Blueberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake

Blueberry cream cheese coffee cake is a heavenly treat that combines the richness of cream cheese with the sweet and tangy burst of fresh blueberries, all enveloped in a moist, tender cake. This dish is special because it brings together two beloved ingredients blueberries and cream cheese into a single, easy to make dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon snack, this coffee cake will quickly become a family favorite. In this article, you’ll learn how to create this delicious cake, including tips for making it your own and how to achieve the perfect texture every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Blueberry cream cheese coffee cake offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The cake is moist and tender, thanks to the cream cheese and butter in the batter. Fresh blueberries add a burst of sweetness and color, making each bite a refreshing treat. The cream cheese filling adds richness and a smooth, tangy contrast to the sweetness of the cake, creating a satisfying combination of flavors. The crumbly streusel topping adds a delightful crunch, making this coffee cake a perfect pairing for a hot cup of coffee or tea.

What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility. The cream cheese filling can be customized with different flavorings like lemon zest or vanilla, while the blueberry layer can be swapped for other fruits like raspberries or blackberries. This cake can be made ahead of time for convenience, and it freezes well, making it ideal for gatherings or holiday celebrations. With its delicious layers and satisfying texture, this coffee cake is a perfect way to start your day or to enjoy as an afternoon treat.

Recipe Details

Making blueberry cream cheese coffee cake is relatively simple, but the results are impressive. The first step is preparing the cake batter, which is made with a combination of butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and cream cheese. The cream cheese not only adds moisture to the cake but also contributes to its tender texture. The batter is mixed until smooth, and then half of it is spread into the bottom of a greased pan. Fresh blueberries are scattered on top, followed by a generous layer of cream cheese filling, and the rest of the batter is spooned over the top.

The cake is then topped with a crumbly streusel topping made from flour, sugar, and butter, which bakes into a crunchy, golden layer. The result is a rich, fluffy cake with a burst of sweet blueberries in each bite, all balanced with the creamy filling and crisp topping. The beauty of this recipe is how easily it can be adapted to suit different tastes. If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can reduce the sugar, or for a more decadent treat, you can add more cream cheese or even chocolate chips.

Once baked, the coffee cake should be allowed to cool slightly before serving. It can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or even chilled, depending on your preference. This cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert, and its delicious aroma will fill your kitchen with the scent of fresh blueberries and cinnamon.

Nutritional Information

Blueberry cream cheese coffee cake is a rich and indulgent treat, but it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. A typical slice (1/12th of the cake) contains around 300-350 calories, depending on the portion size and ingredients used. The calories primarily come from the butter, cream cheese, sugar, and flour. The blueberries provide a good dose of vitamins and antioxidants, while the cream cheese adds a creamy richness and some calcium.

If you’re looking to make this cake a bit lighter, you can reduce the amount of sugar or use a sugar substitute. You can also swap out some of the butter for applesauce or yogurt to reduce the fat content. Additionally, using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour can increase the fiber content. However, the beauty of this recipe is in its indulgence, so it’s best enjoyed as a special treat.

Despite being a dessert, this cake has some nutritional benefits, including the antioxidants from the blueberries, which are known for their health benefits. The cream cheese also offers a small amount of protein and calcium, making this coffee cake a more balanced option than many other sweet treats.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup fresh blueberries

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

And for the Streusel Topping:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

This combination of ingredients results in a cake that’s rich, moist, and flavorful. The fresh blueberries provide a burst of sweetness, while the cream cheese filling creates a smooth, tangy contrast. The streusel topping adds a nice crunch and a touch of spice, completing the cake’s delicious flavor profile.

Equipment Needed

To make blueberry cream cheese coffee cake, you’ll need the following equipment:

• A 9-inch round or square cake pan (for baking the cake)
• A hand mixer or stand mixer (for mixing the cake batter and cream cheese filling)
• A mixing bowl (for preparing the dry ingredients and streusel)
• A spatula (for spreading the batter and filling)
• A cooling rack (for cooling the cake after baking)

The cake pan is needed to bake the coffee cake evenly. A hand mixer or stand mixer helps quickly combine the ingredients for the cake batter and cream cheese filling, while the mixing bowl is essential for combining the dry ingredients for the batter and streusel topping. A spatula is needed for evenly spreading the batter and filling, and the cooling rack ensures that the cake cools evenly.

Pro Tips For Success

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture and consistency, make sure your cream cheese, butter, and eggs are at room temperature. This allows the ingredients to mix together more smoothly and results in a tender cake.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just incorporated. Overmixing can cause the cake to be dense instead of light and fluffy.
3. Gently Fold in the Blueberries: To avoid crushing the blueberries, fold them into the batter gently using a spatula. If you want to ensure they stay evenly distributed, you can toss them in a little bit of flour before adding them to the batter.
4. Check for Doneness: To check if your coffee cake is done, insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready. If it’s still wet, bake for a few more minutes and check again.
5. Let the Cake Cool Before Serving: After baking, let the coffee cake cool for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing. This helps the cake set and makes it easier to slice without falling apart.

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan.
2. Make the Cake Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream, until just combined.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the Cake: Spread half of the batter into the prepared cake pan. Sprinkle the fresh blueberries evenly over the batter. Spoon the cream cheese filling over the blueberries and spread it out gently. Add the remaining batter on top of the filling, smoothing it out to cover the filling completely.
5. Make the Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the softened butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the cake.
6. Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
7. Serve: Slice the cake and serve it warm or at room temperature. Top with whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of indulgence.

Recipe Variations

1. Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake: Add a tablespoon of lemon zest to the cake batter or cream cheese filling for a fresh, citrusy twist that pairs perfectly with the blueberries.
2. Peach Cream Cheese Coffee Cake: Replace the blueberries with fresh diced peaches for a sweet and fruity variation of this coffee cake.
3. Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Coffee Cake: Add mini chocolate chips to the batter for a rich, chocolatey flavor that pairs well with the cream cheese filling.
4. Gluten-Free Blueberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour to make this coffee cake gluten-free. Be sure to check that the other ingredients, like baking powder, are gluten-free as well.

Storage Instructions

Blueberry cream cheese coffee cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the cake in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes. This cake can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing, and thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This coffee cake is perfect for breakfast or brunch, but it can also be served as a dessert or afternoon snack. Pair it with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of fresh juice. For an extra treat, top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also garnish the cake with extra blueberries or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
   Yes, you can use frozen blueberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the batter to prevent excess moisture.
2. Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?
   Yes, this coffee cake can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze it for later.
3. Can I add nuts to the streusel topping?
   Yes, you can add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping for extra texture and flavor.
4. How do I make sure the cake doesn’t sink?
   Be sure to seal the cream cheese filling inside the cake batter to prevent it from sinking. You can also chill the batter for 10-15 minutes before baking.
5. Can I use a different fruit?
   Yes, you can replace the blueberries with other fruits like raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries. Adjust the amount depending on the fruit you choose.

Conclusion

Blueberry cream cheese coffee cake is a delightful and indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich cream cheese filling, fresh blueberries, and crunchy streusel topping, this coffee cake is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, it’s sure to be a hit. Try this recipe today and savor every bite of this flavorful, satisfying cake.

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