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Easy Blueberry Coffee Cake

Featured in Sweet Treats and Baked Delights.

Moist and tender blueberry coffee cake with a cinnamon crumb crust. Use fresh or frozen berries for an easy dessert or breakfast option.
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Mena
Updated on Thu, 13 Mar 2025 01:21:24 GMT
Blueberry Coffee Cake Pin it
Blueberry Coffee Cake | delishdocket.com

The aroma of butter and fresh blueberries filled my kitchen the first time I baked this classic coffee cake. Dating back to 1954, this beloved recipe earned its charming name 'Boy Bait' for good reason. As the blueberries gently burst in the oven, creating pockets of jammy sweetness throughout the tender cake, and the golden streusel topping develops its signature crunch, it becomes clear why this recipe has remained a favorite for generations.

Key Ingredients

  • Unsalted butter, properly softened
  • Farm-fresh blueberries
  • Dark brown sugar for depth
  • Fresh lemon zest
  • Premium vanilla extract
  • Seasonal berries preferred
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Blueberry Coffee Cake Recipe | delishdocket.com

Essential Techniques

Streusel Preparation:
Work butter and sugar by hand until perfect crumbs form, ensuring that signature crispy topping.
Cake Foundation:
Cream butter and sugar until light and airy, then incorporate fresh blueberries with a gentle touch to maintain their integrity.

Texture Perfection

The secret to achieving that ideal crumb lies in patience. Room temperature ingredients, particularly eggs left out overnight and butter softened naturally, create the difference between an ordinary coffee cake and an exceptional one.

Variations

The recipe welcomes gentle adjustments - an extra handful of berries, a whisper of nutmeg in the streusel, though the classic version stands perfectly on its own. It pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream, and has become a magnet for neighbors who seem to sense when it's baking.

Easy Blueberry Coffee Cake Recipe Pin it
Easy Blueberry Coffee Cake Recipe | delishdocket.com

Professional Tips

Watch for visual cues in the butter-sugar mixture

Allow blueberries to distribute naturally

Practice builds streusel-making confidence

This coffee cake continues the legacy of that innovative Chicago teenager, transforming simple ingredients into moments of joy. Whether served at weekend brunches or quiet morning gatherings, it remains a reliable way to make any day feel special.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Is it okay to bake this with frozen blueberries?
Yes, you don’t need to let frozen blueberries thaw. Just toss them straight into the mixture frozen.
→ How long will the cake stay good?
The cake tastes best when fresh, but you can store it covered at room temp for a few days.
→ Can I freeze this for later?
Absolutely, wrap it tightly and freeze it for up to 3 months. Leave it on the counter overnight to defrost.
→ What’s the story behind the name Boy Bait?
The name came from the 1950s, when this cake was said to capture boys’ attention with its deliciousness!
→ Can I skip the cinnamon topping?
You could, but the crunchy topping adds flavor and texture that makes this cake extra special.

Blueberry Streusel Cake

Soft and buttery coffee cake loaded with blueberries, finished with a sweet and crunchy cinnamon topping. A truly crave-worthy treat!

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
70 Minutes
By: Mena

Category: Desserts & Baking

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 16 Servings (1 9-inch cake)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Streusel Topping

01 4 tablespoons cold, unsalted butter, cut into chunks about half an inch big
02 6 tablespoons light brown sugar, tightly packed
03 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
04 1/4 teaspoon salt
05 1/2 cup all-purpose flour that’s been spooned in and leveled off

→ Cake

06 2 teaspoons baking powder
07 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter softened to room temp
08 3/4 cup regular white sugar
09 1 teaspoon zest from a lemon, packed
10 1/2 cup milk
11 1 1/2 teaspoons real vanilla extract
12 2 cups of flour for all purposes; spoon and level it
13 2 large eggs
14 2 cups blueberries (fresh works best, but frozen is fine if you don’t thaw them)
15 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Step 01

Grab a small bowl and mix the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Use your hands to break up any clumps in the brown sugar. Work the cold butter chunks into the mix until it feels crumbly. Pop it in the fridge for later.

Step 02

Set the oven to 375°F and place the rack right in the middle. Butter a 9-inch square baking pan or use a spray that won’t stick.

Step 03

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together. Set it aside for now.

Step 04

Beat the butter with granulated sugar until it’s nice and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Finally, stir in the vanilla and the lemon zest.

Step 05

Take turns adding the flour mixture and milk to the wet ingredients, starting and finishing with the flour mixture. Keep the mixer on a low setting while you do this. Gently fold in the blueberries so they’re evenly spread out.

Step 06

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle the streusel topping over it. Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the top is golden and a tester comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 20 minutes before serving.

Notes

  1. Best to enjoy fresh on the day you bake it
  2. You can freeze it for up to 3 months
  3. If you have leftovers, they’ll stay good at room temp for a couple of days

Tools You'll Need

  • 9-inch square pan for baking
  • Electric hand or stand mixer
  • A couple of medium bowls for mixing
  • Measuring tools like cups and spoons

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Has dairy (butter and milk)
  • Contains eggs
  • Has gluten due to the wheat in the flour

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 223
  • Total Fat: 10 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 31 g
  • Protein: 3 g