Blueberry Coffee Cake

Blueberry coffee cake is a moist, tender cake loaded with juicy blueberries and topped with a buttery streusel crumb. It’s the perfect companion to your morning cup of coffee or a sweet way to wrap up a brunch. With its comforting texture and fresh berry flavor, this classic treat never goes out of style.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This coffee cake strikes the ideal balance between rich and light, sweet and tangy. The blueberries burst with flavor in every bite, while the cinnamon-sugar crumb topping adds a delightful crunch. It’s easy to make with simple ingredients and works well as breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly and great for sharing.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cake:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Granulated sugar
• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Eggs
• Milk or buttermilk
• Vanilla extract
• Fresh or frozen blueberries (if frozen, do not thaw)

For the crumb topping:

• All-purpose flour
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Unsalted butter (melted)

directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with milk or buttermilk. Mix just until combined.
5. Gently fold in the blueberries with a spatula.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
7. In a small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in melted butter until crumbly.
8. Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the batter.
9. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Cool in the pan for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 9–12 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour

Variations

• Lemon Blueberry: Add lemon zest to the batter and a lemon glaze on top.
• Nutty Crumb Topping: Mix chopped walnuts or pecans into the streusel for added crunch.
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.
• Cinnamon Swirl: Add a cinnamon-sugar swirl in the middle of the batter before topping.
• Mini Cakes: Bake in muffin tins for individual servings—reduce baking time to 18–22 minutes.

storage/reheating

Store leftover coffee cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To reheat, microwave slices for 15–20 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven until heated through.
Freeze for up to 2 months—wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, just add them straight from the freezer. Toss them in a little flour to prevent sinking.

What’s the best way to prevent the cake from being too dense?

Do not overmix the batter. Mix until ingredients are just combined.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it stores well and actually tastes even better the next day.

What kind of pan should I use?

A 9×9-inch square pan is standard, but an 8×8-inch pan will also work with slightly longer baking time.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free butter and a plant-based milk substitute.

How do I keep the crumb topping from sinking?

Make sure the batter is thick enough and gently sprinkle the topping evenly across the surface.

Can I add other fruits?

Yes, raspberries, blackberries, or chopped apples also work well.

Do I need to refrigerate blueberry coffee cake?

Only if keeping it longer than 2 days. For best texture, store at room temperature for short-term.

Can I glaze the coffee cake?

Yes, a simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice adds a sweet finish.

What can I serve with it?

Serve with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla yogurt or whipped cream.

Conclusion

Blueberry coffee cake is a comforting classic that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. With tender cake, bursts of berries, and a golden crumb topping, it’s a perfect treat for any time of day. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or enjoying a quiet morning, this simple yet flavorful cake delivers cozy satisfaction in every bite.

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