There’s a certain joy that comes from the first bite of a warm, berry-filled cake, and this Blackberry Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping is no exception. As I pulled this delight from the oven, the air was filled with a sweet fragrance that immediately called to mind lazy Sunday mornings with family. The soft, moist cake adorned with a crunchy streusel topping is not just any dessert; it’s the kind of treat that makes any gathering feel special.
Imagine the delightful contrast of tart blackberries against the sweetness of a buttery cake, all glazed with a hint of lime! This recipe is perfect for those times when you want something homemade but don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen. Its uncomplicated ingredients and simple steps mean you can whip it up in no time, impressing yourself and anyone lucky enough to share a slice.
So whether it’s a coffee date with friends or a cozy evening alone, this cake is bound to elevate your dessert game while banishing the blandness of fast food. Ready to indulge? Let’s get baking!
Why is Blackberry Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping a Must-Try?
Irresistible fragrance: The smell of berries and butter baking is heavenly!
Two textures in one: Soft, moist cake meets crunchy streusel topping.
Quick to prepare: With straightforward steps, you’ll be enjoying this cake in under an hour.
Perfectly balanced: The tartness of blackberries complements the sweetness of the glaze beautifully.
Crowd-pleaser: Whether for brunch or dessert, this cake is sure to impress family and friends alike!
Blackberry Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping Ingredients
For the Cake
• 2 cups all-purpose flour – This forms the base of your deliciously airy cake.
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the cake perfectly without overpowering it.
• 3 teaspoons baking powder – Ensures your cake rises to fluffy perfection.
• 3/4 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Zest of 1 lime – Adds a refreshing citrusy note to the cake.
• 1/4 cup butter (softened) – Keeps the cake moist and rich.
• 1/2 cup sour cream – Contributes to the cake’s tender crumb and tangy flavor.
• 1/4 cup milk – Helps to achieve the right batter consistency.
• 1 egg – Binds the ingredients together for a uniform texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Infuses the cake with a warm, comforting flavor.
• 2 cups blackberries – The star of this recipe, giving the cake its fruity goodness.
• 1 1/2 Tablespoons flour – Coats the blackberries to prevent them from sinking.
For the Streusel Topping
• ½ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the topping and adds crunch.
• ¼ cup brown sugar – Brings a rich, molasses flavor to the topping.
• ⅓ cup flour – Gives structure to the streusel mixture.
• ¼ cup cold butter (cubed) – Creates a delightful crumble when mixed in.
• Pinch salt – Enhances the overall sweetness and flavor contrast.
For the Glaze
• ½ cup powdered sugar – Adds a sweet finishing touch to your cake.
• Juice of ½ lime – Brightens up the glaze with zesty freshness.
• Zest of ½ lime – A burst of citrus flavor to complement the blackberries.
• Pinch salt – Balances the sweetness of the glaze beautifully.
Dive into the deliciousness of this Blackberry Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping; it’s sure to become a cherished favorite!
How to Make Blackberry Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping
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Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease an 8 or 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray and line it with a parchment round for easy release later.
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Whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and lime zest in a mixing bowl. This delightful mixture forms the foundation of your cake, ensuring it rises beautifully.
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Combine softened butter, sour cream, milk, egg, and vanilla in the bowl. Beat on low speed until just combined; then increase speed and mix until you have a thick batter. A few small butter lumps are totally acceptable!
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Toss the blackberries with 1 1/2 tablespoons of flour to coat them. Gently fold the berries into the batter, careful not to crush them, and scoop the mixture evenly into your prepared pan.
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Make the topping: Combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, and a pinch of salt in a separate bowl. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture is crumbly, resembling coarse crumbs. Sprinkle it generously over the batter.
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Bake for 40-45 minutes. The cake should be golden brown and lofted, and a toothpick inserted in the center will come out clean. Keep an eye on it toward the end!
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Prepare the glaze while the cake cools. In a small bowl, whisk the powdered sugar, lime juice, and lime zest together, adding a pinch of salt to taste. After the cake has cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top and serve.
Optional: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Blackberry Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the cake batter up to 24 hours in advance; just mix all the ingredients (excluding the blackberries) and refrigerate in an airtight container. Toss the blackberries with the 1 1/2 tablespoons of flour, store separately, and fold them into the batter right before baking to prevent them from getting mushy. Additionally, the streusel topping can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days; simply sprinkle it on before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy your cake, bake it from chilled for about 5 extra minutes, and you’ll have a delectable treat that’s just as delicious as if it were freshly made!
Tips for the Best Blackberry Coffee Cake
Use Fresh Berries: Choose plump, ripe blackberries for maximum flavor. Frozen berries may lead to excess moisture, affecting the cake’s texture.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the batter, mix just until ingredients are incorporated. Overmixing can result in a dense cake instead of a light and fluffy Blackberry Coffee Cake.
Check for Doneness: Test with a toothpick towards the end of baking. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready; if there’s batter, give it a few more minutes, but avoid overbaking.
Cool Before Glazing: Allow the cake to cool slightly before drizzling the glaze. This helps the glaze set beautifully without running off.
Layer Your Toppings: For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to the streusel topping. It adds warmth and depth to your delicious treat!
What to Serve with Blackberry Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping?
This delightful cake is a sweet start to any gathering, pairing beautifully with a variety of flavors and textures.
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Fresh Whipped Cream: The light and airy cream enhances the cake’s richness, creating a perfect harmony with the berry flavors.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Melting scoops of vanilla ice cream add a creamy contrast, making each bite of cake decadently indulgent.
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Coffee: A warm cup of coffee complements the cake’s sweetness and brings out the tartness of the blackberries beautifully. It’s the ideal pairing for a cozy afternoon.
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Mint Tea: The refreshing notes of mint tea offer a delightful contrast to the cake’s sweetness, making for a balanced, light end to a meal.
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Mixed Berry Salad: A bright salad of fresh berries adds a vibrant touch and enhances the fruit flavors in the cake, providing a refreshing bite between cake slices.
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Cheese Platter: Sharp cheeses like aged cheddar or creamy brie create a savory contrast, balancing the sweetness of the cake while elevating your dessert experience.
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Apple Cider: A chilled glass of apple cider introduces a hint of spice that complements the blackberries, making it a refreshing drink choice for any occasion.
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Chocolate Drizzle: For extra indulgence, consider drizzling a bit of dark chocolate over the cake for a sweet and slightly bitter contrast that tantalizes the taste buds.
Blackberry Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping Variations
Let your creativity shine as you customize this delightful cake with these fun twists!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a deliciously inclusive treat. Just be sure to check your blend for consistent measurements!
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Vegan: Swap the egg for 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce and use almond milk instead of dairy for a plant-based version that’s just as moist and tasty. The vibrant flavor of blackberries still steals the show here!
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Berry Medley: Replace blackberries with mixed berries like blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries for a colorful, fruity celebration. Each berry brings its own sweet twist to the classic recipe!
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Citrus Burst: Add additional lime zest or mix in a bit of lemon zest to introduce a refreshing zing. It enhances the cake’s bright flavor profile; your taste buds will dance with delight!
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Nuts for Crunch: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter or streusel for an irresistible crunchy texture. The nuttiness pairs beautifully with the sweet berries.
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Maple Glaze: Replace the lime glaze with a maple syrup glaze made by mixing powdered sugar with maple syrup instead of lime juice for a cozy, autumn-inspired flavor. Its rich sweetness adds warmth to this cake!
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Spicy Kick: Consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to the batter or streusel for a warming touch of heat. It makes each bite intriguing and unexpected!
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Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle some melted chocolate over the glaze for a decadent touch that takes this cake to the next level. Chocolate and berries are a match made in heaven!
How to Store and Freeze Blackberry Coffee Cake
Room Temperature: Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain its moist texture and flavor.
Fridge: If you want to extend freshness, store in the fridge for up to a week. Make sure it’s well wrapped to prevent it from drying out.
Freezer: Freeze leftover Blackberry Coffee Cake for up to 3 months. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag to avoid freezer burn.
Reheating: To enjoy, thaw slices in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds for a warm treat!
Blackberry Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe FAQs
How do I pick the best blackberries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Look for plump, shiny blackberries without any dark spots or mold. They should be firm to the touch and smell sweet. If you find any berries that are too soft or have dark spots all over, it’s best to skip those. Fresh, ripe blackberries will give your cake the best flavor.
How should I store leftover Blackberry Coffee Cake?
For sure! Store your cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, wrap it well and place it in the fridge, where it can last about a week. Just be sure to wrap it tightly to keep that moisture in!
Can I freeze Blackberry Coffee Cake?
Yes! You can freeze this cake for up to 3 months without sacrificing flavor. Here’s how: first, let the cake cool completely. Next, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag, squeezing out any excess air to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight, then warm them up in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds.
What should I do if my cake is too dense?
Very good question! A dense cake can be caused by overmixing your batter after adding the flour. When combining the ingredients, mix just until you see no dry flour. Additionally, make sure your baking powder isn’t expired, as it’s crucial for leavening. If your cake doesn’t rise enough, try checking the oven temperature with an oven thermometer; it might be running cooler than indicated.
Is this cake suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Indeed, many elements can be adapted! For a gluten-free version, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. If you’re avoiding dairy, using vegan sour cream or plant-based milk can be great substitutes. But, be mindful of the blackberries if anyone has berry allergies! Always make sure to double-check the ingredients based on dietary needs.
How long does it take to bake the cake properly?
The baking time for your Blackberry Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping is typically 40-45 minutes. However, every oven can run a bit differently, so it’s smart to start checking for doneness around the 40-minute mark. Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready. Keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking!
Irresistible Blackberry Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease an 8 or 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray and line it with a parchment round for easy release later.
- Whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and lime zest in a mixing bowl.
- Combine softened butter, sour cream, milk, egg, and vanilla in the bowl. Beat on low speed until just combined; then increase speed and mix until you have a thick batter.
- Toss the blackberries with 1 1/2 tablespoons of flour to coat them. Gently fold the berries into the batter, then scoop the mixture evenly into your prepared pan.
- Make the topping: Combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, and a pinch of salt in a separate bowl. Cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture is crumbly, resembling coarse crumbs. Sprinkle it generously over the batter.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the glaze while the cake cools. Whisk the powdered sugar, lime juice, and lime zest together, adding a pinch of salt to taste. Drizzle the glaze over the top and serve.