Treat yourself to a delicious and refreshing dessert today. This lemon blueberry coffee cake recipe is bursting with the tangy flavor of lemon and the sweetness of blueberries, this coffee cake is the perfect treat for any time of the day.
The streusel topping adds a delightful crunch, making each bite a true delight. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply want to indulge in a homemade treat, this recipe is sure to impress.
Key Takeaways:
- Zesty & Sweet Combo: This coffee cake blends tangy lemon with sweet, juicy blueberries, creating a perfect balance of flavors for any time of day.
- Crispy Streusel Topping: The lemon-infused crumb topping adds a satisfying crunch and extra flavor dimension to every bite.
- Simple Baking Tips: Lightly coating blueberries in flour prevents them from sinking to the bottom, ensuring even distribution.
- Brain-Boosting Benefits: Lemons aren’t just tasty—they’re packed with vitamin C and antioxidants that help boost mood, support immunity, and protect brain health.
- Flexible Ingredients: You can use gluten-free flour, vegan butter, or sugar alternatives without compromising the taste or texture.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving brunch or treating yourself, this homemade cake is sure to impress your guests—or just yourself!
Overview:
Brighten your day with this irresistible Lemon Streusel Blueberry Coffee Cake—a refreshing twist on a classic treat! Bursting with the zesty tang of fresh lemons and the natural sweetness of juicy blueberries, this cake delivers the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Topped with a golden, buttery streusel and made with simple ingredients, it’s an ideal choice for brunches, afternoon tea, or a cozy homemade dessert. Plus, with tips to keep your berries from sinking and a bonus brain-boosting nutrition nugget about lemons, this recipe goes beyond delicious—it’s smart baking with feel-good benefits. Let’s bake something beautiful (and tasty) today!
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Sis Tip - Simple is Smart Tip for Lemon Streusel Blueberry Coffee Cake.
To keep the blueberries evenly distributed throughout the coffee cake lightly coat the blueberries with a dusting of all-purpose flour. Gently toss the blueberries with 1-2 tbsp of flour and then gently fold the coated blueberries into the batter just before adding the batter to the pan.
Neuro Nutrition Nugget for Lemons
Lemons, with their tangy and refreshing flavor, are not only a delicious addition to your meals and drinks, but they are also good for your brain. Packed with vitamin C, lemons help boost your immune system and ward off illnesses. But this citrus fruit also has benefits for your brain health? Lemons contain high levels of antioxidants, which help protect your brain cells from damage caused by free radicals. These free radicals can lead to cognitive decline and memory loss. The scent of lemons can elevate your mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and help your brain stay sharp and focused. By incorporating lemons into your diet, you can give your brain the essential nutrients it needs to function at its best. So squeeze some lemon into your water or add it to your salad dressings to keep your brain sharp and focused!
Ingredients for the Lemon Streusel Blueberry Coffee Cake
Cake Ingredients:
- Butter: I used salted butter
- White Sugar: If you are looking to make it healthier use King Arthur Baking Sugar Alternative.
- Eggs: large eggs
- All-Purpose Flour: or substitute King Arthur Measure for Measure Gluten Free Flour
- Baking Soda: Helps your Coffee Cake rise this is activated by the addition of an acid like the lemon juice
- Baking Powder: Leavening agent for the cake activated by heat of the oven.
- Sea Salt: Just a small amount to enhance the flavor
- Lemon Juice: Fresh squeezed is best
- Vanilla: Use pure vanilla extract, no imitation please.
- Sour Cream; Full Fat Sour cream is best.
- Blueberries: Fresh or Frozen. Don’t use thawed. If using frozen you may need to bake the cake a little longer.
Streusel Ingredients:
- Flour: Use all purpose flour
- Brown Sugar: you can use all brown sugar if you prefer.
- White Sugar
- Lemon Zest: zest the lemon you are squeezing for the juice in this recipel
- Melted butter: Vegan butter also works.
Step by Step Instructions for Lemon Streusel Blueberry Coffee Cake:
Make the Streusel Topping:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Mix the brown and white sugar in a medium-sized bowl. Add the melted butter and lemon oil and set aside.
- Mix the flour, salt, and lemon zest. Then, add the flour to the sugar and butter mixture. Stir to mix in lightly. Set aside while you make the cake.
Make the Coffee Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a stand mixer bowl, add the sugar and butter, mix on medium until fluffy. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl.
- Add the eggs one at a time and mix well after each egg. Scrape the bowl before adding the vanilla and lemon juice. Mix on medium for 1 minute and scrape sides and bottom of the bowl.
- Mix the flour, baking powder, soda, and salt in a separate bowl until well blended.
- At low speed, alternately add ⅓ of the flour mixture alternating with ⅓ of the sour cream. Beat for 1 minute after each addition and scrape down the sides of the bowl after each addition.
- Once all the flour and sour cream is mixed in, add a tablespoon of flour to the blueberries and lightly toss to coat the blueberries. The flour helps the blueberries not sink to the bottom of the coffee cake during baking.
- Add a piece of parchment paper to the bottom of a 9 X 9-inch baking pan; spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- Add the blueberries to the batter and gently fold in. Overmixing will remove the flour coating from the blueberries and they will sink to the bottom of the pan.
- Add the batter to the pan and top with the Lemon Streusel topping.
- Bake for 40 – 50 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Loosely cover the pan with a piece of aluminum foil to keep the crumb topping from over-browning.
- Remove from the oven and cool before serving.
- Store cake at room temperature for 2-3 days in a covered container.
Farmer Fred Loves any cake with a Streusel topping and some of his favorites are my Double Crumb Cake, Cinnamon Streusel Cake, and my Lemon Pound Cake with a streusel topping.
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FAQ:
Q: Can I use frozen blueberries for this coffee cake?
A: Yes, frozen blueberries work well! Just don’t thaw them first, and you may need to bake the cake a few minutes longer.
Q: How do I prevent blueberries from sinking to the bottom?
A: Lightly toss the blueberries with 1–2 tablespoons of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps suspend them evenly.
Q: Can I make this coffee cake gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with King Arthur Measure for Measure Gluten-Free Flour for a celiac-friendly version.
Q: Is the streusel topping necessary?
A: While optional, the streusel topping adds a lemony crunch that elevates the texture and flavor—highly recommended!
Q: How should I store the leftover coffee cake?
A: Store it in a covered container at room temperature for 2–3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
Q: What’s the benefit of using lemon in this recipe?
A: Beyond flavor, lemons provide antioxidants and vitamin C, which support brain health and immune function.
Lemon Blueberry Coffee Cake
Equipment
- This page contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click a link, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you
- To see the ingredient amounts in metric units, click the blue "METRIC:" button between the ingredients and the instructions for this recipe.
Ingredients
Lemon Streusel Topping
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ⅛ tsp lemon oil or 1 tsp lemon extract
- 1/2 cup melted butter (1 sticks)
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (300g)
- zest from 1/2 lemon
Cake
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 stick butter (1 stick)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups fresh blueberries dusted with flour.
Instructions
Lemon Streusel Topping
- Mix the brown and white sugar in a medium-sized bowl. Add the melted butter and lemon oil and set aside.
- Mix the flour, salt, and lemon zest. Then, add the flour to the sugar and butter mixture. Stir to mix in lightly. Set aside while you make the cake.
Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a stand mixer bowl, add the sugar and butter, mix on medium until fluffy. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl.
- Add the eggs one at a time and mix well after each egg. Scrape the bowl before adding the vanilla and lemon juice. Mix on medium for 1 minute and scrape sides and bottom of the bowl.
- Mix the flour, baking powder, soda, and salt in a separate bowl until well blended.
- At low speed, alternately add ⅓ of the flour mixture alternating with ⅓ of the sour cream. Beat for 1 minute after each addition and scrape down the sides of the bowl after each addition.
- Once all the flour and sour cream is mixed in, add a tablespoon of flour to the blueberries and lightly toss to coat the blueberries. The flour helps the blueberries not sink to the bottom of the coffee cake during baking.
- Add a piece of parchment paper to the bottom of a 9 X 9-inch baking pan; spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- Add the blueberries to the batter and gently fold in. Overmixing will remove the flour coating from the blueberries and they will sink to the bottom of the pan.
- Add the batter to the pan and top with the Lemon Streusel topping.
- Bake for 40 - 50 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Loosely cover the pan with a piece of aluminum foil to keep the crumb topping from over-browning.
- Remove from the oven and cool before serving.
- Store cake at room temperature for 2-3 days in a covered container.
Video
Nutrition
What’s the difference between coffee cake and streusel?
Coffee cake and streusel are two delicious treats that often go hand in hand, but what exactly sets them apart? The main difference lies in the topping. Coffee cake typically has a streusel topping, a crumbly mixture of flour, sugar, and butter. This topping adds a sweet and crunchy element to the cake, perfect for pairing with a hot cup of coffee. On the other hand, streusel refers to the topping rather than the entire cake. It can be used on various baked goods, such as muffins or pies, and consists of the same flour, sugar, and butter. So, while coffee cake and streusel contain this delectable topping, coffee cake is a specific type of cake often enjoyed for breakfast or brunch.
Is coffee cake American?
Coffee cake is a beloved treat that many people enjoy with their morning cup of joe. But is it truly an American creation? While the exact origin of coffee cake is unknown, it has become a staple in American culture. The term “coffee cake” itself is believed to have originated in the United States in the 19th century. However, variations of coffee cake can be found in various countries worldwide. For example, Germany has a traditional coffee cake called “kuchen.” So while coffee cake may not be exclusively American, it has certainly found a home in American kitchens and hearts.
What is a coffee cake topping made of?
A coffee cake topping is a delicious and irresistible addition to any coffee cake. It adds a layer of sweetness and texture that perfectly complements the moist and flavorful cake underneath. So, what is a coffee cake topping made of? It can vary depending on personal preference and the recipe used. Some popular options include streusel, a crumbly mixture of flour, butter, and sugar sprinkled over the cake before baking. Others may opt for a glaze made of powdered sugar and milk, which adds a glossy finish to the cake. Some creative bakers even experiment with adding chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or fresh fruit to their coffee cake toppings for an extra burst of flavor. Ultimately, the choice of coffee cake topping is up to you, so feel free to get creative and make it your own!
What makes coffee cake different from cake?
Coffee cake is a delightful treat that is often enjoyed alongside a cup of coffee, hence the name. What sets coffee cake apart from regular cake is its unique texture and flavor profile. Unlike traditional cake, coffee cake tends to be denser and more crumbly, making it perfect for pairing with a hot beverage. Additionally, coffee cake is often infused with flavors like cinnamon or nutmeg, giving it a warm and comforting taste that complements the rich flavors of coffee. So, next time you’re craving something sweet to go with your morning coffee, reach for a slice of coffee cake and experience the delicious difference.
Why is it called a streusel?
Have you ever wondered why that delicious crumbly topping on your favorite baked goods is called a streusel? Well, let’s uncover the origin of this mouthwatering term. The word “streusel” comes from the German language, specifically from the verb “streuen,” which means to sprinkle or scatter. And that’s exactly what a streusel does – it’s a crumbly mixture sprinkled or scattered on top of pastries, muffins, and cakes to add a delightful texture and flavor. So, the next time you enjoy a slice of streusel-topped apple pie or a warm streusel muffin, remember its German roots and savor every deliciously scattered crumb.
Why is my streusel not crumbly?
Have you ever baked a delicious streusel-topped dessert only to find that your streusel turned out more like a solid mass than a crumbly topping? It can be frustrating, especially when expecting those delightful crumbs to add textural contrast to your dish. Well, fear not because I’m here to shed some light on this baking conundrum. One possible reason your streusel is not crumbly enough is the proportion of butter to dry ingredients. Streusel is typically made by combining flour, sugar, and cold butter. If the ratio of butter to dry ingredients is too high, the streusel will become more like a paste. So, next time you make the streusel, try reducing the amount of butter slightly and see if that improves the crumbliness. Another factor to consider is the temperature of the butter. If the butter is too warm when you mix it with the dry ingredients, it can cause the streusel to clump together rather than forming those desired crumbs. So, make sure your butter is cold and firm before incorporating it into the streusel mixture. With these tips in mind, you’ll soon master the art of crumbly streusel toppings for all your baked treats!
Is streusel the same as crumble?
Streusel and crumble may seem similar, but they are not the same thing. Both streusel and crumble are toppings used in baking, typically on fruit-based desserts. However, the main difference lies in their texture and ingredients. Streusel combines flour, sugar, and butter, creating a crumbly and sandy texture. It is often flavored with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. On the other hand, crumble is made by combining flour, sugar, and butter, but it includes rolled oats or nuts to give it a coarser and crunchier texture. So while they may share some similarities, streusel and crumble are distinct in their delicious ways.
What is streusel topping made of?
Streusel topping is the perfect way to add a delicious, crumbly texture to your favorite baked goods. But what exactly is it made of? Well, the beauty of streusel topping lies in its simplicity. It typically consists of three main ingredients: flour, sugar, and butter. The flour provides the base for the crumbly texture, while the sugar adds sweetness. The butter combines everything, creating those irresistible clumps that make the streusel topping so delectable. Some variations may include spices like cinnamon or nuts for added flavor and crunch. Whether sprinkling it on top of a coffee cake or using it as a crust for a fruit pie, streusel topping will surely take your baked treats to the next level.
What’s the difference between a strudel and a streusel?
If you’re a fan of pastries, you may have come across the terms “strudel” and “streusel” at some point. While they may sound similar, these two words actually refer to very different things. Let’s start with the strudel. Originating from Austria, a strudel is a type of pastry made with thin layers of dough that are stretched and rolled out until they become translucent. The dough is then filled with various sweet or savory fillings, such as apples, cherries, or cheese. On the other hand, a streusel is a crumbly topping that is often sprinkled over baked goods like cakes or muffins. It is made by combining flour, sugar, and butter until it forms small clumps. So, the next time you’re faced with the choice between a strudel and a streusel, remember that one is a delicious pastry filled with goodness, while the other is a delightful crumbly topping.
