Blueberry Coffee Cake

When you’re searching for the perfect breakfast treat or a delightful afternoon snack, look no further than this scrumptious Blueberry Coffee Cake. Bursting with juicy blueberries and topped with a sweet, crumbly streusel, this cake is not just a dessert—it’s a cozy hug in cake form. The combination of fresh blueberries and tangy Greek yogurt creates a moist texture that pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply indulging yourself, this Blueberry Coffee Cake is bound to impress.

Why This Recipe Works

This Blueberry Coffee Cake is a home baker’s dream. The careful balance of ingredients ensures a moist crumb, while the blueberries provide a burst of flavor with each bite. The addition of Greek yogurt not only adds moisture but also enriches the cake with protein, making it a satisfying option. The lemon zest brightens the overall flavor, elevating it from a basic coffee cake to something truly special. Plus, the streusel topping adds that irresistible crunch that makes every slice memorable.

Ingredient Breakdown

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of the cake, providing structure and stability.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: This leavening agent helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Works in conjunction with the baking powder for a lighter texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and contributes to its moistness.
• Zest of 1 large lemon: Brightens the cake with a citrusy freshness.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temperature: Creates a rich flavor and tender crumb.
• 2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet aroma.
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt: Provides moisture and a slight tang, creating a tender crumb.
• 1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen): Bursts of juicy flavor that make every bite special.
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (for streusel): Forms part of the crumbly topping.
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor to the streusel.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for streusel): Complements the sweetness of the brown sugar.
• 1/2 stick cold unsalted butter: Creates a crumbly texture in the streusel topping.

Appliances & Accessories

• Mixing bowls: For combining ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Whisk: Ideal for mixing dry ingredients and incorporating air for a fluffier cake.
• Rubber spatula: Great for folding in the blueberries and yogurt without deflating the batter.
• 9×13 inch baking pan: The perfect size for baking this delicious coffee cake.
• Cooling rack: Allows the cake to cool evenly and prevents sogginess.

From Start to Finish: Blueberry Coffee Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly and rises perfectly.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan

Grease your 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon until well combined.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, beat together 1/2 cup of unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Flavorings

Add in the zest of 1 large lemon, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt. Start and end with the dry ingredients to ensure everything is well combined. Do not overmix.

Step 7: Fold in Blueberries

Gently fold in 1 cup of blueberries, taking care not to break them up too much.

Step 8: Prepare the Streusel Topping

In a separate bowl, mix together 3/4 cup of all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup of packed brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Cut in 1/2 stick of cold unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 9: Assemble the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over the batter.

Step 10: Bake

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 11: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the coffee cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Texture-Safe Substitutions

• Gluten-Free Flour: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free blend for a gluten-free option.
• Dairy-Free Yogurt: Use almond or coconut yogurt in place of Greek yogurt.
• Canola Oil: Replace butter with canola or vegetable oil for a dairy-free cake.
• Maple Syrup: For a natural sweetener, substitute half the sugar with maple syrup, adjusting flour accordingly.

Troubleshooting Tips

• If your cake is too dry, try adding a bit more yogurt or a splash of milk to the batter.
• If the cake does not rise, ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh.
• If your streusel topping sinks into the batter, consider chilling it for a bit before sprinkling it on top.
• For a more pronounced blueberry flavor, try mashing half of the blueberries and folding them into the batter along with the whole berries.

Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat

This Blueberry Coffee Cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for a few seconds.

Handy Q&A

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen blueberries work wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure to fold them in gently to avoid breaking them up too much.

How can I make the coffee cake more lemony?

You can increase the amount of lemon zest or add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the batter for a more pronounced lemon flavor.

Can I add nuts to the streusel topping?

Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a lovely crunch to the streusel. Just be sure to mix them in with the other streusel ingredients.

What should I serve with Blueberry Coffee Cake?

This coffee cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of milk. It’s also delightful with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert!

Similar Recipes

• Lemon Blueberry Bread
• Blueberry Crumble
• Vegan Blueberry Scones
• Blueberry Muffins

In Closing

This Blueberry Coffee Cake is not just a recipe; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that come together to create a delightful experience. Whether you enjoy it during a quiet morning or share it with friends and family, each bite is sure to bring joy. With its moist crumb, sweet blueberries, and crunchy streusel topping, this cake is destined to become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let the delightful aroma of blueberry coffee cake fill your kitchen. Happy baking!