Lemon Blueberry Coffee Cake

Name: Lemon Blueberry Coffee Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tbsp lemon zest; ½ cup sour cream; 1 ½ cups fresh blueberries; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda; ¼ tsp salt; ½ cup flour (streusel); ¼ cup sugar (streusel); ¼ cup cold butter, cubed (streusel); ½ tsp cinnamon (streusel)

May 5, 2025

- By Chaynez

Jump to Recipe

Every summer, I find myself reaching for this beloved Lemon Blueberry Coffee Cake a sunshine-filled recipe that takes me right back to my grandmother’s breezy kitchen, where the scent of lemon zest and buttery cake lingered in the air. It’s soft, moist, bursting with juicy blueberries, and finished with a delicate crumb topping that gives each bite a golden crunch.

Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch or looking for the perfect pairing to your iced coffee, this coffee cake checks all the boxes for flavor, simplicity, and seasonal charm.

Why You’ll Love Lemon Blueberry Coffee Cake

Bright & refreshing: The zing of lemon balances the sweetness of the blueberries and buttery crumb.
Easy to make: No fancy tools or techniques just wholesome ingredients and a bit of mixing.
Perfect for summer: Ideal for using fresh, in-season blueberries.
Versatile: Serve warm, chilled, or with a drizzle of lemon glaze.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake:

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
1/4 cup milk
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries (or frozen, unthawed)

Optional Crumb Topping:

1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Optional Lemon Glaze:

1/2 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tablespoons lemon juice

Equipment Needed

9-inch springform pan or 9×9-inch square baking dish
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer (hand or stand)
Rubber spatula
Zester and juicer
Wire cooling rack

Directions for Lemon Blueberry Coffee Cake

Step 1: Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Batter

Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, sour cream, and milk until combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing just until incorporated.
Gently fold in the blueberries.

Step 3: Prepare the Crumb Topping (Optional)

Mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter in a small bowl until crumbly.

Step 4: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle crumb topping evenly if using.

Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 5: Drizzle with Glaze (Optional)

Once the cake is cooled, whisk powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over the top.

Tips for Moist Texture and Perfect Crumb

For the perfect lemon blueberry coffee cake, follow these quick baking tips to ensure a tender, flavorful crumb every time.

Don’t overmix: Stir just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender.
Use room-temperature ingredients: Especially eggs, butter, and sour cream.
Toss blueberries in flour before folding them in this prevents them from sinking.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Your lemon blueberry coffee cake will stay fresh and delicious with these simple serving and storage tips.

Serve chilled or warm: It pairs beautifully with a tall glass of iced coffee or cold lemonade.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Freeze in slices for a grab-and-go summer treat.

Optional Add-Ons & Variations

Take your lemon blueberry coffee cake to the next level with these creative twists and flavor upgrades.

Add a cream cheese layer for richness.
Substitute blueberries with raspberries or blackberries.
Mix in white chocolate chips for an extra indulgent bite.

FAQs About Lemon Blueberry Coffee Cake

❓ What makes coffee cake different from cake?

Coffee cake typically has a crumb topping instead of frosting and is denser with a mild sweetness, making it perfect for breakfast or brunch. Regular cake is lighter and usually frosted for dessert occasions.

❓ Do blueberry and lemon go well together?

Yes, lemon’s tartness pairs perfectly with the sweet, juicy flavor of blueberries. Together, they create a bright and balanced flavor that works wonderfully in coffee cakes and other baked goods.

❓ Can you add blueberries to lemon cake mix?

Definitely. Just toss the blueberries in flour before mixing them in to prevent sinking. It’s a quick way to turn lemon cake mix into a blueberry-filled treat.

❓ Can I use lemon juice instead of water in cake mix?

Yes, lemon juice can replace water to boost citrus flavor, but it may slightly affect texture due to its acidity. For balance, consider mixing lemon juice with a bit of water.

Final Thoughts on Lemon Blueberry Coffee Cake

There’s something truly magical about the combination of lemon and blueberries, especially in the form of a perfectly baked lemon blueberry coffee cake. The brightness of the citrus mingles beautifully with the sweet burst of berries, all enveloped in a soft, buttery crumb that melts in your mouth. This lemon blueberry coffee cake isn’t just a recipe, it’s a reminder of sunny mornings, fresh summer fruit, and simple pleasures baked from scratch.

Whether you’re serving it at a family brunch, enjoying a slice with your iced latte, or wrapping it up as a gift for a neighbor, this lemon blueberry coffee cake brings joy in every bite. Its versatility and ease make it a go-to recipe during blueberry season and honestly, I’ve yet to meet someone who can resist it. Once you try it, I’m sure it’ll become a cherished part of your summer baking traditions.

For more delicious recipes, cooking tips, and culinary inspiration, check out Chaynez Recipes, where you’ll find all of our latest recipes and updates in one place. From savory soups to delectable desserts, there’s something for every palate.