Are you craving a warm, comforting treat that's perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up? Look no further! This Blueberry Coffee Cake recipe, featuring the tangy goodness of sour cream, is guaranteed to become a family favorite. It's surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers, and the result is a moist, flavorful cake bursting with juicy blueberries. This recipe is your go-to for quick dinner ideas or simply a delicious dish anytime. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries (if frozen, do not thaw)
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
Instructions:
Getting Started: Preparing the Oven and Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures your coffee cake will bake evenly and release easily from the pan. Homemade cooking is all about attention to detail!
Making the Cake Batter: A Simple Process
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry ingredient mixture will be the base for our delicious coffee cake. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a tender crumb. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
Next, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough cake. Gently fold in the blueberries.
Preparing the Crumble Topping: Adding Texture and Flavor
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the crumble topping. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This topping adds a delightful crunch to the cake.
Assembling and Baking: The Final Steps
Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cooling and Serving: Enjoy Your Creation!
Let the coffee cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the cake to set and prevents it from crumbling when you cut into it. Dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance (optional).
Tips for the Best Blueberry Coffee Cake:
- For extra juicy blueberries, toss them with a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom.
- Don't overmix the batter! Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough cake.
- If using frozen blueberries, ensure they are completely drained before adding them to the batter. Excess moisture can make the cake soggy.
- For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar in the cake batter.
Variations:
- Lemon Blueberry Coffee Cake: Add the zest of one lemon to the cake batter.
- Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake: Replace blueberries with diced apples and increase the cinnamon in the crumble topping.
- Streusel Topping: For a different topping, try a streusel topping made with oats, flour, butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Protein: 4-5g
This delicious blueberry coffee cake is a perfect example of easy recipes and healthy meals that are achievable in your own kitchen. Enjoy this amazing treat! It's sure to impress your family and friends, and it’s a fantastic recipe to add to your best recipes collection.