Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 12
Spring is a delightful time filled with vibrant colors, blooming flowers, and the perfect opportunity to bake something fresh and fruity. One of the quintessential spring desserts to celebrate the season is a delectable Blueberry Coffee Cake. This delightful treat not only pairs wonderfully with your morning cup of coffee but also makes for a delicious snack or dessert any time of day. With just five simple steps, you can create a moist, buttery cake that bursts with juicy blueberries, creating a wonderful balance of sweetness and tartness. Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your household.
What Is Spring Baking: Blueberry Coffee Cake in 5 Steps?
Blueberry Coffee Cake is a classic dish that combines the soft, airy texture of cake with the delightful tang of fresh blueberries. The rich flavor profile is complemented by a crumbly streusel topping that adds both taste and texture. This cake is perfect for brunch gatherings, family get-togethers, or just an ordinary morning when you want to treat yourself. The best part? It’s easy to make, and it doesn’t require any special kitchen gadgets—just your basic mixing bowls and a baking dish!
Why You’ll Love This
There are numerous reasons to love this Blueberry Coffee Cake. Firstly, it’s incredibly **easy to prepare**. Even if you’re a kitchen beginner, this recipe is straightforward enough to follow. The combination of fresh blueberries not only enhances the taste but also adds a burst of color to your dish. Furthermore, it’s a wonderful way to use seasonal fruits, ensuring you enjoy all that spring offers. The cake itself stays moist and fluffy, perfect for pairing with coffee or tea. Plus, it’s versatile—you can easily customize it with other fruits or toppings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups fresh blueberries: These juicy fruits provide the cake’s primary flavor. They should be washed and drained before use.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the cake, giving it structure and chewiness.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: This sweetens the cake, balancing the tartness of the blueberries.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Adds moisture and richness; at room temperature for easy mixing.
- 1 cup sour cream: Contributes to a moist texture and adds a hint of tanginess.
- 3 large eggs: Helps bind the ingredients together and adds to the cake’s fluffiness.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Provides leavening for a light, airy cake.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Works in tandem with baking powder for extra rise.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances flavor and rounds out the sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- 1 cup streusel topping (1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup butter): Adds a crunchy, sweet finish to the cake.
How to Make
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the cake from sticking, ensuring easier removal once baked. This preparation step is crucial for achieving a beautiful, intact cake when you slice it.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process introduces air into the batter, making your cake rise nicely. You can use an electric mixer or a hand whisk for this, but don’t rush; it may take a few minutes.
- Add in the sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. The addition of sour cream makes the batter incredibly moist, while the eggs provide structure. Make sure there are no lumps in the mixture before adding the dry ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to over-mix, as this could result in a dense cake. Gently fold in the blueberries, allowing them to be evenly distributed throughout.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. For the topping, in a small bowl, mix the streusel topping ingredients until crumbly. Sprinkle it over the batter evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool before slicing and serving.
Variations & Substitutions
Gluten-Free Option: If you need a gluten-free version of this cake, you can easily substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum, or add a teaspoon separately to ensure your cake maintains the right structure.
Berry Medley: Love mixed berries? Feel free to replace some of the blueberries with raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries. Each berry brings its unique flavor profile and will make for an exciting cake loaded with different tastes.
Nutty Streusel: For an extra crunch, consider adding chopped nuts to your streusel topping. Walnuts or pecans can add a lovely buttery flavor that complements the blueberries beautifully.
Sweet Cream Cheese Swirl: For an added layer of richness, you can create a cream cheese mixture to swirl into the batter. Blend together 4 oz. of cream cheese with 1/4 cup of sugar and 1 egg until smooth, and follow the same steps to incorporate it into your cake batter.
Vegan Version: To make this recipe vegan, substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg), use a dairy-free butter alternative, and swap sour cream for a non-dairy yogurt.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake when making blueberry coffee cake is overmixing the batter. This can lead to a dense cake rather than a light and fluffy one. Remember, mix just until the ingredients are combined! Another mistake to avoid is using frozen blueberries without thawing them first; this may lead to a soggy batter. Additionally, not properly preheating the oven can affect the bake time and texture, so ensure your oven is fully heated before placing the cake inside.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating Tips
To store your Blueberry Coffee Cake, allow it to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Stored this way, it will remain fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature. For longer storage, you can freeze the cake. Cut it into individual slices, then wrap each slice in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of foil. Tightly wrapped slices can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place a slice in the microwave for about 30 seconds on high, or allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries in your coffee cake. However, it’s essential to toss them in a bit of flour before adding them to the batter. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom and ensures even distribution throughout the cake.
How can I tell when the coffee cake is done?
Your coffee cake is done when it has risen nicely and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Be cautious with the baking time, as every oven varies slightly.
Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for making ahead of time. You can bake it one day and store it covered at room temperature as mentioned earlier. This makes it a great option for brunches or gatherings; just warm it slightly before serving.
What other fruits can I add to the blueberry coffee cake?
Besides blueberries, you can incorporate other fruits like raspberries, chopped strawberries, or even peaches. Each fruit contributes a unique flavor, making your cake distinct every time you bake.
How should I serve blueberry coffee cake?
Blueberry coffee cake is delicious on its own, but it can also be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. Pair it with coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack.
Conclusion:
This Blueberry Coffee Cake is a delightful addition to any spring gathering or brunch. With just a few simple steps, you can create a moist, flavorful cake that everyone will rave about. Whether you choose to stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, this cake will surely please. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this scrumptious treat!
