It’s funny how some recipes just become instant classics in your home. This Blueberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake is definitely one of those for us. The first time I baked it, the aroma alone was enough to draw everyone into the kitchen, and the taste? Oh, the taste! The moist, tender crumb of the coffee cake, swirled with a tangy cream cheese filling and bursts of juicy blueberries – it’s a symphony of flavors and textures. My family devoured it within hours, and ever since, it’s been requested for every brunch, holiday gathering, and even just a regular weekend treat. It’s the kind of recipe that feels both special and approachable, impressive enough for guests but simple enough for a weeknight bake. If you’re looking for a coffee cake that’s guaranteed to impress and become a family favorite, look no further. This Blueberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake is it.

Ingredients

• For the Crumb Topping:
  • All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup (125g), provides structure and texture to the topping.
  • Granulated Sugar: ½ cup (100g), adds sweetness and helps create a crisp topping.
  • Brown Sugar: ½ cup (100g), packed, adds moisture, depth of flavor, and a chewy texture.
  • Cold Unsalted Butter: ½ cup (113g), cut into small cubes, creates a crumbly texture and rich flavor.
  • Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon, adds warmth and classic coffee cake flavor.
  • Pinch of Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
• For the Coffee Cake:
  • All-Purpose Flour: 2 ½ cups (315g), the base of the cake, provides structure.
  • Granulated Sugar: 1 cup (200g), sweetens the cake and contributes to its moistness.
  • Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons, a leavening agent that makes the cake light and fluffy.
  • Baking Soda: ½ teaspoon, another leavening agent that reacts with acidic ingredients for lift.
  • Salt: ½ teaspoon, balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
  • Unsalted Butter: ½ cup (113g), softened, adds richness, moisture, and flavor.
  • Vegetable Oil: ½ cup (120ml), contributes to a moist and tender crumb.
  • Large Eggs: 2, at room temperature, bind the ingredients and add richness and structure.
  • Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, enhances the overall flavor profile of the cake.
  • Buttermilk: 1 cup (240ml), adds tanginess, tenderness, and moisture to the cake.
• For the Cream Cheese Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: 8 ounces (226g), softened, provides a tangy and creamy filling.
  • Granulated Sugar: ¼ cup (50g), sweetens the cream cheese filling.
  • Large Egg Yolk: 1, binds the filling and adds richness.
  • Vanilla Extract: ½ teaspoon, complements the cream cheese flavor.
• For the Blueberry Swirl:
  • Fresh Blueberries: 1 ½ cups (approximately 225g), plump and juicy, provide bursts of fruity sweetness.
  • All-Purpose Flour: 1 tablespoon, helps prevent the blueberries from sinking to the bottom of the cake and keeps them suspended.

Instructions

1. Get Started: Preheat & Prepare. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. Properly preparing your pan ensures the cake releases easily once baked, preventing sticking and frustration. Preheating the oven to the correct temperature is crucial for even baking and the right texture.
2. Make the Crumb Topping. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the crumb topping. Whisking ensures even distribution of the dry ingredients for a consistent crumb. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Working with cold butter is key to creating a crumbly texture. If the butter gets too warm, the topping will be greasy rather than crumbly. Set aside the crumb topping in the refrigerator to keep the butter cold. Chilling the topping helps maintain its crumbly texture and prevents it from melting too quickly in the oven.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling. In a separate medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Softened cream cheese is essential for a smooth, lump-free filling. Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until well combined. The egg yolk adds richness and helps bind the filling. Set aside the cream cheese filling.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients for Cake. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt for the coffee cake. Whisking dry ingredients ensures they are evenly distributed, which is important for consistent leavening and flavor throughout the cake.
5. Combine Wet Ingredients for Cake. In a separate large bowl, or the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and vegetable oil until smooth and combined. Creaming butter and oil together helps create a tender cake crumb. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Adding eggs one at a time allows them to emulsify properly into the batter, creating a smooth and stable mixture. Beat in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Adding dry and wet ingredients alternately ensures they are incorporated smoothly and prevents overmixing. Overmixing can develop gluten and result in a tough cake. Start and end with dry ingredients to help prevent the buttermilk from curdling. Beat until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few streaks of flour are okay at this stage. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
6. Prepare the Blueberries. In a small bowl, toss the fresh blueberries with 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour. Tossing blueberries with flour helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake during baking. The flour coats the berries and provides a bit of grip, keeping them suspended within the batter.
7. Assemble the Coffee Cake. Pour half of the coffee cake batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Evenly distributing the batter ensures consistent baking. Dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese filling over the batter, scattering it randomly. Don’t worry about making it perfectly neat; a rustic swirl is part of the charm. Sprinkle half of the floured blueberries over the cream cheese filling. Gently swirl the cream cheese filling and blueberries into the batter using a knife or toothpick. Swirling creates beautiful marbling and distributes the filling and blueberries throughout the cake. Pour the remaining coffee cake batter over the cream cheese and blueberry layer, spreading evenly. Dollop the remaining cream cheese filling over the top batter layer and sprinkle with the remaining blueberries. Repeat the dolloping and sprinkling process to create layers of flavor and texture. Sprinkle the prepared crumb topping evenly over the entire cake. A generous crumb topping is a hallmark of a good coffee cake.
8. Bake the Coffee Cake. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking time can vary depending on your oven, so check for doneness starting at 45 minutes. The cake should be golden brown and spring back lightly when touched. Let the coffee cake cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving. Cooling allows the cake to set and makes it easier to slice. Cooling slightly also enhances the flavors.

Nutrition Facts

• Serving Size: 1 slice (recipe makes approximately 12 servings)
• Calories: Approximately 420 kcal per serving (This is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and measurements).
• Fat: Approximately 22g

(Please note: These values are estimates and for informational purposes only. Actual nutrition facts may vary. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with the specific brands and measurements of ingredients used.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 30-40 minutes (Includes making crumb topping, cream cheese filling, cake batter, and assembly)
• Bake Time: 45-55 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes – 1 hour 35 minutes (From start to oven-ready)
• Cooling Time: 15-20 minutes (Before serving)

This Blueberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake is a delightful project that, while requiring a few steps, is well worth the time invested. The active preparation time is reasonable, allowing you to enjoy the baking process without feeling overwhelmed. The baking time allows the cake to fully cook and develop its moist, tender texture. Remember to factor in cooling time to ensure the cake is perfectly set and ready to serve.

How to Serve

This Blueberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Warm & Cozy:
  • Slightly Warm: The best way to experience the full flavor and moistness is to serve it slightly warm, soon after it has cooled enough to handle. The crumb topping will still be slightly crisp, and the cake will be incredibly tender.
  • Warm with a Dollop of Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or crème fraîche enhances the richness and provides a cool contrast to the warm cake.
  • Warm with Vanilla Ice Cream: For a more decadent dessert experience, serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The melting ice cream creates a delightful sauce.
• Brunch & Breakfast:
  • Coffee or Tea Pairing: Naturally, coffee cake pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The flavors complement each other beautifully, making it an ideal breakfast or brunch treat.
  • Alongside Fresh Fruit: Serve slices alongside a colorful fruit salad or a simple bowl of fresh berries to balance the sweetness and add freshness.
  • Part of a Brunch Spread: Include this coffee cake as part of a larger brunch buffet with savory items like quiches, frittatas, or breakfast sandwiches for a balanced and satisfying meal.
• Dessert & Sweet Treat:
  • Dust with Powdered Sugar: A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch and a hint of extra sweetness.
  • Lemon Glaze Drizzle: For a brighter flavor profile, drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the cooled cake. The tartness of the lemon complements the blueberries and cream cheese beautifully. (To make a glaze, whisk together powdered sugar with a little lemon juice until you reach desired consistency).
  • Caramel Sauce Drizzle: For a richer, more indulgent dessert, drizzle warm caramel sauce over slices of the coffee cake. The caramel notes pair wonderfully with the cinnamon and buttery flavors.
• Special Occasions & Gatherings:
  • Holiday Brunch Centerpiece: This coffee cake makes a beautiful and delicious centerpiece for holiday brunches like Easter, Mother’s Day, or Christmas morning.
  • Potlucks & Parties: It travels well and is always a crowd-pleaser at potlucks, picnics, and casual gatherings.
  • Gift Giving: Bake this coffee cake to gift to friends, neighbors, or as a thoughtful homemade treat for any occasion. Wrap it nicely in cellophane or a decorative box.

No matter how you choose to serve it, this Blueberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake is sure to be a hit. Its versatility and delicious flavors make it perfect for any time of day and any occasion.

Additional Tips for Baking Success

To ensure your Blueberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips and tricks:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the cake batter and cream cheese filling, using room temperature butter, cream cheese, and eggs is crucial. Room temperature ingredients emulsify more easily, creating a smoother batter and a more tender cake. Cold ingredients don’t blend together as well, which can result in a dense or unevenly textured cake. Take butter and cream cheese out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before starting, and eggs about 15-20 minutes prior.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing the cake batter develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to a tough and chewy cake instead of a tender one. Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. A few streaks of flour are okay – they will disappear as you fold in the blueberries and cream cheese. Once the flour is mostly incorporated, stop mixing.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Incorrectly measured flour is a common baking mistake. Too much flour will result in a dry and dense cake. The best way to measure flour is to spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge (like the back of a knife). Avoid scooping flour directly from the bag, as this compacts it and leads to using too much. For even more accurate results, use a kitchen scale to weigh the flour.
• Use Fresh, High-Quality Blueberries: While frozen blueberries can be used in a pinch (thaw and drain them well), fresh blueberries will provide the best flavor and texture. Choose plump, firm blueberries with a deep blue color. The quality of your blueberries directly impacts the overall flavor of the coffee cake.
• Chill the Crumb Topping: As mentioned in the instructions, chilling the crumb topping is important. Cold butter creates a crumbly texture. If the butter is warm, the topping will spread and become greasy instead of crumbly. Chilling helps maintain that desirable texture. If your kitchen is warm, you might even consider chilling the topping for longer than just while you prepare the cake batter.
• Check for Doneness Properly: Don’t just rely on the baking time. Ovens vary, and the cake’s thickness can also affect baking time. The best way to check for doneness is to insert a wooden skewer or toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs attached, the cake is done. If it comes out with wet batter, it needs more time.
• Cool Completely (or Almost) Before Slicing: While warm coffee cake is tempting, letting it cool in the pan for at least 15-20 minutes allows it to set up properly. This makes it easier to slice and prevents it from crumbling. If you try to slice it too soon, it might be too soft and fall apart. For cleaner slices, let it cool almost completely before cutting.
• Store Properly to Maintain Freshness: Store leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To maintain moisture, you can place a piece of paper towel in the container. Refrigerating is recommended if your kitchen is warm or humid, or if you want to store it for longer. You can also gently reheat slices in the microwave for a few seconds to revive their warmth and softness.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking a truly exceptional Blueberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake that will impress your family and friends. Baking is a science, but with a little attention to detail, you can achieve delicious and consistent results every time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh blueberries?

A: Yes, you can use frozen blueberries if fresh are not available. However, it’s important to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before tossing them with flour and adding them to the cake. Frozen blueberries tend to release more moisture than fresh ones, which can affect the cake’s texture. Thawing and draining minimizes this extra moisture.

Q2: Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! This Blueberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake is a great make-ahead dessert. You can bake it a day ahead of time and store it at room temperature in an airtight container. In fact, some people find that the flavors even meld together and improve overnight. Just be sure to let it cool completely before storing.

Q3: Can I freeze Blueberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake?

A: Yes, you can freeze this coffee cake for longer storage. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place slices in freezer-safe bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours before serving. Freezing is a great way to enjoy this cake at a later date.

Q4: I don’t have buttermilk. Can I use a substitute?

A: Yes, you can easily make a buttermilk substitute. For 1 cup of buttermilk, combine 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar with 1 cup of milk. Stir and let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken slightly before using in the recipe. This mixture mimics the acidity and texture of buttermilk, which is important for the cake’s tenderness and flavor.

Q5: Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

A: While you can slightly reduce the sugar, it’s important to remember that sugar contributes to both sweetness and moisture in baking. Reducing it too much can affect the cake’s texture and flavor. You could try reducing the granulated sugar in the cake batter by ¼ cup without significantly impacting the outcome. However, it’s not recommended to drastically reduce sugar in baking recipes as it plays a structural role.

Q6: My crumb topping sank into the cake. What did I do wrong?

A: There are a few reasons why crumb topping might sink. One common reason is that the crumb topping was too warm and melted into the batter during baking. Make sure your butter is cold when making the topping and chill it while preparing the cake batter. Another reason could be that the batter was too wet, or the crumb topping was too finely ground. Ensure your batter consistency is as described in the recipe and your crumb topping is coarse, not powdery.

Q7: Can I use a different type of fruit instead of blueberries?

A: Yes, you can definitely experiment with other fruits! Raspberries, blackberries, or chopped strawberries would all be delicious substitutes for blueberries. You could also use a mix of berries. Just ensure that if using frozen fruit, you thaw and drain it properly. Adjust the amount of fruit as needed to maintain a good balance within the cake.

Q8: My coffee cake is dry. What could have caused this?

A: A dry coffee cake can be caused by a few factors. Overbaking is a common culprit, so be sure to check for doneness using a skewer and avoid baking it for too long. Measuring too much flour is another frequent cause of dryness. Use the spoon and level method or a kitchen scale to measure flour accurately. Also, ensure you are using the correct amount of liquid ingredients (buttermilk and oil) as specified in the recipe. Using oil in addition to butter helps keep the cake moist, so don’t omit it unless you have a specific dietary reason.

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