Grandma Donnie’s Irresistible Blueberry Coffee Cake: A Family Favorite

There’s something magical about family recipes, especially those passed down through generations. They carry not only delicious flavors but also cherished memories. Today, I’m thrilled to share one such treasure: Grandma Donnie’s Blueberry Coffee Cake. This isn’t just any coffee cake; it’s a symphony of moist cake, bursts of juicy blueberries, and a delightful crumb topping that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. Prepare to be transported to a warm, comforting kitchen with every bite!

The Story Behind the Cake

Grandma Donnie, my maternal grandmother, was a woman of simple pleasures and immense love. Her kitchen was the heart of her home, always filled with the aroma of freshly baked goods. This blueberry coffee cake was a staple, served at family gatherings, Sunday brunches, and even just as a sweet treat on a rainy afternoon. It’s a recipe she perfected over the years, and now I’m honored to share it with you.

Why This Recipe Works

What makes Grandma Donnie’s blueberry coffee cake so special? It’s a combination of several factors:

* **Moist and Tender Cake:** The cake itself is incredibly moist, thanks to the use of sour cream. This adds a subtle tang and richness that complements the sweetness of the blueberries.
* **Bursting with Blueberries:** Fresh blueberries are essential for this recipe. They provide pops of juicy sweetness that perfectly balance the cake and crumb topping.
* **Irresistible Crumb Topping:** The crumb topping is the star of the show. It’s buttery, crumbly, and perfectly sweet, adding a delightful textural contrast to the soft cake and juicy blueberries.
* **Simple and Straightforward:** Despite its incredible flavor, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make. Even novice bakers can achieve fantastic results.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for Grandma Donnie’s Blueberry Coffee Cake:

**For the Cake:**

* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup sour cream
* 2 cups fresh blueberries, rinsed and patted dry

**For the Crumb Topping:**

* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Equipment You’ll Need

* 9×13 inch baking pan
* Mixing bowls
* Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Rubber spatula
* Whisk
* Pastry blender or fork (for crumb topping)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get baking! Follow these detailed instructions to create Grandma Donnie’s Blueberry Coffee Cake:

**Step 1: Prepare the Crumb Topping**

1. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
2. Add the cold butter pieces. Using a pastry blender or your fingers, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You can also pulse it in a food processor, but be careful not to overmix. It should be crumbly, not a paste.
3. Set the crumb topping aside.

**Step 2: Preheat and Prep**

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This will prevent the cake from sticking and ensure easy removal.

**Step 3: Make the Cake Batter**

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer. Proper creaming incorporates air into the batter, resulting in a lighter cake.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough cake. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a less tender crumb.

**Step 4: Assemble the Cake**

1. Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
2. Sprinkle the fresh blueberries evenly over the batter. Make sure the blueberries are dry before adding them to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake.
3. Evenly distribute the crumb topping over the blueberries.

**Step 5: Bake the Cake**

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so start checking for doneness around 45 minutes.
2. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the cake to set slightly and makes it easier to cut.

Tips for Success

* **Use Room Temperature Ingredients:** Ensure that your butter and eggs are at room temperature for optimal creaming and emulsion. This will result in a smoother batter and a more tender cake.
* **Don’t Overmix the Batter:** Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
* **Toss Blueberries in Flour:** To prevent the blueberries from sinking to the bottom of the cake, toss them with a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter. This helps them stay suspended throughout the cake.
* **Adjust Baking Time:** Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Start checking for doneness around 45 minutes and adjust accordingly.
* **Let the Cake Cool:** Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows it to set and prevents it from crumbling.

Variations and Substitutions

While Grandma Donnie’s original recipe is perfect as is, feel free to experiment with these variations and substitutions:

* **Other Berries:** Substitute blueberries with other berries such as raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries. You can also use a mix of berries for a more complex flavor.
* **Lemon Zest:** Add the zest of one lemon to the cake batter for a bright and citrusy flavor.
* **Nuts:** Add chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping for added crunch and flavor.
* **Gluten-Free:** Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this cake gluten-free. Be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum for best results.
* **Dairy-Free:** Substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative and the sour cream with a dairy-free sour cream alternative.

Serving Suggestions

Grandma Donnie’s Blueberry Coffee Cake is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your experience:

* **Warm with a Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream:** The warm cake paired with cold vanilla ice cream is a classic combination that’s hard to resist.
* **With a Dollop of Whipped Cream:** A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a touch of elegance and creaminess.
* **With a Sprinkle of Powdered Sugar:** A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
* **Alongside a Cup of Coffee or Tea:** This coffee cake is the perfect accompaniment to your morning coffee or afternoon tea.

Storage Instructions

* **Room Temperature:** Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
* **Refrigerator:** For longer storage, store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
* **Freezer:** Freeze the cake, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Grandma Donnie’s Legacy

This blueberry coffee cake is more than just a recipe; it’s a connection to my family history and a reminder of Grandma Donnie’s love. I hope you enjoy making it and sharing it with your loved ones. May it bring you as much joy and comfort as it has brought my family over the years.

Recipe Card

**Grandma Donnie’s Blueberry Coffee Cake**

A cherished family recipe for a moist and delicious blueberry coffee cake with a delightful crumb topping.

**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Bake Time:** 45-55 minutes
**Total Time:** 1 hour 5 minutes
**Servings:** 12-16

**Ingredients:**

**For the Cake:**

* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup sour cream
* 2 cups fresh blueberries, rinsed and patted dry

**For the Crumb Topping:**

* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Crumb Topping:** In a medium bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
2. **Preheat and Prep:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
3. **Make the Cake Batter:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
4. **Assemble the Cake:** Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle the fresh blueberries evenly over the batter. Evenly distribute the crumb topping over the blueberries.
5. **Bake the Cake:** Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

**Enjoy!**

I hope you love Grandma Donnie’s Blueberry Coffee Cake as much as my family does. Happy baking!