Blackberry coffee cake. The very name evokes a sense of warmth and comfort, doesn’t it? Imagine this: the aroma of cinnamon and vanilla fills your kitchen as you pull a beautifully browned cake, studded with juicy blackberries, from the oven. It’s the kind of treat that makes any day feel special, whether enjoyed as a cozy breakfast bake or a delightful afternoon snack. And the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make at home!
This recipe will guide you step-by-step through the process, ensuring a perfectly moist and flavorful blackberry coffee cake every time. So tie on your apron, and let’s get baking!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this recipe, we’ll focus on creating a classic blackberry coffee cake with a delightful crumb topping. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (125g) fresh blackberries
For the Crumb Topping:
- 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (50g) packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup (55g) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Optional Glaze:
- 1 cup (100g) powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk or water
Tools of the Trade
Before we begin, gather the following kitchen essentials:
- 9-inch square baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Two large mixing bowls
- Medium mixing bowl
- Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wire rack
Baking the Perfect Blackberry Coffee Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide
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Preparing the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal later.
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Combining Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt for the cake.
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Creaming Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
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Adding Eggs and Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
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Folding in Blackberries: Gently fold in the blackberries using a rubber spatula.
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Making the Crumb Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the topping. Cut in the cold butter using your fingers or a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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Assembling the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter.
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Baking Time: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs attached.
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Cooling and Glazing (Optional): Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. While the cake cools, you can prepare the optional glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.
Blackberry Coffee Cake Ingredients
Tips for Baking Success and FAQs
Here are some tips for a truly exceptional blackberry coffee cake:
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Buttermilk Substitute: Don’t have buttermilk on hand? No problem! You can easily make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1/2 cup of milk. Allow it to sit for 5 minutes before using.
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Fresh vs. Frozen Berries: While fresh blackberries are ideal, you can certainly use frozen ones if needed. Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before adding them to the batter to prevent excess moisture.
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Storing Your Cake: Leftover blackberry coffee cake can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Q: Can I use a different type of berry?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the blackberries with raspberries, blueberries, or even chopped strawberries for a delightful twist.
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can! The cake can be baked and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Blackberry Coffee Cake Process
Enjoy Your Homemade Treat!
Congratulations! You’ve just baked a delicious blackberry coffee cake. Slice yourself a generous piece, pour a cup of coffee or tea, and savor the moment. This recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Don’t forget to share your baking triumph with us! We’d love to see your creations and hear your feedback in the comments below.
Looking for more delectable baking adventures? Check out our recipe for a decadent chocolate torte. Happy baking!