If you love coffee cake, you’ll adore this Blueberry Streusel Coffee Cake. It's easy to make and packed with juicy blueberries. Using simple ingredients, I’ll guide you step-by-step in creating a treat that will impress your family and friends. Whether it’s for breakfast or dessert, this recipe is sure to delight. Get ready to bake a delicious cake that’s warm, sweet, and oh-so-simple to whip up!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: This coffee cake combines the tartness of fresh blueberries with a sweet, buttery batter, making each bite a delightful experience.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it's breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this coffee cake is versatile enough to be served at any time.
- Streusel Topping: The crunchy brown sugar and cinnamon streusel adds a wonderful texture and flavor contrast to the soft cake.
Ingredients
When making Blueberry Streusel Coffee Cake, you need simple and fresh ingredients. It's easy to gather them all. Here’s what you will need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups fresh or thawed frozen blueberries
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
These ingredients work together to create a moist and tasty cake. The blueberries add a burst of flavor while the streusel topping gives it a nice crunch. Each item plays a key role in making this cake special.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy.
Mixing the Batter
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each.
- Mix in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the dry mixture to the butter mix, alternating with the sour cream.
- Start and end with the flour mix, stirring gently until combined.
Baking the Cake
- Carefully fold in the fresh blueberries to keep them intact.
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts for the streusel topping.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle the streusel mix over the batter.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. Check with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack.
Tips & Tricks
Baking Tips
- Even baking: Make sure your oven is preheated to 350°F (175°C) before you start. This helps the cake rise evenly. Place the cake in the center of the oven for the best heat distribution.
- Folding blueberries: To fold in the blueberries, gently scoop from the bottom. Use a spatula and lift the batter over the berries. This keeps the blueberries whole and prevents them from breaking.
- Checking for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done. If there is wet batter on the toothpick, bake for a few more minutes.
Serving Suggestions
- Presentation tips: Once cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar. This adds a lovely touch and makes the cake look special. A sprinkle of cinnamon can also enhance the look.
- Accompaniments: Serve your cake warm or at room temperature with a scoop of whipped cream. You can also add yogurt on the side for a creamy contrast.
- Cutting and serving: Use a sharp knife to cut the cake into squares. Serve it on a nice plate for a beautiful display. Enjoy with friends or family!
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Blueberries: For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh blueberries when possible. They provide a burst of juiciness that frozen berries may lack.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and ensures better rising.
- Mix Gently: When folding in blueberries, do so gently to avoid breaking them. This helps maintain the integrity of the berries and prevents the batter from turning blue.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking the cake a few minutes before the minimum baking time. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can change the flavor of your coffee cake easily. Try using other fruits like raspberries or cranberries. Each fruit gives a unique taste. Raspberries add a sweet-tart flavor, while cranberries bring a nice zing.
Another fun way to change the taste is with flavored extracts. Instead of vanilla, use almond or lemon extract. Almond gives a rich, nutty flavor. Lemon adds a fresh and bright taste. Feel free to mix and match!
Dietary Adaptations
If you need a gluten-free option, you can swap the all-purpose flour. Use a gluten-free blend instead. Make sure it has a good balance of starches for the best texture.
For those who want a vegan version, you can replace the butter and eggs. Use vegan butter or coconut oil in place of butter. For eggs, try using applesauce or a flaxseed mixture. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with two and a half tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. This gives your cake the right moisture and binding.
Storage Info
Storing the Cake
To keep your blueberry streusel coffee cake fresh, follow these tips:
- Short-term storage: Leave the cake at room temperature. Cover it with plastic wrap or foil. This keeps it moist for up to three days.
- Long-term storage: For longer storage, freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat the cake without drying it out, here’s what to do:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place the cake on a baking sheet.
3. Cover it loosely with aluminum foil. This helps keep moisture in.
4. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warm.
Enjoy your cake warm, just like fresh out of the oven!
FAQs
Common Questions
Can I use frozen blueberries? Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just thaw them first. Drain any excess juice before adding them to the batter. This keeps the cake from turning too wet.
How do I know when the coffee cake is done? The cake is done when a toothpick comes out clean. Insert it into the center of the cake. If it pulls out clean, your cake is ready. If there's batter on the toothpick, bake it a few more minutes.
Can this recipe be doubled or halved? You can double or halve this recipe easily. Just adjust the ingredient amounts. Use two pans if you double the recipe. If you halve it, use a smaller pan.
Troubleshooting
What to do if the cake is too dry? If your cake turns out dry, try adding a bit more sour cream next time. You can also check your oven temperature with a thermometer. Ovens can vary, and yours might be too hot.
Fixes for sinking blueberries If the blueberries sink, toss them in a little flour before adding to the batter. This helps them stay suspended in the cake. Another trick is to fold them in gently at the end.
This blog post guides you through making a delicious blueberry coffee cake. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and variations. You can explore different fruits or dietary needs while storing and reheating for the best results. Baking is fun and rewarding, so try this recipe in your kitchen. You’re sure to impress friends and family with your tasty creation. Enjoy every bite of your homemade coffee cake!
