Blueberry Coffee Cake

There is something truly irresistible about a freshly baked Blueberry Coffee Cake that brings cozy mornings to life and sweetens afternoons with its tender crumb, juicy bursts of blueberry, and the warm embrace of cinnamon streusel. This delightful treat combines simplicity and comfort in one pan, making it a heartfelt favorite for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting dessert. Whether you’re sharing with loved ones or enjoying a quiet moment, this Blueberry Coffee Cake promises to become a staple you reach for again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Blueberry Coffee Cake lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create the perfect balance of moist texture, sweet tang from the blueberries, and a crisp cinnamon sugar topping. Each component plays an essential role not only in flavor but also in creating that tender crumb and irresistible aroma.

• All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives the cake structure while keeping it soft.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the cake brown beautifully.
• Brown sugar: Combines with cinnamon for a deeply flavorful streusel topping.
• Baking powder: A leavening agent that provides lift and lightness.
• Baking soda: Works with acidic ingredients to tenderize the crumb.
• Salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the overall taste.
• Unsalted butter: Infuses richness and moisture for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Eggs: Bind and add tenderness and color to the cake.
• Sour cream: Brings tangy moisture and keeps the crumb extra soft.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
• Fresh blueberries: Bursting with juiciness and freshness for every bite.
• Ground cinnamon: Spices up the streusel with warm, inviting notes.
• Powdered sugar: For a sweet, delicate glaze that finishes the cake perfectly.
• Milk: Mixed with powdered sugar to create a silky glaze.

How to Make Blueberry Coffee Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9-inch square baking pan. This ensures your cake will bake evenly without sticking, making it easy to serve once out of the oven.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. These ingredients create the structure of your Blueberry Coffee Cake and the leavening necessary for a tender rise.

Step 3: Cream Butter with Eggs

In a separate bowl, beat 1/2 cup (1 stick) of softened unsalted butter with 2 eggs until the mixture is creamy and light. This step adds air into the batter, making your cake fluffy and rich.

Step 4: Add Sour Cream and Vanilla

Mix 1 cup sour cream and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract into the butter and egg mixture until smooth. The sour cream is a game-changer, keeping the cake moist and imparting a slight tang that brightens the flavor.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing can make the cake tough, so stir until you only see a few streaks of flour.

Step 6: Fold in Fresh Blueberries

Carefully fold in 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries. These juicy gems create delightful pockets of sweetness and moisture throughout your Blueberry Coffee Cake, making every bite a little burst of fresh fruit.

Step 7: Prepare the Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons melted butter until crumbly. This cinnamon sugar mixture forms a crunchy, flavorful crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake beneath.

Step 8: Assemble the Cake

Pour half of the batter into your prepared pan, then sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar streusel evenly over it. Next, spread the remaining batter on top and finish with the rest of the streusel. This layering creates a beautifully marbled texture in the finished cake.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake your Blueberry Coffee Cake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma of cinnamon and blueberries filling your kitchen is the best sign that your cake is ready to enjoy.

Step 10: Add the Glaze

Once cooled slightly, whisk together 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons milk to make a simple glaze. Drizzle it over the warm cake for a light, sweet finish that ties the flavors together beautifully.

How to Serve Blueberry Coffee Cake

Garnishes

To elevate your Blueberry Coffee Cake presentation, consider dusting a little extra powdered sugar just before serving or topping slices with a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh blueberries or a sprig of mint add a lovely pop of color and freshness.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a steaming cup of coffee or tea, perfectly fitting its breakfast and afternoon snack identity. For an indulgent brunch, serve alongside creamy yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert-like experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Blueberry Coffee Cake in a rustic style on a wooden board with fresh fruit arranged around the edges for gatherings. Alternatively, cut into smaller squares for a fun, bite-sized treat at parties or add a smear of flavored cream cheese on the side for an extra layer of deliciousness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Blueberry Coffee Cake stays moist and flavorful when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want it to last a bit longer, refrigeration is the way to go, keeping it fresh for up to 5 days.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. It will hold beautifully for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.

Reheating

Warm slices of Blueberry Coffee Cake in a microwave for 15-20 seconds or in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes to bring back the soft, fresh-baked texture and aroma. A little extra drizzle of glaze or butter after reheating brings it back to life perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen blueberries work well in this Blueberry Coffee Cake. Just be sure to add them directly from frozen without thawing to avoid turning your batter blue and watery.

Can I add nuts to the Blueberry Coffee Cake?

Yes! Adding 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the cinnamon sugar streusel topping introduces a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the blueberries perfectly.

Is sour cream necessary in the recipe?

Sour cream is key to keeping the cake moist and tender while adding a subtle tang that balances the sweetness. If you don’t have sour cream, you could substitute with Greek yogurt but it may slightly change the texture.

How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it, your Blueberry Coffee Cake is perfectly baked.

Can this cake be made gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix. Just be sure the blend includes xanthan gum for structure, and you might need to slightly adjust baking time.

Final Thoughts

This Blueberry Coffee Cake is one of those comforting classics that never goes out of style and keeps impressing every time. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become your go-to for brightening mornings and treating yourself to something special. Happy baking and savor every delicious bite!

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