This Sour Cream Blueberry Coffee Cake is moist, rich, and packed with juicy blueberries, crunchy pecans, and a cinnamon-sugar swirl. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert!
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 5/8 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup blueberries
For the Topping & Filling:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup pecans, chopped
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Oven & Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9-inch Bundt pan or spray with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Make the Batter
- In a large bowl, beat together sugar, butter, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Step 3: Fold in the Blueberries
- Gently fold in the blueberries using a spatula.
Step 4: Layer the Batter & Topping
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, chopped pecans, and cinnamon.
- Pour half of the batter into the Bundt pan and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle half of the brown sugar mixture over the batter.
- Add the remaining batter and top with the rest of the brown sugar mixture.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
- Bake for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Dust & Serve
- Once fully cooled, dust the cake with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.
- Slice and enjoy!
30 Popular Questions & Answers About Sour Cream Blueberry Coffee Cake
General Recipe Questions
- What makes this a coffee cake?
- Coffee cake is a sweet cake typically served with coffee. It doesn’t contain coffee but has a soft texture and often a streusel topping.
- Can I make this ahead of time?
- Yes! It tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld.
- Do I need to use a Bundt pan?
- No, you can use a 9×13-inch baking dish or a loaf pan, but adjust baking time accordingly.
- How do I keep blueberries from sinking?
- Toss them in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter.
- Can I use frozen blueberries?
- Yes! Do not thaw them first to avoid excess moisture.
Ingredient Substitutions
- What can I use instead of sour cream?
- Greek yogurt, buttermilk, or crème fraîche work as substitutes.
- Can I use oil instead of butter?
- Yes, but butter provides better flavor. If using oil, try ¾ cup vegetable oil instead of butter.
- Can I make this cake gluten-free?
- Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
- Can I use different nuts?
- Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work well instead of pecans.
- Can I use a sugar substitute?
- Yes, use monk fruit sweetener or Stevia for a lower-sugar version.
Baking Questions
- How do I know when it’s done?
- Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, it’s ready.
- What if my cake is browning too fast?
- Cover it loosely with foil for the last 15 minutes of baking.
- Can I bake this in a loaf pan?
- Yes, but baking time may increase to 1 hour 10 minutes.
- How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?
- Grease and flour the pan thoroughly or use baking spray with flour.
- Why is my cake dense?
- Overmixing can cause a dense texture. Mix until just combined.
Storage & Leftovers
- How long does it last?
- Store at room temperature for 2 days, in the fridge for 5 days, or freeze for 3 months.
- Can I freeze this cake?
- Yes! Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
- How do I reheat leftovers?
- Microwave slices for 15–20 seconds, or warm in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.
- Will the topping stay crunchy over time?
- The brown sugar topping may soften, but storing at room temperature helps.
- How do I refresh a stored cake?
- Dust with fresh powdered sugar before serving.
Customization & Variations
- Can I add a streusel topping?
- Yes! Mix butter, flour, and brown sugar for a crunchy topping.
- What other fruits can I use?
- Raspberries, blackberries, or chopped peaches work well.
- Can I add lemon zest?
- Yes, 1 teaspoon of lemon zest enhances the blueberry flavor.
- What can I add for extra moisture?
- A tablespoon of honey or applesauce makes it even moister.
- Can I add a glaze instead of powdered sugar?
- Yes! Mix powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk for a glaze.
Serving Suggestions
- What’s the best way to serve it?
- Warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Can I serve this for breakfast?
- Yes! It pairs perfectly with coffee or tea.
- Can I use it as a holiday dessert?
- Absolutely! Add cinnamon and nutmeg for a festive touch.
- What drink pairs well?
- Hot coffee, cappuccino, or spiced chai tea enhance the flavors.
- Can I make this into muffins?
- Yes! Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes in a muffin tin.
30 Tips for the Perfect Sour Cream Blueberry Coffee Cake
For the Batter
- Use room temperature butter for a smooth batter.
- Don’t overmix—stir until just combined.
- Toss blueberries in flour to prevent sinking.
- Add a splash of vanilla extract for extra depth.
- Use fresh baking powder for the best rise.
For the Topping
- Mix the brown sugar, pecans, and cinnamon evenly.
- Layer toppings inside the cake for extra flavor.
- Toast the pecans for a richer taste.
- Add a little butter to the topping for a crunchier texture.
- Try cardamom for a warm, spiced flavor.
For Baking
- Bake on the middle rack for even heat.
- Don’t open the oven door too soon.
- Rotate the cake halfway through baking.
- Let it cool before slicing.
- Test doneness with a skewer.
For Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Freeze in slices for easy thawing.
- Refresh with a microwave burst.
- Refrigerate for longer shelf life.
- Keep away from moisture to prevent sogginess.
This Sour Cream Blueberry Coffee Cake is fluffy, rich, and packed with sweet blueberries. Enjoy it fresh, warm, or with a cup of coffee! ☕💙