a part in building flavor, softness, and that signature coffee cake spirit. Here’s what brings the magic together:
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation of both the cake and crumble, giving our cake its plush, bakery-style structure.
- Baking powder & baking soda: These leavening agents ensure your coffee cake rises beautifully, creating a light crumb.
- Salt: Just a touch sharpens up all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture; used both in the cake and melted into the buttery crumble on top.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps the butter whip up fluffy and light.
- Eggs: Help the cake set and add a lovely plushness.
- Vanilla extract: The aromatic base that brings warmth to every bite.
- Sour cream: Our secret for a moist, tender cake that stays fresh for days.
- Milk: A splash makes the batter smooth and softens the crumb even more.
- Fresh blueberries: The star ingredient, bringing bright, tangy bursts and gorgeous color throughout.
- Brown sugar: In the crumb topping, it melts into toasty, caramel-like notes.
- Cinnamon: The aromatic spice that adds depth and a true cinnamon-streusel vibe.
- Powdered sugar (for glaze): Blends with milk and vanilla to create a glossy, sweet finish.
How to Make Blueberry Coffee Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and line a 9-inch cake pan with parchment paper, letting some overhang for easy removal. Getting this right means your Blueberry Coffee Cake will slip out perfectly for slicing and serving later on.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This quick step ensures that your leavening agents are distributed evenly, setting you up for a cake that’s tender throughout with no uneven pockets.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until pale and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This part is super important—whipping air into the mixture gives your cake a soft, even crumb that feels just like bakery fare.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then pour in the vanilla extract. These steps infuse your batter with lift and a hint of warmth that pairs beautifully with blueberries.
Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients, Sour Cream, and Milk
Alternate adding the flour mixture with the sour cream and milk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix gently until just combined, which keeps your Blueberry Coffee Cake tender instead of tough—don’t overmix!
Step 6: Fold in Blueberries
Gently fold in the fresh blueberries, taking care not to smash them. This way, you get juicy gems throughout the cake—no purple streaks or mushy spots.
Step 7: Make and Add the Crumble Topping
Stir together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until crumbly. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter in the pan. The topping will bake up into the most delicious, crispy crown for your Blueberry Coffee Cake.
Step 8: Bake
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow it to cool in the pan for a bit; this patience ensures your cake’s structure stays tall and neat when you eventually slice in.
Step 9: Glaze (Optional)
For a sweet, simple finish, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together until smooth, then drizzle over the cooled cake. This glossy glaze adds that irresistible final touch many Blueberry Coffee Cake lovers adore.
How to Serve Blueberry Coffee Cake
Garnishes
A few simple garnishes can make your Blueberry Coffee Cake seriously shine. Try dusting with extra powdered sugar for a snowy finish, or scatter a few fresh blueberries and lemon zest curls over the glaze for color and zing. A handful of sliced, toasted almonds also adds gentle crunch and visual charm.
Side Dishes
This cake is right at home next to your favorite cup of coffee or tea. For brunch, pair each slice with a bowl of creamy Greek yogurt and a fruit salad bursting with extra berries. If serving for dessert, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream turns Blueberry Coffee Cake into an unforgettable finale.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the cake into wedges and layer on a tiered stand for celebrations, or serve bite-sized squares on a platter for an easy breakfast buffet. If you’re feeling extra, slice the coffee cake horizontally and layer with lemon curd for a showstopping twist. However you share it, Blueberry Coffee Cake always draws smiles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself (miraculously) with leftovers, simply wrap the cake in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, keep it refrigerated; the crumble may soften slightly, but the flavor stays incredible.
Freezing
Blueberry Coffee Cake freezes beautifully! Wrap slices individually and tuck them into a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready for a treat, just thaw slices overnight in the fridge or for a couple hours at room temperature.
Reheating
To recapture that fresh-baked warmth, pop a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or give it a quick turn in a 300°F oven until just heated through. That little bit of warmth brings out all those cozy flavors and makes the cinnamon crumble extra inviting.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen blueberries work well; no need to thaw, but toss them with a teaspoon of flour first to prevent them from sinking or bleeding into the batter.
Can I make Blueberry Coffee Cake gluten-free?
You sure can. Substitute a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. Make sure your baking powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Do I need to use the glaze on top?
The glaze is completely optional. It adds a touch more sweetness and an eye-catching finish, but the cake is plenty delicious with just the crumble if you prefer a simpler treat.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Your Blueberry Coffee Cake is ready when the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). Avoid overbaking so it stays soft and moist.
What’s the best way to keep the crumble topping crisp?
Let the cake cool uncovered for at least 30 minutes after baking. If you’re storing leftovers, loosely covering the cake with foil instead of using a tight lid can help preserve that coveted crumbly texture.
Final Thoughts
Few things beat the heartwarming, homemade goodness of a classic Blueberry Coffee Cake. Grab some fresh berries, share a slice with someone you love, and savor every bite—you’ll be hooked before you know it!
