If you’re looking for a coffee cake that feels like a warm hug on a lazy weekend morning, this Blueberry Sour Cream Coffee Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how the sour cream adds a tender, moist crumb that you just can’t get with plain butter or oil. The burst of fresh blueberries nestled between layers of buttery cake and a perfectly crunchy cinnamon crumb topping makes every bite a little celebration.
When I first tried this recipe, it quickly became my go-to for brunch gatherings and cozy breakfasts at home. Whether you’re serving friends or just treating yourself, the balance of sweet, tangy, and rich flavors means this cake never overstays its welcome. If you haven’t made a Blueberry Sour Cream Coffee Cake Recipe before, you’re in for a real treat that’s simple enough to whip up anytime but special enough to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist and Tender Texture: The sour cream adds delightful moisture that keeps the cake soft for days.
- Berry Burst: Fresh blueberries give juicy pops of flavor that contrast perfectly with the crumb topping.
- Easy Yet Impressive: This recipe is simple enough for a weekday treat but elegant enough for company.
- Versatile Flavors: Cinnamon, vanilla, and buttery crumble create layers of classic, homey tastes everyone loves.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll find that the ingredients here are pretty straightforward pantry staples but come together beautifully to create a dreamy texture and rich flavor. Using fresh or frozen blueberries works fine, and I have a handy tip for each to help you keep that berry goodness evenly distributed throughout the cake.
- All-purpose flour: Essential for structure; a trusted all-purpose works best for crumb cake.
- Brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes to both the batter and the crumb topping.
- Cinnamon: Infuses that warm, comforting aroma into the crumb topping.
- Butter (softened): Using softened butter helps you achieve the perfect crumb texture.
- Sour cream: The star ingredient that keeps the cake tender and moist.
- Milk: Adds just enough liquid to balance the batter without weighing it down.
- Eggs: Provide richness and help the cake rise.
- Vanilla extract: Boosts the flavor profile with a sweet, mellow depth.
- Blueberries: Fresh or frozen, these little bursts of fruit are what make this coffee cake special.
- Powdered sugar: For that simple yet elegant drizzle frosting on top.
Variations
I love tweaking this Blueberry Sour Cream Coffee Cake Recipe depending on the season or what’s in my pantry. Don’t hesitate to make it your own with these easy swaps — you might discover a new family favorite!
- Lemon Zest: Adding a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest to the batter brightens up the blueberries beautifully — I started tossing this in after a friend brought a lemon tree bounty!
- Mixed Berries: Substitute half the blueberries with raspberries or blackberries for a more complex berry flavor.
- Gluten-Free: I’ve had great luck using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe work for gluten-sensitive friends.
- Nut Topping: For some crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts atop the crumb before baking.
How to Make Blueberry Sour Cream Coffee Cake Recipe
Step 1: Whip up that irresistible crumb topping
Start by mixing flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl — this combo gives the crumb its signature flavor and texture. Then, cut in softened butter using a fork until the mixture looks like damp sand with little butter peas throughout. This crumb topping is what adds that delicate crunch and sweet cinnamon finish, so don’t rush it!
Step 2: Prepare the luscious coffee cake batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish well with cooking spray. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and brown sugar. In a separate bowl, combine sour cream, milk, eggs, and vanilla. Then, add softened butter to the dry mix and stir until crumbly — I like using a stand mixer for this part to save my arm from going sore!
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ones and mix just until combined. Overmixing here can make the cake dense, so stop as soon as you don’t see any flour streaks.
Step 3: Assemble the layers and bake to perfection
Pour a little more than half the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the blueberries over this first layer. If you’re using frozen berries, don’t thaw them — instead, toss them with a tablespoon of flour to keep them from sinking. Spoon the remaining batter over the berries and spread gently but evenly. Finish by sprinkling your crumb topping over the whole cake and press lightly to help it stick.
Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, keeping an eye on the top—if it starts browning too quickly, tent the pan with foil to prevent burning while the inside finishes baking. It’s done when a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Step 4: Drizzle on the finishing touch
Whisk powdered sugar with a bit of water or milk until smooth but still thick enough to drizzle. I love this quick little glaze because it adds just the right amount of sweetness and makes the cake look as good as it tastes. Drizzle generously over the warm coffee cake, slice, and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making Blueberry Sour Cream Coffee Cake Recipe
- Don’t Overmix Batter: Overmixing can develop gluten and make your cake dense; stir just until flour disappears.
- Keep Blueberries from Sinking: Toss frozen berries in flour so they hold in place between cake layers.
- Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: This helps everything combine smoothly, giving you a tender, consistent crumb.
- Watch Baking Time Closely: Every oven is different; check cake with a toothpick after 50 minutes and tent with foil if browning too fast.
How to Serve Blueberry Sour Cream Coffee Cake Recipe
Garnishes
My favorite way to garnish this coffee cake is with a few extra fresh blueberries scattered on top right after drizzling the glaze. Sometimes I dust a light sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving for that extra touch of sweetness and charm. If I’m feeling a bit fancy, a sprig of fresh mint brightens up each slice beautifully and adds a pop of color.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, but I also love serving it alongside scrambled eggs or a simple yogurt parfait for a balanced brunch spread. Fresh fruit salad or roasted nuts add a nice contrast to the soft cake, making your meal feel even more special.
Creative Ways to Present
For birthdays or special occasions, I’ve assembled this coffee cake on a pretty platter with a dusting of powdered sugar and scattered edible flowers — it really dresses up the table. I also like to cut it into smaller squares and serve on mini dessert plates with a side of whipped cream or homemade vanilla bean ice cream for an indulgent twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover Blueberry Sour Cream Coffee Cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm, the fridge works fine too to keep it fresh a little longer, but I always bring it to room temp before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
This coffee cake freezes really well! I slice it into individual portions, wrap each tightly in plastic wrap, then pop them in a freezer-safe bag. When I’m ready for a treat, I thaw a slice overnight in the fridge or warm it gently in the microwave for 20-30 seconds — it tastes almost fresh-baked.
Reheating
To reheat, I like to place slices on a microwave-safe plate with a damp paper towel over the top, microwaving in short bursts to avoid drying out the cake. You can also warm it gently in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. Reheating this way revives the crumb’s softness and brings the blackberry flavor back to life.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen blueberries for the Blueberry Sour Cream Coffee Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! Just keep them frozen and toss them with a tablespoon of flour before folding into the batter. This helps prevent the blueberries from sinking to the bottom and keeps their flavor evenly distributed throughout the cake.
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What if I don’t have sour cream — can I substitute something else?
You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or crème fraîche in equal amounts. These alternatives will still provide that moist, tender texture and slight tanginess, although the flavor might be a touch different.
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How do I know when the Blueberry Sour Cream Coffee Cake is done baking?
Check by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s ready. The top should be golden brown but not burnt—if it browns too quickly, tent with foil to finish baking through.
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Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?
Yes! The Blueberry Sour Cream Coffee Cake Recipe keeps well for 1-2 days at room temperature and can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Just warm it gently before serving to bring back that fresh-baked feel.
Final Thoughts
This Blueberry Sour Cream Coffee Cake Recipe is one of those gems I keep coming back to whenever I want a comforting breakfast or an easy dessert with a homemade feel. The way the blueberries and crumb topping come together with the moist cake always reminds me why simple ingredients, given a little love, make the best memories. Give this recipe a try on your next slow morning—you’ll find your new favorite coffee cake, just like I did!
PrintBlueberry Sour Cream Coffee Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Blueberry Sour Cream Coffee Cake is a delightful breakfast or brunch treat featuring a tender, moist crumb cake layered with juicy blueberries and topped with a cinnamon-spiced crumb topping. Finished with a light powdered sugar glaze, this classic American coffee cake is perfect for morning gatherings or a cozy weekend indulgence.
Ingredients
Crumb Topping
- 1 cup flour
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
Cake Batter
- 2 3/4 cups flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3 eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 3 cups blueberries (if using frozen, toss with 1 tablespoon flour, do not thaw)
Powdered Sugar Frosting
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 teaspoons water or milk
Instructions
- Make the Crumb Topping: In a small mixing bowl, combine 1 cup flour, 3/4 cup brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Add 1/2 cup softened butter and blend with a fork until mixture resembles damp sand with pea-sized butter pieces. Set aside.
- Prepare the Batter: Preheat oven to 350℉ and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. In a large bowl, mix 2 3/4 cups flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 cup sugar, and 1/2 cup brown sugar. In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup milk, 3 eggs, and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract.
- Combine Ingredients: Add 1 cup softened butter to the dry ingredients and mix until crumbly, preferably using a stand mixer. Pour wet ingredients into the dry mix and blend until combined.
- Assemble the Cake: Spread a little more than half of the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the 3 cups blueberries evenly over the batter. Spoon the remaining batter on top of the blueberries and spread evenly. Sprinkle the prepared crumb topping over the top and lightly press it into the batter.
- Bake: Bake the cake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time.
- Prepare and Drizzle Icing: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 2-3 teaspoons water or milk until smooth. Drizzle the icing over the warm coffee cake.
- Serve: Serve the coffee cake warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw. Toss them with 1 tablespoon flour to prevent sinking.
- Bring all ingredients to room temperature before mixing for a tender cake and easier batter preparation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/24th of cake)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg