If you are on the hunt for a delightful treat to brighten your mornings or impress your guests at brunch, the Blueberry Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try. This cake brings together the tender crumb of a classic coffee cake, the burst of juicy blueberries hidden inside, and the irresistible crunch of cinnamon-spiced streusel topping. From the moment you slice into it, you’ll be greeted by vibrant colors and a symphony of flavors that feel like a warm hug in dessert form. Trust me, this recipe is as satisfying to make as it is to eat, promising moments of pure comfort with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is simple, and each one plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and color. From the cinnamon-scented streusel to the creamy batter infused with fresh blueberries, every component is essential in bringing this coffee cake to life.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups total): Provides the structure needed for a tender yet sturdy cake base and streusel topping.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Adds a rich sweetness and moisture to the crumbly streusel.
- Ground cinnamon (3/4 teaspoon): Lends a warm, spicy note to the streusel, making every bite memorable.
- Unsalted butter (6 1/4 tablespoons in total): Butter brings richness to both the batter and streusel, creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Pinch of salt (for streusel and batter): Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor depth.
- Baking powder (1 1/4 teaspoons): Ensures the cake rises beautifully, giving you that perfect fluffy crumb.
- Sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the batter while keeping the texture light and soft.
- Sour cream (1/4 cup): Adds moisture and a subtle tanginess, keeping the cake incredibly tender.
- Milk (1/4 cup plus 1-2 tablespoons for glaze): Helps balance the texture and mixes perfectly into the glaze for a lovely finish.
- Large egg (1): Binds ingredients together while contributing to the cake’s soft structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 1/4 teaspoons total): Introduces a sweet, fragrant aroma that elevates the entire cake.
- Blueberries (1 1/4 cups): The star of the show—bursting with freshness and natural sweetness, adding juicy pops of flavor.
- Powdered sugar (3/4 cup): Used for the glaze, it adds a smooth, sweet finish that ties everything together.
How to Make Blueberry Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready while you assemble the batter. Line a 9-inch cake pan with parchment paper to ensure your cake releases easily after baking. This little prep step makes clean-up a breeze and guarantees your cake will have a beautiful presentation.
Step 2: Create the Streusel Topping
In a bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, and a pinch of salt. Mix these gently until the mixture forms into crumbly clusters. This streusel will add that signature sweet crunch on top, balancing the softness of the cake with a cinnamon-kissed texture that everyone loves. Set it aside while you prepare the batter.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients for the Cake
In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining flour, baking powder, and salt. These dry ingredients provide the backbone for the cake, ensuring it rises just right and has an even crumb.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using room temperature unsalted butter and sugar, beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key to incorporating air into the batter, which contributes to the cake’s tender texture.
Step 5: Add Wet Ingredients to the Batter
Now, mix in the sour cream, milk, egg, and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar. Stir gently until just combined—over mixing could lead to a dense cake, so be gentle here for a soft, tender crumb.
Step 6: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding carefully until the batter is smooth and no dry flour remains. This gradual mixing will help maintain the airy texture built in the previous step.
Step 7: Assemble the Cake Layers
Spread half of the batter evenly into your prepared cake pan. Sprinkle half of the streusel mixture over the batter, followed by half of the fresh blueberries. Repeat this layering with the remaining batter, streusel, and blueberries. This layering process ensures bursts of blueberry and streusel in every slice, creating delightful pockets of flavor and crunch.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake your assembled cake in the preheated oven for 32 to 38 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Once baked, let it cool in the pan for about 20 minutes before transferring it to a rack—this resting time helps the flavors settle and makes slicing easier.
How to Serve Blueberry Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, consider dusting the cooled cake with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or drizzling a thin glaze made of powdered sugar mixed with a splash of milk and vanilla. Fresh blueberries or a sprig of mint can add a pop of color and freshness on the serving plate.
Side Dishes
This coffee cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it an ideal centerpiece for a cozy breakfast or afternoon tea. A dollop of whipped cream or a side of vanilla yogurt can enhance the experience, complementing the cake’s moist and tender crumb with creamy richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For an inviting brunch spread, serve your Blueberry Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe alongside a colorful fruit salad or a selection of fresh berries. You can also cut the cake into small squares and arrange them on a dessert platter for guests to nibble on throughout the day, making it perfect for gatherings and celebrations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover cake tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store it at room temperature for up to two days, or keep it refrigerated if you want it to last closer to a week. This cake retains its moist texture beautifully, meaning you can enjoy it over several days without losing any of its charm.
Freezing
If you’d like to keep your Blueberry Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe longer, it freezes wonderfully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge, or leave it at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked feel, warm individual slices of the cake in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or pop them in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for about 10 minutes. This reheating makes the cake taste fresh and revives the delightful streusel crunch.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen blueberries can be used when fresh are not available. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well so they don’t add excess moisture to the batter.
Is there a substitute for sour cream in this recipe?
You can substitute sour cream with an equal amount of Greek yogurt or buttermilk. Both provide similar moisture and tanginess to keep the cake tender.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Be sure the blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
How important is the butter temperature?
Room temperature butter is key for creaming properly with sugar, which traps air for a light cake. If the butter is too cold or melted, the texture might be denser.
What’s the best way to store leftover coffee cake to keep it fresh?
Storing the cake in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge helps maintain its moisture and prevents it from drying out. Wrapping it tightly is essential.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about waking up to a slice of homemade Blueberry Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe—the joyful mix of flavors, the cozy aroma filling your kitchen, and the simple pleasure of a tender cake dotted with vibrant berries and topped with a crunchy cinnamon streusel. I hope this recipe inspires you to make it your own signature treat, a reliable way to add warmth and sweetness to any day. Enjoy baking, sharing, and savoring every bite!
Print
Blueberry Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Blueberry Streusel Coffee Cake combines a moist, tender crumb layered with juicy blueberries and topped with a sweet, buttery cinnamon streusel, perfect for breakfast or a delightful afternoon treat.
Ingredients
Streusel Topping
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Pinch of salt
Cake Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups blueberries
Glaze
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp milk
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9-inch cake pan by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Make Streusel: In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 3/4 tsp cinnamon, melted 1/4 cup butter, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the ingredients form a crumbly texture. Set aside the streusel topping.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 1/4 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt. This will be added later to the wet ingredients.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a mixer, cream 6 tbsp room temperature butter and 1/2 cup sugar until fluffy and light in color. This ensures a tender cake crumb.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in 1/4 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup milk, 1 large egg, and 1 tsp vanilla extract to the creamed butter mixture until just combined.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until no dry flour remains; avoid overmixing for a soft texture.
- Layer Cake and Streusel: Spread half of the batter evenly in the prepared cake pan. Sprinkle half of the streusel and half of the blueberries over the batter. Repeat with remaining batter, streusel, and blueberries to create layers.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 32 to 38 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully baked.
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 20 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Glaze (Optional): If desired, mix 3/4 cup powdered sugar with 1 to 2 tablespoons milk and 1/4 tsp vanilla extract to create a glaze to drizzle over the cooled cake for added sweetness and finish.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free milk and sour cream.
- Fresh blueberries work best, but frozen can be used; do not thaw to avoid sogginess.
- The glaze is optional but adds a lovely sweetness and visual appeal to the finished cake.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to keep the cake tender and soft.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 4 days.
