There’s something truly comforting about the aroma of freshly baked goods wafting from the kitchen, wouldn’t you agree? Today, we’re diving headfirst into the world of delicious homemade treats with a recipe that’s as simple as it is satisfying: blueberry coffee cake. This delightful treat is perfect for a leisurely weekend brunch, an afternoon pick-me-up, or even a sweet ending to a busy weekday dinner.
This recipe is near and dear to my heart. It reminds me of warm summer mornings spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, the air thick with the scent of cinnamon and ripe blueberries. She had a knack for making even the most elaborate recipes seem effortless, and this blueberry coffee cake was no exception. With her patient guidance and a sprinkle of love, she passed down this treasured recipe, and now, I’m thrilled to share it with you.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, I assure you, this recipe is foolproof. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let’s create some baking magic!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this recipe, we’re keeping things simple and relying on pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup (180ml) buttermilk
For the Blueberry Swirl:
- 1 cup (150g) fresh blueberries
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Crumb Topping:
- ¼ cup (50g) packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup (40g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Tools of the Trade
Before we begin, let’s gather our baking essentials:
- One 9×13 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper or cooking spray
- Two large mixing bowls
- An electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer will work)
- A whisk
- A rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Let’s Get Baking!
Now comes the fun part! Just follow these simple steps:
1. Preparing the Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray and set it aside.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, and mix until just combined. Don’t overmix!
2. Creating the Blueberry Swirl
- In a medium bowl, toss the blueberries with the sugar, flour, and cinnamon.
3. The Perfect Crumb Topping
- In another medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, cold butter pieces, and cinnamon. Use your fingers or a fork to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Assembling the Cake
- Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle the blueberry mixture evenly over the batter.
- Pour the remaining batter over the blueberries and spread gently.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the cake batter.
5. Baking Time
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cooling and Serving
- Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before serving. This will allow the cake to set and the flavors to meld.
Slice of blueberry coffee cake
Tips and Tricks for Baking Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing your eggs and butter to room temperature before baking ensures they incorporate evenly into the batter, resulting in a cake with a lighter, more tender crumb.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough and dense cake. Mix the batter only until the ingredients are combined.
- Testing for Doneness: To check if your cake is baked through, insert a wooden skewer or toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, it’s done. If the skewer comes out with wet batter, bake for a few more minutes.
- Cooling Time: Allowing the cake to cool slightly in the pan before serving prevents it from falling apart and helps the flavors to settle.
Blueberry coffee cake ingredients
FAQs About Blueberry Coffee Cake
Q: Can I use frozen blueberries?
A: Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just make sure to toss them with a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter. This will help prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake.
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This coffee cake keeps well at room temperature for up to 2 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
Q: Can I freeze blueberry coffee cake?
A: Yes, you can freeze the baked and cooled cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Conclusion
There you have it! A simple yet utterly delicious blueberry coffee cake recipe that’s perfect for bakers of all levels. With its tender crumb, juicy blueberries, and irresistible crumb topping, this cake is sure to become a household favorite. So why wait? Head to your kitchen and treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice (or two) of this delightful treat.
Happy baking! Don’t forget to share your baking triumphs with us in the comments below. We love hearing from you! And for more delicious and easy-to-follow recipes, be sure to explore the rest of our website.
