Introduction
Blueberry Coffee Cake is a classic baked treat that perfectly balances a tender, buttery crumb with bursts of juicy blueberries and a sweet, crumbly streusel topping. Despite its name, coffee cake contains no coffee; instead, it is designed to be enjoyed alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea. This timeless recipe works beautifully for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or special gatherings.
Loved for its simplicity and comforting flavor, Blueberry Coffee Cake is an evergreen recipe that consistently performs well on food blogs and recipe websites. It feels indulgent yet familiar, making it a reliable crowd-pleaser for family breakfasts, holidays, and casual entertaining.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to make the best Blueberry Coffee Cake, along with expert tips, variations, storage advice, and answers to frequently asked questions.
What Is Blueberry Coffee Cake?
Blueberry Coffee Cake is a moist, cake-like bake made with fresh or frozen blueberries and topped with a buttery cinnamon streusel. The cake itself is soft and lightly sweet, while the topping adds texture and warmth.
Unlike layer cakes, coffee cake is rustic and unfussy. It is typically baked in a square or rectangular pan and sliced into generous pieces, making it ideal for sharing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft, moist crumb with juicy blueberries
- Crunchy cinnamon streusel topping
- Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert
- Freezer-friendly and great for make-ahead baking
Ingredients Overview
For the Cake
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder and baking soda
- Salt
- Eggs
- Sugar
- Butter or oil
- Sour cream or yogurt
- Vanilla extract
- Blueberries (fresh or frozen)
For the Streusel Topping
- Brown sugar
- All-purpose flour
- Cinnamon
- Butter
Sour cream or yogurt is key for moisture and tenderness.
How to Make Blueberry Coffee Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Streusel
Combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light. Add eggs, vanilla, and sour cream until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Batter
Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.
Step 5: Fold in Blueberries
Gently fold in blueberries, lightly tossing them in flour first to prevent sinking.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Spread batter into a greased pan. Sprinkle streusel evenly over the top. Bake until golden and set.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow to cool slightly before slicing for clean cuts.
Tips for the Best Blueberry Coffee Cake
- Do not overmix the batter
- Toss blueberries in flour to prevent sinking
- Use room-temperature ingredients
- Let the cake cool before slicing
Fresh vs Frozen Blueberries
Both work well in this recipe:
- Fresh blueberries provide the best texture
- Frozen blueberries should be added directly without thawing
Avoid overmixing when using frozen berries to prevent discoloring the batter.
Delicious Variations
Lemon Blueberry Coffee Cake
Add lemon zest and a light lemon glaze.
Cream Cheese Blueberry Coffee Cake
Swirl sweetened cream cheese into the batter.
Healthier Blueberry Coffee Cake
Use whole wheat flour, Greek yogurt, and reduce sugar slightly.
Nutty Streusel Version
Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping.
Serving Suggestions
Blueberry Coffee Cake is delicious served:
- Warm or at room temperature
- With coffee or tea
- As part of a brunch spread
- With a light dusting of powdered sugar
It also pairs well with yogurt or fresh fruit.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Freeze individual slices or the whole cake for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Blueberry Coffee Cake tastes even better the next day.
Can I use other fruits?
Yes. Raspberries, blackberries, or diced apples work well.
Why is my coffee cake dry?
Overbaking or too much flour can cause dryness.
Is coffee cake meant to be served warm?
It can be served warm or at room temperature.
Why This Recipe Is So Popular
Blueberry Coffee Cake remains popular because it blends comfort, simplicity, and versatility. It fits seamlessly into breakfast, brunch, and dessert categories while using familiar ingredients and straightforward techniques.
Its classic flavor profile and adaptable nature make it a consistent favorite among home bakers and readers alike.
Final Thoughts
Blueberry Coffee Cake is a timeless recipe that never goes out of style. With its tender crumb, juicy blueberries, and buttery streusel topping, it offers everything people love in a homemade bake.
Whether you’re serving guests, baking for family, or creating evergreen content for a food website, this coffee cake is a reliable, delicious choice that deserves a permanent place in your recipe collection.
Print
Blueberry Coffee Cake
Ingredients
For the cake:
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup (1½ sticks / 170g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¾ cup (180ml) sour cream or full-fat Greek yogurt
• 1½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries (if frozen, do not thaw)
For the streusel topping:
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (55g) packed brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9″ round or square baking pan; line bottom with parchment.
- Streusel: In a small bowl, mix sugars, cinnamon, and flour. Cut in cold butter with fingers or fork until crumbly. Set aside.
- Cake: Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light (~3 min). Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and sour cream to wet mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Gently fold in blueberries.
- Spread batter into pan. Sprinkle streusel evenly over top.
- Bake 40–45 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean (tent with foil if topping browns too quickly).
- Cool 15 min before slicing. Best served warm or at room temperature!
PREP TIME & NUTRITION (per slice, serves 9):
Prep Time: 15 min | Cook Time: 45 min | Total Time: 1 hr | Servings: 9 | Calories: 290 | Net Carbs: 34g | Fats: 16g | Protein: 5g