Lemon Blueberry Crumb Coffee Cake

Name: Lemon Blueberry Crumb Coffee Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 12 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 tablespoon lemon zest; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Highlighted under: Everyday Desserts

I absolutely love this Lemon Blueberry Crumb Coffee Cake! The combination of zesty lemon and juicy blueberries makes for an unforgettable treat. When you're seeking a delightful breakfast or a sweet afternoon snack, this cake is my go-to. The crumb topping adds a delectable crunch, while the moist cake keeps everything balanced. It’s surprisingly easy to whip up, and I find myself reaching for a piece every time I bake it. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want it in your recipe rotation!

Created by

Holly James

Last updated on 2026-02-16T01:41:35.753Z

My journey with this Lemon Blueberry Crumb Coffee Cake began when I was on the hunt for a refreshing and fruity dessert to enjoy with my morning coffee. The moment I added fresh blueberries and zesty lemon to the batter, I knew I had stumbled upon something special. The batter is wonderfully simple, and I’ve learned that letting the blueberries sit in the batter for a few minutes enhances their flavor even more.

I’ve experimented with the crumb topping over the years and discovered that using cold butter creates a flakier and crumbly texture. This cake is perfect for gatherings or just a cozy morning at home. You’ll love how every bite combines the tangy zest of lemon with the sweetness of the blueberries!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Bright lemon flavor perfectly complements juicy blueberries
Deliciously crumbly topping adds texture and crunch
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea

Creating the Perfect Crumb Topping

The crumb topping is a crucial element of this Lemon Blueberry Crumb Coffee Cake, providing a delightful textural contrast to the moist cake beneath. For best results, ensure your butter is cold before cutting it into the dry ingredients. This technique creates those irresistible, crumbly bits. When combining the flour, sugar, and cinnamon, sugar granules should not dissolve completely; they should remain visible, adding to the crunch when baked.

As you mix the topping, look for the texture to resemble coarse crumbs or small peas. If your mixture appears too dry, a tiny splash of cold water can help bind it slightly. Remember, the topping should not be packed tightly; loose crumbs allow for better texture after baking.

Mastering the Cake Batter

When mixing the batter, creaming the butter and sugar until light and fluffy is essential—this aeration helps the cake rise and achieve a light texture. Be sure to beat in the eggs individually, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. This step helps prevent the batter from curdling and guarantees an even consistency throughout the cake.

Consider using room temperature ingredients for your milk, butter, and eggs, as they emulsify better and create a silky batter. If you attempt to bake with cold eggs or butter, you may find the final cake is dense or unevenly textured. Once mixed, fold the blueberries gently to avoid breaking them; this preserves their shape and helps avoid blue streaks in the batter.

Baking and Serving Tips

To ensure your coffee cake bakes evenly, place the baking dish in the center of your oven. If you're using a dark or nonstick pan, reduce the temperature by about 25°F to prevent over-browning. Baking times can vary based on your oven, so start checking at 40 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, and the edges are lightly golden.

After baking, let the cake cool for about 15 minutes in the pan. This cooling period allows the crumb structure to set, making it easier to slice without crumbling. For serving, enjoy slices warm or at room temperature, paired with coffee or tea for a delightful treat.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious coffee cake:

For the Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries

For the Crumb Topping

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Make sure to prepare the ingredients before starting to bake!

Instructions

Follow these steps to bake your coffee cake:

Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the milk, lemon zest, and lemon juice. In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt before gradually adding to the wet ingredients. Gently fold in the blueberries.

Make the Crumb Topping

In a small bowl, combine flour, sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Combine and Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over it. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!

Your delicious Lemon Blueberry Crumb Coffee Cake is ready to be savored!

Pro Tips

To enhance the lemon flavor, consider adding an extra teaspoon of lemon zest. You can also use frozen blueberries
just reduce the baking time slightly to prevent the cake from becoming too wet.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking to make this cake dairy-free, consider substituting almond milk or oat milk in place of regular milk. You can also replace the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, which maintains moisture in the cake. This is especially useful if you're making it for guests with dietary restrictions.

For a twist on the classic flavors, you could swap blueberries for cranberries or cherries. Another option is to replace lemon juice and zest with orange; just ensure to adjust the sugar if your fruit is particularly tart or sweet.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This Lemon Blueberry Crumb Coffee Cake can be made ahead of time. Once cooled, cover the cake with plastic wrap or foil to maintain its moisture. It will last at room temperature for two to three days or can be refrigerated for up to a week. If you plan to freeze it, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to three months.

To reheat, simply place a slice in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. Alternatively, you can warm slices in a toaster oven for a few minutes until they’re heated through and the crumb topping regains some crunch.

Serving Variations

This coffee cake is incredibly versatile and pairs well with additional toppings. Consider serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience. You can also drizzle a light lemon glaze over the top for extra sweetness and a glossy finish.

For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, and a variety of teas or coffees. The bright flavors of the cake make it an ideal complement to the refreshing taste of herbal teas or the robust flavor of a dark roast coffee.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cake a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature.

→ Can I use other fruits instead of blueberries?

Absolutely! Raspberries or chopped strawberries work wonderfully as well.

→ What can I do with leftover crumb topping?

If you have extra crumb topping, you can freeze it and use it for another batch of coffee cake or sprinkle it on top of muffins.

→ How do I know when the cake is done?

Insert a toothpick in the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready!