Brown Sugar Blueberry Coffee Cake Recipe

If you’re craving a crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug in cake form, the Brown Sugar Blueberry Coffee Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, moist cake layered with juicy blueberries, all topped with a nutty, cinnamon-kissed streusel that caramelizes beautifully thanks to brown sugar. This delightful combination creates a perfect balance of sweetness and tang, making every bite irresistible whether it’s for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon treat with coffee.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this cake special is its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role—from the creamy butter and the rich brown sugar that brings depth to the flavor, to the fresh blueberries providing bursts of juicy freshness. Together, they create a harmony of textures and flavors that will have you coming back for seconds.

• 1/2 cup butter, softened: Essential for that rich and tender crumb.
• 3/4 cup brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and moistness to the cake.
• 2 large eggs: They bind everything together and give structure.
• 1 cup sour cream: Keeps the cake moist and adds a subtle tang.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The cake’s sturdy base that holds it all together.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Gives extra lift for a light texture.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• 1 1/2 cups blueberries: The star fruit adding vibrant color and juicy pops.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (for streusel): For sweetness and caramelization in the topping.
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for streusel): Provides the crumbly texture on top.
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds warmth and aroma to the streusel.
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted (for streusel): Binds the streusel topping into delicious clusters.

How to Make Brown Sugar Blueberry Coffee Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing or lining a 9×9-inch baking pan. This ensures your cake will bake evenly and release effortlessly once done.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Brown Sugar

Beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial to incorporate air and ensure a tender cake texture.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Next, beat in the eggs, then stir in sour cream and vanilla extract until smooth. The sour cream adds a lovely tang and keeps the cake moist and rich.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures your leaveners are evenly distributed, promoting an even rise.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until fully incorporated. Overmixing here can make the cake tough, so mix just enough to bring it together.

Step 6: Fold in Blueberries

To prevent blueberries from sinking, toss them lightly in a bit of flour before folding them gently into the batter. This trick keeps juicy bursts of blueberry right where you want them.

Step 7: Spread Batter into Pan

Evenly spread the blueberry-filled batter into your prepared baking pan, leveling the top with a spatula for an even bake.

Step 8: Prepare and Sprinkle the Streusel

Mix together the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and melted butter in a small bowl to create the streusel. Sprinkle it evenly over the batter, making sure every slice will get that crunchy, cinnamon-sweet topping.

Step 9: Bake Until Golden and Set

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The smell of cinnamon and brown sugar will tell you it’s almost time!

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Let the coffee cake cool slightly before slicing. It’s heavenly served warm, but also delicious at room temperature with a cup of coffee or tea for an indulgent moment.

How to Serve Brown Sugar Blueberry Coffee Cake Recipe

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vanilla glaze takes this cake to a whole new level of charm and sweetness. Fresh blueberries or a sprig of mint add a beautiful, fresh contrast for serving.

Side Dishes

This coffee cake pairs wonderfully with a creamy latte, a cup of hot tea, or even fresh fruit salad for a balanced breakfast or brunch. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can transform it into a delightful dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the cake in small individual ramekins or layering it in a trifle bowl with whipped cream and extra berries for a stunning visual and taste experience. Wrapped in parchment paper and tied with twine, it makes a thoughtful homemade gift too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cake tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to two days, or store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. This helps maintain moisture and fresh flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake by wrapping it well in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results and refresh by warming slightly before serving.

Reheating

Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds or warm the entire cake in the oven at 300°F (150°C) covered with foil for about 10 minutes, to revive that just-baked texture and aroma.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries for this coffee cake?

Yes! Frozen blueberries work great—just toss them in a little flour before folding them into the batter to prevent extra moisture and sinking.

What if I don’t have sour cream—can I substitute?

You can substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk for a similar tang and moisture, just keep the amount the same.

Is this recipe suitable for a larger pan?

For a larger pan, like a 9×13, you’ll want to increase the ingredients by about 1.5 times and adjust the bake time slightly, checking for doneness with a toothpick.

Can I add nuts to the streusel topping?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch and complement the cinnamon and brown sugar flavors beautifully.

How do I know when the coffee cake is perfectly baked?

Look for a golden-brown top and test with a toothpick inserted into the center that comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs—not wet batter.

Final Thoughts

If you want a comforting, flavorful treat to brighten your mornings or impress at brunch, you simply must try this Brown Sugar Blueberry Coffee Cake Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of sweet and tangy, soft and crumbly, with the kind of flavors that bring people together. Bake it, share it, enjoy it with your favorite cup of coffee, and watch how quickly it disappears!

Print