Blueberry Crumb Coffee Cake Simple and Delicious Treat

Looking for a simple yet delicious treat to brighten your mornings? This Blueberry Crumb Coffee Cake is just what you need! With its sweet blueberry bursts and crunchy topping, it’s perfect with your morning coffee. I’ll guide you through each step, from gathering ingredients to baking tips. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that you and your loved ones will savor together!

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1 cup granulated sugar

– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

– 1 cup fresh blueberries (or frozen, thawed)

– 2 large eggs

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 1 teaspoon baking powder

– ½ teaspoon baking soda

– ½ teaspoon salt

– 1 cup sour cream

– 1 teaspoon lemon zest

For the Crumb Topping:

– ½ cup all-purpose flour

– ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed

– ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

– ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Measurement Details

When you measure flour, scoop it into a cup and level it off. This helps avoid too much flour. For sugar, spoon it into your measuring cup and level it too. Use room temperature butter for easy mixing. Eggs should be medium or large size. The sour cream adds moisture, so don’t skip it. Lemon zest brightens the flavor and adds a nice twist.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you want a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free flour blend. You can swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a similar texture. For a dairy-free option, use coconut oil instead of butter and a plant-based yogurt. You can also try different fruits like raspberries or strawberries for a fun twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. This helps with easy removal later.

Prepare the Crumb Topping

In a small bowl, mix together ½ cup of flour, ⅓ cup of brown sugar, ¼ cup of melted butter, and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon. Stir until it looks like coarse crumbs. Set this mixture aside. It adds a nice crunch to your cake.

Make the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, cream ½ cup of softened butter with 1 cup of granulated sugar. Mix well until it is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Creaming helps to add air into the batter.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Now, beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time. After that, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest. Mix until everything is well combined. The lemon zest gives a fresh taste.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps to ensure they are evenly distributed.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with 1 cup of sour cream. Start and end with the dry mix. Stir until just combined. This keeps the batter from becoming too tough.

Fold in Blueberries

Now, gently fold in 1 cup of fresh or thawed blueberries. Be careful not to break them. This adds bursts of flavor in every bite.

Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly with a spatula. This helps the cake to bake evenly.

Add Crumb Topping

Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter. Make sure it covers the entire surface. This will create a nice, crunchy layer.

Bake and Cool

Place the coffee cake in your preheated oven. Bake for about 40-45 minutes. Use a toothpick to check if it’s done. It should come out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious treat!

Tips & Tricks

Baking Tips for Moisture

To keep your coffee cake moist, use sour cream. It adds creaminess and flavor. Remember to measure your flour correctly. Too much flour can make it dry. Scoop and level your flour, rather than packing it down. This way, you get just the right amount.

How to Avoid Sinking Blueberries

To prevent sinking blueberries, toss them in a bit of flour before adding them to the batter. This helps them stay suspended while baking. Also, fold them in gently. This keeps them whole and bright in your cake.

Ensuring Even Baking

To ensure your coffee cake bakes evenly, rotate the pan halfway through baking. This helps with hot spots in the oven. Use an oven thermometer to check your temperature accuracy. Each oven is different, and small changes can impact your bake. Let it cool in the pan before moving it. This step helps set the texture and makes slicing easier.

Variations

Substitutions for Gluten-Free Option

You can easily make this cake gluten-free. Use gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of regular flour. Check the blend to ensure it has xanthan gum. This helps mimic the texture of wheat flour.

Alternative Fruits for Flavor

While blueberries shine in this cake, you can switch them out. Try raspberries, chopped strawberries, or diced peaches. Each fruit brings a new taste. Just keep the same amount as the blueberries called for in the recipe.

Seasonal Variations: Adding Spices

You can add spices to match the seasons. In fall, try cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. In spring, add a hint of cardamom for a fresh twist. These spices can elevate your coffee cake, making it special for any time of year.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

To keep your Blueberry Crumb Coffee Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it on the counter at room temperature. It will stay good for about 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigeration is an option. Just remember, the texture may change slightly.

Freezing Instructions

You can freeze this coffee cake for up to 3 months. First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. If you prefer, you can slice it first. This makes it easy to grab a piece later. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight.

Best Practices for Reheating

To enjoy that fresh-baked taste, reheat slices in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the slices on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Just warm each slice for 15 to 20 seconds. Enjoy it warm with your favorite drink!

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just thaw them first. This keeps the cake moist. Drain any excess juice to avoid a soggy batter. Fresh blueberries work great too. They add a nice burst of flavor.

How long does the coffee cake last?

The coffee cake lasts about 3 to 4 days at room temperature. Store it in an airtight container. For longer freshness, keep it in the fridge. It can last up to a week this way.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can make the batter ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Bake it fresh when you are ready. You can also bake it ahead and cool it. Keep it covered until you serve.

What type of pan is best for baking?

A 9×13 inch baking dish is perfect for this recipe. It gives the cake even heat. You can also use a round pan. Just adjust the baking time as needed.

How can I make the cake fluffier?

To make the cake fluffier, beat the butter and sugar longer. This adds air to the batter. Use room temperature ingredients too. They mix better and create a lighter texture.

We explored all the key steps to bake a delicious blueberry coffee cake. You learned about necessary ingredients, precise measurements, and smart alternatives. We went through each baking step to ensure your success. You have tips to keep your cake moist and bluebs from sinking. Plus, you found fun ways to change the recipe and store leftovers.

Now, you can confidently bake a delightful treat for friends or family. Enjoy every bite and savor your accomplishmen