Blueberry Coffee Cake With Streusel Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Alright, let’s talk about a treat that’s basically the best of all worlds: a Blueberry Coffee Cake with Streusel. Imagine waking up to a warm slice of tender, buttery cake bursting with juicy blueberries, topped with that irresistibly crumbly, cinnamon-spiced streusel. It’s the kind of thing that feels both cozy and celebratory – perfect for weekend brunch, a comforting afternoon snack, or anytime you want to impress guests without breaking a sweat.

• Why coffee cake? Despite the name, coffee cake doesn’t contain coffee (though it pairs beautifully with your morning brew). It’s a moist cake with a buttery, crumbly topping – basically the perfect companion to any cup of joe.
• Blueberries: Fresh or frozen, these little bursts of flavor add natural sweetness, tang, and a gorgeous pop of color.
• Streusel topping: A crunchy, buttery mixture that contrasts the softness of the cake – think cinnamon, sugar, and flour, coming together in the best kind of crumble.

By the end of this, you’ll not only have a recipe but a whole understanding of what makes this cake so special and some insider tips to make it absolutely perfect every time.

Blueberry Coffee Cake With Streusel Recipe

Let’s get down to business – here’s the full recipe to bake a stunning Blueberry Coffee Cake with Streusel that’s moist, flavorful, and has that perfect crumbly topping.

Ingredients Needed

To make this cake sing, you’ll need a balance of basic baking staples and some fresh ingredients that add that special blueberry twist and streusel crunch.

• For The Cake

  • All-purpose flour – the backbone of the cake’s structure.
  • Granulated sugar – for sweetness.
  • Baking powder – to help it rise.
  • Salt – to balance flavors.
  • Unsalted butter – room temperature, for richness and moisture.
  • Eggs – act as a binder and add structure.
  • Vanilla extract – for that warm, aromatic note.
  • Whole milk or buttermilk – adds moisture and tender crumb.
  • Fresh or frozen blueberries – the star fruit! Use fresh if in season, frozen works great too.

• For The Streusel Topping

  • All-purpose flour – forms the base of the crumbly topping.
  • Brown sugar – adds depth and a hint of molasses flavor.
  • Ground cinnamon – the warm spice that makes streusel magical.
  • Unsalted butter – cold and cubed, to create those perfect crumbles.

How To Make Blueberry Coffee Cake With Streusel

Okay, now for the fun part – baking! Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through every step like your enthusiastic kitchen buddy.

1. Preheat And Prep

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Grease and flour an 8×8 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix The Dry Ingredients

   • In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents.

3. Cream Butter And Sugar

   • Using a mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy – this step incorporates air, giving your cake a lovely rise.

4. Add Eggs And Vanilla

   • Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract for that comforting aroma.

5. Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients And Milk

   • Add the dry flour mixture and milk in alternating batches, beginning and ending with flour. This helps maintain a tender crumb and prevents overmixing.

6. Fold In Blueberries

   • Gently fold in the blueberries so they’re evenly distributed but not crushed.

7. Make The Streusel

   • Combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl.
   • Cut in cold butter cubes with a pastry cutter or your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs.

8. Assemble And Bake

   • Pour batter into the prepared pan.
   • Sprinkle streusel generously over the top.
   • Bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

9. Cool And Serve

   • Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
   • Serve warm or at room temperature – pairs perfectly with coffee, tea, or just on its own!

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Let’s geek out a little and talk about why these ingredients work their magic.

• Flour: The proteins in flour (gluten) provide structure. Too much gluten, though, makes baked goods tough – which is why gentle mixing is key.
• Butter: Adds fat that coats flour proteins, limiting gluten formation and keeping the cake tender and moist. Also, when creamed with sugar, it traps air, creating fluffiness.
• Sugar: Sweetens, yes, but also affects texture by tenderizing and helping to retain moisture.
• Eggs: Provide structure through protein coagulation, and their fat content adds richness.
• Milk or Buttermilk: The acidity in buttermilk reacts with baking powder for extra lift and also tenderizes the crumb.
• Baking Powder: A chemical leavening agent that creates bubbles, helping the cake rise.
• Blueberries: When baked, they release juices that add moisture and a pop of natural flavor.
• Streusel Butter: Cold butter in streusel ensures pea-sized crumbles rather than melting in and creating a cakey texture.

Expert Tips

You want your blueberry coffee cake to be legendary? Here are some pro pointers:

• Use room temperature ingredients: Butter and eggs incorporate better when not cold, helping your cake rise evenly.
• Don’t overmix: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined to avoid a dense cake.
• Freeze blueberries before adding: Toss frozen blueberries in a bit of flour to prevent them from sinking and bleeding too much color into the batter.
• Cold butter for streusel: Use cold butter for that perfect crumbly texture in your topping.
• Check early: Ovens vary! Start testing your cake around 40 minutes so you don’t overbake.
• Let it cool: Give it time to set – warm is wonderful, but cutting too soon can cause crumble or sogginess.

Recipe Variations

Feeling adventurous? Here are some tweaks and twists to switch things up:

• Lemon zest or juice: Add to batter for a bright citrus kick that pairs perfectly with blueberries.
• Nuts in streusel: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
• Swap berries: Use raspberries, blackberries, or even a mixed berry combo.
• Glaze topping: Drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze for extra sweetness.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of milk: For a tangier, moist crumb and added protein.
• Add spices: Nutmeg or cardamom can elevate the flavor complexity.

Final Words

Blueberry Coffee Cake with Streusel isn’t just a dessert – it’s a warm hug in cake form. The balance of fluffy cake, juicy berries, and buttery streusel topping is what dreams are made of. Whether you’re baking it for a lazy Sunday, brunch with friends, or just because you deserve something special, this recipe will quickly become a staple.

FAQs

What Ingredients Do I Need To Make Blueberry Coffee Cake With Streusel?

To make blueberry coffee cake with streusel, you’ll need ingredients such as all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, sour cream, fresh blueberries, and for the streusel topping: brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and butter.

Can I Use Frozen Blueberries Instead Of Fresh For The Coffee Cake?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just make sure to fold them in gently while mixing the batter to prevent them from breaking. There’s no need to thaw them first, but you may want to toss them in a little flour to help prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking.

What Is The Best Way To Prevent The Blueberries From Sinking In The Cake Batter?

To prevent the blueberries from sinking, coat them lightly in flour before folding them into the batter. This helps the blueberries stay suspended in the batter while baking.

Can I Make The Streusel Topping Ahead Of Time?

Yes, the streusel topping can be made ahead of time. Simply prepare the streusel, store it in an airtight container, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to use. This will also allow the flavors to meld together.

Can I Substitute Sour Cream With Yogurt In The Blueberry Coffee Cake?

Yes, you can substitute sour cream with plain yogurt in this recipe. The texture will be similar, but the flavor may be slightly tangier depending on the type of yogurt you use.

How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version of this coffee cake, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend is designed for baking, and you might want to add a bit of xanthan gum or guar gum to help with the texture.

What Type Of Pan Should I Use For Baking Blueberry Coffee Cake With Streusel?

A 9-inch round or square cake pan works best for this recipe. You can also use a bundt pan if you prefer a more decorative shape. Just make sure to grease and flour the pan to prevent sticking.

How Long Should I Bake Blueberry Coffee Cake With Streusel?

Bake the coffee cake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Keep an eye on the top of the cake; if it starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil.

Can I Make Blueberry Coffee Cake With Streusel Without A Mixer?

Yes, you can make the cake without a mixer. Simply use a whisk to cream the butter and sugar together and mix the dry ingredients with a spoon or spatula. The streusel topping can be made by hand, too, by rubbing the butter into the flour and sugar with your fingers.

How Do I Store Leftover Blueberry Coffee Cake?

To store leftover blueberry coffee cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerated for up to a week. If you want to extend its freshness, you can freeze the cake for up to 3 months.