Blueberry Breakfast Cake Recipe

The Ultimate Blueberry Breakfast Cake: A Perfect Start to Your Day

When it comes to breakfast, we all have our favorites—whether it’s a hearty bowl of oatmeal, a stack of fluffy pancakes, or a classic scrambled egg on toast. However, there’s something undeniably special about starting your day with a slice of cake, especially when it’s a Blueberry Breakfast Cake. This delightful recipe is not just a treat for your taste buds but also a great way to infuse your morning with a burst of flavor and energy.

A Breakfast Cake for All Occasions

The Blueberry Breakfast Cake is a moist, lightly sweetened “coffee” cake that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as an afternoon snack. Its tender crumb and juicy blueberries make it a delightful treat that’s hard to resist. The best part? It’s incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed on any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a brunch with friends, looking for a quick breakfast option for busy mornings, or simply want to indulge in something sweet with your coffee, this cake has got you covered.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this Blueberry Breakfast Cake. First and foremost, it’s easy to make, requiring only a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. The combination of fresh blueberries and lemon zest adds a refreshing tang to the cake, while the buttermilk keeps it moist and tender. The sprinkling of turbinado sugar on top adds a delightful crunch, making every bite a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Moreover, this cake is a great way to make use of those fresh, ripe blueberries that are abundant in the summer. The recipe calls for two cups of blueberries, which means every slice is bursting with juicy berries that add a natural sweetness and vibrant color to the cake. The lemon zest not only enhances the flavor of the blueberries but also adds a hint of citrus that brightens up the entire cake.

The Ingredients: Simple Yet Delicious

The beauty of this Blueberry Breakfast Cake lies in its simplicity. Here’s a closer look at the ingredients that make this cake so special:

Unsalted Butter: At room temperature, butter is the key to creating a light and fluffy cake. It provides a rich flavor and helps achieve the perfect crumb texture.
Lemon Zest: The zest from one lemon adds a refreshing citrus flavor that complements the sweetness of the blueberries. Just be sure to avoid the white pith, as it can be bitter.
Granulated Sugar: The sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness to the cake, without overpowering the natural flavors of the blueberries.
Large Egg: The egg helps bind the ingredients together and gives the cake structure.
Pure Vanilla Extract: A teaspoon of vanilla extract adds a warm, sweet undertone that enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
All-Purpose Flour: The flour provides the structure for the cake, while the additional two tablespoons help coat the blueberries to prevent them from sinking to the bottom.
Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps the cake rise, giving it a light and airy texture.
Sea Salt: Just a pinch of sea salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Fresh Blueberries: The star of the show! Fresh, ripe blueberries bring natural sweetness, juiciness, and a burst of flavor to every bite.
Buttermilk: Buttermilk is the secret ingredient that keeps the cake moist and tender. Its slight tang also pairs beautifully with the lemon zest and blueberries.
Turbinado Sugar: This coarse sugar is sprinkled on top of the cake before baking, creating a delightful crunchy topping that contrasts with the soft cake.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Perfect Blueberry Breakfast Cake

Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, let’s walk through the steps to create this delicious Blueberry Breakfast Cake. The process is straightforward, and the results are well worth the effort.

Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F. This lower baking temperature ensures that the cake bakes evenly, without browning too quickly.
Prepare Your Pan: Lightly grease and flour an 8-inch springform pan. This type of pan is ideal because it allows for easy removal of the cake once it’s baked. If you don’t have a springform pan, you can also use an 8×8 or 9×9 square pan—just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
Prep the Blueberries: Set aside ⅓ cup of blueberries to sprinkle on top of the batter before baking. Toss the remaining blueberries with two tablespoons of flour. This step is crucial because it helps prevent the blueberries from sinking to the bottom of the cake as it bakes.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine two cups of all-purpose flour, baking powder, and sea salt. Set this mixture aside for later.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the room-temperature butter, lemon zest, and granulated sugar. Beat the mixture for several minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed, until it becomes light and fluffy. This step is essential for creating a cake with a tender crumb.
Add the Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.
Incorporate the Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk: Add one-third of the flour mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, beating on low speed until incorporated. Then, add one-third of the buttermilk and blend until smooth. Repeat this process, alternating between the remaining flour mixture and buttermilk, until both are fully incorporated. The batter will be thick, but that’s exactly how it should be.
Fold in the Blueberries: Gently fold in the floured blueberries using a rubber spatula. Take care not to rupture the berries, as you want them to remain whole and juicy in the finished cake.
Transfer the Batter to the Pan: Scoop the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Scatter the reserved ⅓ cup of blueberries on top, then sprinkle with the turbinado sugar. This topping adds a delightful crunch and makes the cake look even more inviting.
Bake the Cake: Place the cake in your preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out almost clean. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven and the type of pan you’re using, so keep a close eye on the cake as it nears the end of the baking time.
Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to rest for 30 minutes before removing the sides of the springform pan. This cooling time helps the cake set and makes it easier to slice. Serve the cake warm or at room temperature, and enjoy the delicious combination of tender cake and juicy blueberries. Any leftovers can be refrigerated for longer storage, but be warned—the cake may crumble a bit more when warm, though it’s just as tasty.

Tips for Success

Use Fresh Blueberries: While frozen blueberries can be used in a pinch, fresh blueberries are ideal for this recipe. They hold their shape better during baking and provide a burst of juiciness in every bite.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: When incorporating the dry ingredients and buttermilk, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
Adjust Baking Time for Different Pans: If you’re using a lighter-colored pan or a different size, keep an eye on the cake and adjust the baking time accordingly. The cake is done when it’s lightly browned and a toothpick comes out almost clean.
Serve with a Dusting of Powdered Sugar: For an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal, consider dusting the cooled cake with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving.

A Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing Recipe

The Blueberry Breakfast Cake is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a dessert. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea, and you have a comforting treat that’s sure to please. Whether you’re serving it to guests or enjoying it on a quiet morning at home, this cake is bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

With its tender crumb, juicy blueberries, and subtle citrus notes, this Blueberry Breakfast Cake is a delightful way to start your day. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll see why it’s a beloved choice for breakfast and beyond. Happy baking!