The Ultimate Blueberry Coffee Cake Recipe: A Delicious Treat for Every Occasion
Coffee cakes hold a special place in the hearts of many, providing a perfect blend of comfort and indulgence. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat to accompany your morning coffee or a delightful dessert to share with friends, this Blueberry Coffee Cake is sure to impress. Created by Camila Hurst, this recipe takes the classic coffee cake to new heights with the addition of fresh blueberries, a rich sour cream base, and a crumbly streusel topping. To finish it off, a creamy glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe truly exceptional.
A Coffee Cake That’s Bursting with Blueberries
Blueberries are the star of this coffee cake, adding a burst of fruity flavor that pairs beautifully with the rich, tender cake. Whether you opt for fresh or frozen blueberries, their juicy sweetness complements the cake’s buttery crumb. Not only do the blueberries provide a delicious contrast to the cake’s richness, but they also add a lovely pop of color that makes this dessert as visually appealing as it is tasty.
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of blueberries, ensuring that each bite is filled with fruity goodness. To prevent the blueberries from sinking to the bottom of the cake during baking, they are tossed with a little flour before being folded into the batter. This simple step helps to distribute the berries evenly throughout the cake, so you’ll enjoy their sweet-tart flavor in every slice.
The Secret to a Moist and Tender Coffee Cake: Sour Cream
One of the key ingredients that sets this coffee cake apart is sour cream. While it may not be a traditional component of coffee cakes, sour cream adds a richness and moisture that elevates the texture of the cake. The acidity in the sour cream also reacts with the baking soda in the batter, helping the cake to rise and creating a tender crumb that practically melts in your mouth.
If you’re looking to make this recipe a bit lighter, you can substitute the sour cream with yogurt. While the cake may lose a touch of its richness, the yogurt will still provide the necessary moisture and acidity to create a delicious result. However, if you’re aiming for the ultimate indulgence, stick with the sour cream for a cake that is luxuriously moist and flavorful.
A Crumbly Streusel Topping That Takes It Over the Top
No coffee cake is complete without a generous layer of streusel, and this Blueberry Coffee Cake delivers in spades. The streusel topping is made from a simple mixture of flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and butter. The combination of sugars adds depth of flavor, with the brown sugar contributing a hint of caramel that pairs beautifully with the blueberries.
The key to a perfect streusel is in the butter. It’s important that the butter is at room temperature before mixing it with the dry ingredients. This allows the butter to evenly incorporate with the flour and sugars, creating a crumbly texture that will bake up into a golden, crispy topping. If your streusel mixture clumps together while chilling in the fridge, simply break it up with your fingers before sprinkling it over the cake.
The Importance of Proper Baking
Baking this coffee cake to perfection requires a bit of attention to detail. First, make sure your oven is preheated to 350°F before you begin. This ensures that the cake will bake evenly, with the heat properly circulating around the pan.
Speaking of pans, the choice of baking vessel is crucial. Camila Hurst recommends using a deep 8-inch springform pan for this recipe. The springform design allows for easy removal of the cake once it’s baked, while the deep sides help contain the batter as it rises. If you don’t have a springform pan, a 9-inch cake pan will also work, though the cake may not rise quite as high.
As the cake bakes, keep an eye on the streusel topping. If you notice it beginning to brown too quickly, cover the cake with a piece of aluminum foil to prevent burning while the center continues to cook. You’ll know the cake is done when it feels firm to the touch and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Adding the Finishing Touch: Cream Cheese Glaze
Once your cake is baked and cooled, it’s time to add the finishing touch: a luscious cream cheese glaze. This simple yet decadent glaze is made from cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and a splash of milk. The cream cheese adds a tangy richness that complements the sweetness of the cake, while the powdered sugar ensures a smooth, glossy finish.
To make the glaze, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth, then gradually add the powdered sugar. Depending on the consistency you prefer, you can adjust the amount of milk to create a thicker or thinner glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake, allowing it to cascade down the sides for an irresistible presentation.
For those who enjoy a citrus twist, consider adding some lemon zest to the glaze. The bright, zesty flavor of lemon pairs beautifully with the blueberries and adds an extra layer of freshness to the cake. Alternatively, you can substitute the milk in the glaze with lemon juice for a tangy, lemon-infused drizzle.
Storing and Serving Your Blueberry Coffee Cake
This Blueberry Coffee Cake is best enjoyed fresh, but it also stores well for later enjoyment. If you plan to store the cake, it’s important to do so without the glaze, as the cream cheese in the glaze requires refrigeration. Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to five days. Once you’re ready to serve, bring the cake to room temperature before adding the glaze.
For longer storage, the cake can be frozen. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container before freezing. The cake will keep in the freezer for up to two months. To thaw, transfer the cake to the refrigerator overnight, then let it come to room temperature before glazing and serving.
Customizing Your Coffee Cake
One of the great things about this Blueberry Coffee Cake is its versatility. While blueberries are a classic choice, you can easily swap them out for other fruits depending on what’s in season. Chopped strawberries, raspberries, or even cherries would make delicious alternatives. Each fruit will bring its own unique flavor and texture to the cake, allowing you to experiment and find your favorite combination.
If you’re a fan of spices, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the batter for a warm, aromatic twist. Or, for a nutty crunch, sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts into the streusel topping before baking. The possibilities are endless, and this recipe serves as a wonderful base for all kinds of creative variations.
Conclusion: A Coffee Cake Worth Savoring
Camila Hurst’s Blueberry Coffee Cake is a delightful recipe that combines the best of everything: the tartness of blueberries, the richness of sour cream, the buttery crumb of streusel, and the creaminess of a luscious glaze. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply to enjoy with your morning coffee, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
With its tender crumb, juicy berries, and sweet glaze, this coffee cake is a treat that will bring joy to any table. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a cake that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat. Whether served for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack, this Blueberry Coffee Cake is the perfect way to celebrate the simple pleasures of home baking.
