Lemon Blueberry Coffee Cake

Name: Lemon Blueberry Coffee Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup milk; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; Zest of 1 lemon; 1 cup fresh blueberries; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Highlighted under: Sweet Creations from the Oven

I absolutely love this Lemon Blueberry Coffee Cake! Every time I bake it, my kitchen fills with the delightful aroma of fresh lemons and sweet blueberries. The light, fluffy texture paired with the zesty citrus flavor makes it a perfect treat for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. Plus, adding a crumbly topping with a hint of cinnamon elevates it to a whole new level! Trust me, once you try this cake, you’ll be hooked and will find yourself baking it on repeat.

Created by

Phoebe Drake

Last updated on 2026-02-10T18:37:36.873Z

When I first decided to make Lemon Blueberry Coffee Cake, I was craving the brightness of lemon alongside juicy blueberries. After experimenting with different proportions, I discovered that the balance of the tangy lemon zest and sweet berries creates a comforting yet refreshing flavor that is simply irresistible.

I recommend using fresh blueberries if possible, as they burst with flavor and create a lovely texture. You can also try this cake with frozen blueberries, but remember to adjust the baking time slightly. This cake is sure to impress any guest or family member!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Bright lemon flavor that invigorates your mornings
Juicy blueberries that add natural sweetness
Simple and quick to make, perfect for any occasion

Perfecting the Batter

The foundation of this Lemon Blueberry Coffee Cake is its fluffy batter, which relies heavily on correctly creaming the butter and sugar. When you beat these ingredients together, aim for a light and airy texture—this process incorporates air, which helps the cake rise. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure the mixture is evenly blended. It usually takes about 3-5 minutes of mixing to achieve the desired consistency.

Always add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This not only improves the emulsification but also ensures your batter remains smooth. If you find the batter too thick after incorporating the dry ingredients, you can add a splash more milk to achieve a pourable consistency, keeping in mind that the final product should not be runny.

Crumb Topping Insights

The crumb topping is what sets this cake apart. To achieve a perfect crumb, ensure your butter is melted but not boiling hot; this would make the topping greasy rather than crumbly. After combining the dry ingredients, mix in the melted butter until you see small, pea-sized clumps forming—this indicates you’re on the right track for a crunchy texture.

Feel free to adjust the spices in the crumb topping. Adding a pinch of nutmeg or substituting some cinnamon for allspice can create a unique flavor twist. If you're looking to reduce added sugars, using a natural sweetener like maple syrup in place of brown sugar can also provide a delightful depth of flavor.

Ingredients

For the Coffee Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
Zest of 1 lemon
1 cup fresh blueberries

For the Crumb Topping

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.

Prepare the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in milk and lemon zest, blending until smooth.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Gently fold in the blueberries.

Create the Crumb Topping

In a small bowl, mix together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter until crumbly.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the top. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For an extra burst of flavor, consider drizzling a lemon glaze over the cake once it's cooled. Just mix powdered sugar with a bit of fresh lemon juice until smooth and drizzle away!

Serving Suggestions

This Lemon Blueberry Coffee Cake shines as a standalone treat, but pairing it with fresh whipped cream or a drizzle of lemon glaze can elevate it even more. For a more decadent option, consider serving it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrasting temperatures and textures create a delightful experience with each bite, especially if enjoyed warm from the oven.

For brunch gatherings, slice the cake into squares and serve them on a platter garnished with extra blueberries and a dusting of powdered sugar. This not only looks appealing but also makes for a refreshing complement to coffee or tea.

Storage & Freezing Tips

Store the cooled coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, wrapping individual slices and freezing them is an excellent option. This way, you can easily grab a slice whenever you crave it. The cake can be frozen for up to three months without losing its flavor or texture.

When you're ready to enjoy a frozen slice, simply let it thaw at room temperature for about 1-2 hours. For a warmed slice, pop it in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. This allows the cake to regain its fluffy texture, making it taste almost fresh out of the oven again.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries, but make sure to slightly adjust the baking time.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make it a day ahead, just keep it covered to maintain freshness.

→ What can I substitute for eggs?

You can use applesauce or flaxseed meal mixed with water as a substitute for eggs.