How to Make the Best Blueberry Coffee Cake Recipe from Scratch

There’s nothing quite like waking up to the smell of a freshly baked blueberry coffee cake. This classic treat combines the sweetness and tartness of fresh blueberries with a tender, moist cake and a crunchy crumb topping — the perfect pairing for your morning coffee or afternoon tea. Making blueberry coffee cake from scratch is surprisingly simple, and the results are well worth the effort.

In this post, I’ll walk you through how to make the best blueberry coffee cake recipe from scratch, including tips for choosing ingredients, mixing techniques, baking, and serving suggestions. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe will help you create a delicious coffee cake that everyone will love.

Why Blueberry Coffee Cake?

Blueberry coffee cake is a beloved breakfast or brunch staple because it’s both comforting and elegant. The tender cake base is moist and fluffy, studded with juicy blueberries that burst with flavor in every bite. A crumbly streusel topping adds texture and a sweet, buttery crunch, making it irresistible.

Unlike traditional cakes that often require frosting, coffee cake’s crumb topping keeps things simple yet indulgent. Plus, it’s a versatile recipe that you can customize with other fruits or nuts.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients and why they matter:

• Fresh Blueberries: Fresh berries give the best flavor and texture. Frozen can work too, but fresh is preferred.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure for the cake. Sifting the flour helps keep the cake light.
• Sugar: Both granulated sugar in the batter and brown sugar in the streusel topping add sweetness and moisture.
• Butter: Real butter (unsalted) is essential for richness and flavor, in both batter and topping.
• Eggs: Help bind the ingredients and provide moisture and structure.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Adds moisture and tenderness, giving the cake a slightly tangy richness.
• Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cake rise and become fluffy.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Cinnamon: In the crumb topping, adds warmth and depth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 or 9×9 inch square baking pan or a round 9-inch cake pan with butter or non-stick spray. For extra insurance against sticking, line the pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to lift the cake out easily once baked.

2. Make the Crumb Topping

The crumb topping is what makes a coffee cake special, so don’t skip it! Combine:

• 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
• 1/3 cup (43g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup (57g) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

Use a fork or pastry cutter to mix the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture is crumbly and resembles coarse sand. Set aside.

3. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, cream together:

• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar

Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

Add:

• 2 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix until fully combined.

4. Add the Sour Cream or Yogurt

Stir in 1/2 cup (120g) sour cream or Greek yogurt until smooth. This ingredient adds moisture and tenderness to the cake.

5. Combine Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, whisk together:

• 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed.

6. Incorporate Dry Ingredients into Wet

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed or folding gently with a spatula. Be careful not to overmix — just combine until no dry flour remains.

7. Fold in the Blueberries

Gently fold in 1 to 1 1/2 cups of fresh blueberries. Toss the berries lightly in a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter to prevent them from sinking to the bottom.

8. Assemble the Cake

Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle half of the crumb topping over this layer.

Add the remaining batter and spread evenly on top, then sprinkle the remaining crumb topping.

9. Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The cake should be golden brown and the crumb topping slightly crisp.

10. Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes. You can serve it warm or at room temperature. It pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea.

Tips for the Best Blueberry Coffee Cake

• Use Fresh Blueberries: They retain their shape and flavor better than frozen berries.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can make the cake tough. Mix just until combined.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Butter, eggs, and sour cream should be at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Prevent Sinking: Toss blueberries in flour before folding in to keep them evenly distributed.
• Watch Baking Time: Ovens vary, so start checking at 40 minutes to avoid overbaking.
• Optional Add-Ins: For extra flavor, try adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping.
• Make It Ahead: This cake can be made a day in advance and stored covered at room temperature.

Variations to Try

• Lemon Blueberry Coffee Cake: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter for a bright citrus twist.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
• Vegan: Use a plant-based butter substitute, flax eggs, and dairy-free yogurt.
• Mixed Berry: Use a combination of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries.

Final Thoughts

Making blueberry coffee cake from scratch is a rewarding baking project that yields a deliciously moist and flavorful treat perfect for any time of day. With a tender crumb, juicy berries, and a buttery streusel topping, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.

Give it a try and enjoy the cozy feeling that comes with homemade baked goods. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, the best blueberry coffee cake recipe is one that brings comfort and joy to the table.