The Best Blueberry Coffee Cake Recipe: Moist, Fluffy, and Perfectly Sweet

Why The Best Blueberry Coffee Cake is the Ultimate Sweet Treat

Blueberry coffee cake is the perfect blend of moist cake, sweet blueberries, and a crumbly, buttery streusel topping. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this cake is a true crowd-pleaser. It’s soft, tender, and bursting with juicy blueberries, with a crisp, cinnamon-laced streusel topping that adds the perfect texture and sweetness. This cake not only tastes amazing but is also easy to make, making it the perfect dish for lazy mornings or gatherings with friends and family.

The Best Blueberry Coffee Cake combines the best elements of a classic coffee cake—light, fluffy texture and a rich, buttery flavor—with the added freshness of blueberries. The juicy berries throughout the cake contrast perfectly with the sweetness of the streusel, creating a well-balanced and irresistible treat. It’s the ideal companion to a hot cup of coffee, which is why it’s often a favorite at breakfast or brunch tables.

Essential Ingredients for The Best Blueberry Coffee Cake

For the Cake:

The cake is light, fluffy, and moist. Using sour cream in the batter gives it a rich texture while maintaining a soft crumb. This makes it the perfect base for the blueberries and streusel topping.

For the cake, you’ll need:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (for the right structure)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder (for leavening)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (for rise)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (to balance the sweetness)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened, for richness)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (for sweetness)
• 2 large eggs (for binding and structure)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for flavor)
• 1 cup sour cream (for moisture and tenderness)
• 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries (washed and drained; frozen blueberries work too)

For the Streusel Topping:

The streusel topping adds a wonderful crunch and a sweet cinnamon flavor that pairs perfectly with the moist cake underneath.

For the streusel topping, you’ll need:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for structure)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (for sweetness and a bit of caramel-like flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for warmth)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cold and cut into small cubes)
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for extra crunch)

For the Glaze (Optional):

The glaze is optional but adds a touch of sweetness and a glossy finish to the coffee cake.

For the glaze, you’ll need:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for smooth sweetness)
• 2 tablespoons milk (to thin the glaze)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for flavor)

How to Make The Best Blueberry Coffee Cake

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan, or line it with parchment paper to make removal easier.

2. Make the Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and optional chopped nuts. Add the cold butter and use a pastry cutter or fork to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set the streusel aside.

3. Prepare the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This will help create a light and airy cake.

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream. Mix until fully combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.

4. Fold in the Blueberries

Gently fold in the fresh blueberries with a spatula. Be careful not to crush the berries, as they’ll add moisture and color to the cake.

5. Assemble the Cake

Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over the top of the cake, ensuring that it covers the entire surface. The streusel will bake into a golden, crisp layer that contrasts beautifully with the soft, fluffy cake.

6. Bake the Coffee Cake

Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester comes out clean when inserted into the center of the cake. The top should be golden brown and the cake should be firm to the touch.

If the top begins to brown too quickly, you can cover the cake loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking until fully cooked.

7. Cool the Cake

Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help the cake set and make it easier to slice.

8. Add the Glaze (Optional)

If you’re making the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake for an added touch of sweetness and shine. The glaze will harden slightly as it sets.

9. Slice and Serve

Once the cake has cooled and the glaze has set (if using), slice the coffee cake into squares or wedges and serve. This cake is perfect with a cup of coffee or tea, and it’s guaranteed to be a hit at any brunch or gathering.

Tips for Perfect The Best Blueberry Coffee Cake

Use Fresh Blueberries

For the best flavor and texture, use fresh blueberries. If you use frozen blueberries, be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the batter. Frozen blueberries can also cause the batter to turn a bluish color, so fresh blueberries are the preferred choice.

Don’t Overmix the Batter

When combining the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, mix only until they are just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. It’s okay if there are a few lumps in the batter.

Add More Blueberries for Extra Fruity Flavor

If you love blueberries, you can increase the amount of fruit in the cake. You can add up to 2 cups of blueberries to the batter, but be aware that the cake may be a bit more moist.

Chill the Butter for the Streusel

For a crumbly streusel topping, make sure the butter is cold when you mix it with the dry ingredients. This will ensure that the butter doesn’t melt too quickly and allows the streusel to form nice, crunchy clumps.

Make it Ahead of Time

This coffee cake can be made ahead of time and stored at room temperature for 1-2 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and reheat in the oven when you’re ready to serve.

Conclusion: Why You’ll Love The Best Blueberry Coffee Cake

The Best Blueberry Coffee Cake is a deliciously indulgent yet simple treat that will impress anyone who takes a bite. The combination of soft, moist cake, juicy blueberries, and a crispy cinnamon streusel topping makes it the perfect breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Whether you’re serving it at a special gathering or enjoying it with your morning coffee, this cake will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. It’s easy to make, can be customized with different fruits or toppings, and is always a crowd-pleaser.

Print

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen blueberries in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them to prevent excess moisture in the batter. Also, note that frozen blueberries may cause the batter to turn a blueish color.

2. Can I make this coffee cake without the streusel topping?

Yes, you can skip the streusel topping if you prefer a simpler version. The cake will still be delicious, but the streusel adds a wonderful texture and sweetness that enhances the flavor.

3. Can I use a different type of flour?

While this recipe uses all-purpose flour, you can substitute part of it with whole wheat flour for a heartier version. If you’re gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

4. Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?

Yes! This coffee cake can be made ahead of time and stored at room temperature for 1-2 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months and reheat it when needed.

5. Can I add other fruits to this recipe?

Absolutely! While blueberries are the star of this recipe, you can experiment with other fruits like raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries. You can also combine different berries for a mixed-fruit coffee cake.

6. Can I use a different type of sugar for the streusel?

Yes, you can use coconut sugar or maple sugar for a different flavor in the streusel topping. However, keep in mind that these alternatives may slightly change the texture or sweetness level.

7. Can I make this coffee cake without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute eggs with flax eggs or chia eggs (1 tablespoon ground flax or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg). The texture may be slightly different, but the cake will still be delicious.

8. Can I make this recipe in a bundt pan?

Yes, you can use a bundt pan to make this coffee cake. Just be sure to adjust the baking time, as bundt pans can require a longer bake time. Start checking for doneness around 45 minutes.

9. How do I store leftover coffee cake?

Store leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze it for up to 3 months.

10. Can I make this cake without the glaze?

Yes, the glaze is optional. The cake is delicious on its own with the streusel topping, but a simple glaze adds extra sweetness and a glossy finish for a more polished look.