Old Fashioned Blueberry Coffee Cake Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Hey there, fellow baking enthusiasts! If you’ve ever craved that warm, comforting slice of coffee cake that feels like a gentle hug on a lazy morning, you’re in the right place. Today, we’re taking a delightful journey back in time with an Old Fashioned Blueberry Coffee Cake recipe that’s bursting with juicy blueberries, tender crumb, and a hint of cinnamon – all perfectly designed to pair with your favorite cup of coffee or tea.

This cake isn’t just any coffee cake. It’s one that conjures memories of cozy kitchens, family gatherings, and the sweet aroma of fresh-baked goodness wafting through the air. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe will walk you through every step, giving you that nostalgic taste with a homemade touch.

Ready to impress your breakfast table or bring a smile to your afternoon break? Let’s get baking!

Old Fashioned Blueberry Coffee Cake Recipe

This recipe is a timeless classic – a soft, moist cake layered with fresh blueberries and topped with a crunchy cinnamon streusel. The magic lies in the balance of flavors and textures: sweet blueberries burst in your mouth, the cake is fluffy and buttery, and the streusel adds that perfect crispy contrast.

What makes it ’old fashioned’? Well, it’s all about simple, quality ingredients and traditional techniques – no fancy gadgets or obscure ingredients here! Just straightforward, honest baking that results in a coffee cake everyone will love.

Ingredients Needed

Gather these pantry and fridge staples for the best results:

• Flour (all-purpose) – the backbone of the cake, providing structure.
• Granulated sugar – for sweetness.
• Brown sugar – adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor, especially in the streusel.
• Baking powder – the rising agent to keep the cake light.
• Salt – enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
• Ground cinnamon – warm, aromatic, and essential for that classic coffee cake vibe.
• Unsalted butter – for richness, both melted and softened.
• Eggs – provide moisture and help bind everything.
• Vanilla extract – adds depth and enhances the cake’s flavor.
• Sour cream or plain yogurt – keeps the cake tender and moist.
• Fresh blueberries – the star of the show! You can also use frozen if fresh aren’t in season.
• Optional: lemon zest – adds a subtle brightness that complements the berries beautifully.

For the streusel topping:

• Flour
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Cold butter (cut into small cubes)

How To Make Old Fashioned Blueberry Coffee Cake

Alright, let’s break it down step-by-step, so you don’t miss a beat:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round or square baking pan. Line with parchment paper if you want easy removal.
2. Prepare the streusel topping: In a bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until it looks like coarse crumbs. Set aside.
3. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
4. Cream the butter and sugars: In another bowl, beat softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
5. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
6. Combine wet and dry: Alternately add the dry ingredients and sour cream to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined – don’t overmix!
7. Fold in blueberries gently to avoid breaking them up too much.
8. Assemble the cake: Pour half the batter into your prepared pan, sprinkle half the streusel topping, then add the rest of the batter, and finally top with the remaining streusel.
9. Bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Cool the cake in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Why does this cake turn out so perfect? Let’s geek out a bit:

• Butter: The fat coats flour proteins, reducing gluten formation, which leads to a tender crumb rather than a tough cake.
• Baking powder: Reacts with moisture and heat to produce carbon dioxide bubbles that make the cake rise and get fluffy.
• Sour cream: The acidity tenderizes gluten, making the crumb moist and soft, plus it adds a slight tang that balances sweetness.
• Blueberries: Contain pectin and natural sugars; when baked, they release juices that moisten the cake and add flavor pockets.
• Cinnamon: Contains cinnamaldehyde, which gives it that warm, spicy aroma, enhancing the overall sensory experience.

Expert Tips

• Keep your butter temperature in check: For the creaming step, use softened butter (not melted). For the streusel, cold butter creates the crumbly texture.
• Don’t overmix your batter: Overworking it develops gluten and can make the cake dense and tough.
• Use fresh or frozen blueberries: If using frozen, toss them in a little flour before adding to the batter to prevent sinking.
• Add a splash of lemon zest or juice: It brightens the flavor and complements the sweetness.
• Watch your baking time carefully: Ovens vary, so start checking at 40 minutes to avoid overbaking.
• Let the cake cool a bit before slicing for cleaner cuts.

Recipe Variations

Feeling adventurous or want to switch things up? Here are some fun twists:

• Mixed berry version: Use raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries alongside or instead of blueberries.
• Nutty addition: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the streusel topping for extra crunch.
• Gluten-free: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend (make sure it contains xanthan gum).
• Vegan option: Use plant-based butter, flax eggs (flaxseed meal + water), and a dairy-free yogurt substitute.
• Citrus twist: Incorporate orange zest instead of lemon for a different flavor profile.
• Drizzle topping: Mix powdered sugar and lemon juice into a glaze to drizzle on top after cooling.

Final Words

Old fashioned recipes like this blueberry coffee cake are timeless because they tap into simple, wholesome goodness that feels like home. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon treat, this cake delivers flavor, texture, and nostalgia in every bite. Plus, it’s pretty easy to make – no complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients, just a bit of love and patience.

So next time you want to impress family or friends (or yourself!), give this recipe a whirl. It’s bound to become a favorite go-to for berry season and beyond.

FAQs

What Is An Old Fashioned Blueberry Coffee Cake?

An old fashioned blueberry coffee cake is a classic dessert made with a light and tender cake base, flavored with fresh or frozen blueberries, and often topped with a crumbly streusel topping. It is typically served as a breakfast or a snack with coffee or tea.

Can I Use Frozen Blueberries Instead Of Fresh In This Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries instead of fresh. Just make sure to fold them gently into the batter while they are still frozen to prevent them from bleeding too much into the cake, which could discolor the batter.

How Do I Prevent The Blueberries From Sinking To The Bottom Of The Cake?

To prevent blueberries from sinking, toss them in a little flour before folding them into the batter. This helps them stay suspended in the cake while baking.

Can I Make This Coffee Cake Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can make the cake a day ahead. Let it cool completely, then wrap it in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

What Can I Substitute For Sour Cream In The Recipe?

If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute with plain yogurt, buttermilk, or even cream cheese. Each of these options will give the cake a similar level of moisture and tang.

What Kind Of Flour Is Best For An Old Fashioned Blueberry Coffee Cake?

All-purpose flour is typically the best choice for this recipe. It provides the right texture for a tender yet sturdy cake. Avoid using self-rising flour as it can alter the consistency of the cake.

Can I Add Other Fruits To This Coffee Cake Recipe?

Yes, you can mix in other fruits like raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries. Just make sure the fruits are not too watery, as this can affect the texture of the cake.

How Do I Make The Streusel Topping For The Cake?

To make a streusel topping, combine flour, sugar, butter, and cinnamon. Mix until the butter is incorporated and the mixture forms a crumbly texture. Sprinkle it generously over the cake batter before baking.

Is It Possible To Make The Coffee Cake Without A Stand Mixer?

Yes, you can make this coffee cake using a hand mixer or even by mixing the ingredients by hand. Just be sure to cream the butter and sugar well to ensure a light, airy texture.

How Can I Make The Coffee Cake Less Sweet?

To reduce the sweetness of the coffee cake, you can cut back on the sugar in both the cake batter and the streusel topping. Alternatively, use a sugar substitute that works for baking, or leave out the streusel topping altogether.