Easy blueberry cream cheese coffee cake with lemon is the most delicious cake for any time of day! This old fashioned, streusel topped sour cream blueberry cream cheese coffee cake is moist and delicious, and is sure to be a crowd pleaser!

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If you’re captivated by the irresistible flavors of this layered blueberry sour cream cream cheese coffee cake, you’ll also adore my Cherry Coffee Cake, my incredibly moist Buttermilk Blueberry Muffins with Lemon Zest, and the elegant Earl Grey Scones with Vanilla Bean Glaze!

The Ultimate Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake: A Moist, Layered Delight for Any Occasion

Imagine a dessert so versatile, it effortlessly transitions from a delightful breakfast treat to an elegant brunch centerpiece or a satisfying after-dinner indulgence. This Easy Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake fits that description perfectly! Combining the classic charm of an old-fashioned coffee cake with a modern twist of creamy cheesecake and vibrant blueberries, this recipe is guaranteed to become a new favorite. Prepare to be enchanted by its incredibly moist texture, the delightful crunch of a buttery streusel topping, and the bright, zesty hint of lemon that cuts through the richness, making every bite an experience to savor. It’s more than just a cake; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures, designed to impress and comfort.

Effortless Elegance: Your Go-To Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake

There’s something truly special about baking with fresh, seasonal berries, especially as spring turns into summer. However, this magnificent blueberry cream cheese coffee cake transcends seasons, offering a burst of sunshine no matter the time of year. It masterfully marries the sweet, slightly tart notes of fresh or frozen blueberries with the bright zest of lemon, all nestled within a wonderfully tender, moist cake base. Capping it off is a generous layer of crunchy, golden streusel, creating a symphony of textures and flavors that will transport you to a blissful springtime garden with every forkful.

This isn’t just any ordinary cake; it’s a showstopper perfect for any gathering. Whether you’re planning a lavish Sunday brunch, hosting a casual get-together with friends, or simply looking for a delightful treat to share with your family, this cake rises to the occasion. Its irresistible combination of moist crumb, creamy cheesecake layer, juicy blueberries, and buttery streusel makes it an instant crowd-pleaser and a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Plus, the convenience of being able to use frozen blueberries means you can enjoy this sensational dessert whenever the craving strikes, making it a truly versatile addition to your baking repertoire. It’s truly the best blueberry coffee cake you’ll ever bake, destined to become a cherished family favorite!

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A Symphony of Flavors: Exploring the Layers of This Cream Cheese Blueberry Cake

If you’re a regular reader of this blog, you already know my fondness for layered desserts. There’s an undeniable magic in combining distinct textures and flavors into one cohesive, delightful treat. My very first blog recipe, those delightful pineapple cheesecake bars with their shortbread crust and brown butter coconut icing, showcased this love for layers. And who could forget the indulgent Samoas Cookie Pie, a magnificent stack of shortbread, chocolate ganache, caramel, toasted coconut, and a final chocolate drizzle? Each layer contributes to a more complex, satisfying, and utterly delicious dessert experience. This blueberry cream cheese coffee cake is no exception; it’s a masterclass in layered perfection.

This extraordinary coffee cake features five distinct layers, each playing a crucial role in its overall harmony. It starts with a wonderfully moist, lemony sour cream cake base, providing a tender foundation. Next comes a rich and tangy sweet cream cheese filling, reminiscent of a delicate cheesecake, adding an irresistible creaminess. This is then generously topped with a layer of juicy, plump fresh or thawed frozen blueberries, bursting with natural sweetness and a hint of tartness. Above the blueberries, a buttery, crunchy streusel crumb topping adds a delightful textural contrast. Finally, a simple yet vibrant lemon icing is drizzled over the top, bringing all the flavors together with a bright, zesty finish. This isn’t just a cake; it’s a beautiful celebration of textures and springtime berries that will truly shine on your table, perfect for any special occasion.

Understanding Coffee Cake: More Than Just a Morning Treat

Many people wonder, “What exactly makes a coffee cake different from a regular cake?” The distinction is actually quite simple and focuses on its defining characteristic: the topping. Coffee cake traditionally refers to a cake that is made with a streusel or crumb layer on top, rather than a smooth frosting or glaze that you might find on a typical layer cake or sheet cake. This signature crumb topping, often made from butter, flour, and sugar, provides a delightful textural contrast to the soft cake underneath. My Cherry Coffee Cake, for instance, perfectly exemplifies this definition, and our streusel-topped blueberry cream cheese coffee cake certainly fits the bill, promising a satisfying crunch with every bite!

The History Behind the Name: Why “Coffee Cake” Without Coffee?

It’s a common question: why is it called coffee cake when there’s typically no coffee in the recipe itself? The answer lies not in the ingredients of the cake, but in how it’s traditionally enjoyed. Coffee cake gets its name because it is meant to be served alongside a cup of coffee – or tea, milk, or orange juice, for that matter! It’s essentially a type of crumb cake that’s perfectly suited for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. Originating from European sweet breads and cakes, it evolved into the streusel-topped delight we know today, primarily served as a companion to warm beverages. So, while it offers a comforting, often spiced or fruity flavor profile, it’s the pairing that gives it its iconic name. And for me, any excuse to have cake for breakfast is always a win!

If you enjoy delightful recipes that pair wonderfully with your morning coffee or afternoon tea, be sure to explore my Earl Grey Scones with Vanilla Bean Glaze, the incredibly simple 4-Ingredient Banana Bread, or for a true coffee lover’s treat, my unique Coffee Cookies. They’re all fantastic options for elevating your breakfast or snack time!

Essential Ingredients for Your Luscious Lemon Blueberry Coffee Cake

Crafting this phenomenal sour cream blueberry cream cheese coffee cake requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients, each contributing to its spectacular flavor and texture. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need for each delicious component:

For the Moist Lemon Sour Cream Cake Layer:

• Granulated Sugar: This provides the foundational sweetness for our lemon cake, perfectly balancing the bright tartness of the lemon.
• Lemon Zest: The true essence of lemon flavor comes from the zest! A pro tip: press the zest into the granulated sugar with your fingers or a spoon before adding other ingredients. This simple step helps release the fragrant essential oils, infusing your cake with an even more intense citrus aroma and taste.
• Eggs: For a light, fluffy, and tender crumb, ensure your eggs are at room temperature. This allows them to emulsify better with other ingredients, creating a smoother batter and a finer texture in your baked blueberry cream cheese coffee cake.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Quality matters here! A high-quality pure vanilla extract will elevate the overall flavor profile of your cake. For an even more personalized touch, consider making your own with my easy guide on how to make vanilla extract at home with just two ingredients!
• Vegetable Oil: This is a key ingredient for achieving and maintaining that wonderfully moist texture in your blueberry cream cheese coffee cake. Unlike butter, oil is 100% fat and remains liquid at room temperature, contributing to a consistently tender crumb that stays moist for longer.
• Sour Cream: Beyond adding a subtle tang, sour cream is a secret weapon for moisture and tenderness. Its fat and acidity react with the baking soda, creating a wonderfully soft, fluffy texture and a nuanced flavor that complements the lemon and blueberries beautifully. Make sure it’s also at room temperature.
• All-Purpose Flour: The structural backbone of our cake. For the best baking results and to avoid a dense or dry cake, it’s crucial to measure your flour correctly. I highly recommend using a kitchen scale for the most accurate measurement. Alternatively, use the spoon-and-level method: spoon flour into your measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge, rather than scooping directly from the bag.
• Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These leavening agents work in harmony with the acidic sour cream to give our blueberry cream cheese coffee cake a perfect lift and an airy texture.
• Salt: A small but mighty ingredient! Salt doesn’t just add flavor; it enhances all the other flavors in the cake, bringing out the best in the lemon and blueberries.

For the Creamy Cheesecake and Juicy Blueberry Layers:

• Softened Cream Cheese: For a smooth, lump-free cheesecake filling, your cream cheese must be thoroughly softened. Ideally, let it sit at room temperature for at least an hour. Need a shortcut? Check out my tip below for quickly softening cream cheese!
• Granulated Sugar: This adds just the right amount of sweetness to our tangy cream cheese filling, creating a harmonious balance.
• Egg: A single room temperature egg helps bind the cream cheese filling, ensuring it sets beautifully during baking. See my quick tip below if your eggs aren’t at room temperature!
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Again, choose a good quality vanilla. It complements the cream cheese and blueberries, enriching the overall flavor of this delightful blueberry cream cheese coffee cake.
• Blueberries: The star of the show! Whether you choose fresh or frozen, plump and juicy blueberries are essential. If using frozen, be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid to prevent your cake from becoming soggy. For tips on keeping your fresh berries at their peak, check out these helpful hints on how to keep summer berries fresh for longer! And for more berry inspiration, don’t miss my delicious Strawberry Blueberry Pie!

For the Irresistible Crumb Topping:

• Cold Salted Butter: The secret to a perfectly crumbly streusel topping! Using cold butter, cut into small cubes, ensures that the butter doesn’t melt too quickly into the dry ingredients. Instead, it creates distinct, delicious crumbs that crisp up beautifully in the oven. I often pop my cubed butter into the freezer for a few minutes before incorporating it.
• Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the crumb topping, giving it that delightful caramelized flavor and golden hue as it bakes.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for the crumbs, ensuring they hold their shape and create that iconic streusel texture.

And finally, to bring all these incredible flavors together with a bright, tangy flourish, our super easy Lemon Icing requires just two simple ingredients: powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice. It’s truly that straightforward to create a dazzling finish!

Essential Equipment for Your Blueberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake Baking Adventure

Before you dive into baking this delightful blueberry cream cheese coffee cake, gathering the right tools will make the process smooth and enjoyable. Here’s a rundown of the equipment I highly recommend:

• 9-inch Springform Pan or Cake Pan with Removable Bottom: This is my top recommendation for this recipe. A 9-inch springform pan is ideal because its removable sides allow you to easily release the cake once baked and cooled, ensuring your beautiful crumb topping remains perfectly intact. Most springform pans also have sufficient height to accommodate the generous layers of this cake.
• Large Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two – one for your cake batter and another for the cream cheese filling.
• Whisk: Essential for combining the wet ingredients for your cake layer, ensuring everything is well emulsified and smooth.
• Electric Mixer (Handheld or Stand Mixer): A powerful tool like an electric mixer (either a stand mixer or a good quality hand mixer) is crucial for beating the cream cheese and sugar until it’s perfectly smooth and creamy for the filling.
• Pastry Cutter or Fork: To achieve that perfect, crumbly streusel topping, you’ll need a pastry cutter. Its blades are designed to cut cold butter into flour and sugar efficiently. If you don’t have one, a fork or even your fingertips (working quickly to keep the butter cold) can also do the trick.
• Parchment Paper: Crucial for lining your baking pan, preventing sticking, and making cake removal effortless.
• Rubber Spatula: Great for scraping down the sides of bowls and folding ingredients gently.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Essential for cooling your cake evenly and preventing the bottom from becoming soggy.

Having these tools ready will ensure your baking process is efficient and your Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake turns out absolutely perfect!

Baking Perfection: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Sour Cream Blueberry Coffee Cake

While this cream cheese blueberry cake boasts incredible layers of flavor and texture, don’t be intimidated – it comes together more easily than you might think! Breaking it down into manageable steps makes the baking process a joy. Here’s a comprehensive guide, with the full detailed instructions available in the recipe card below:

1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, prepare your 9-inch springform pan or 9×9 square baking pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper – if using a square pan, leave a slight overhang on two sides; this will create “handles” to easily lift your finished blueberry cream cheese coffee cake out of the pan. Then, generously spray the parchment paper and sides of the pan with baking spray to ensure a completely non-stick surface.
2. Whip Up the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, or the bowl of your stand mixer, combine the granulated sugar and lemon zest. Take a moment to really press the zest into the sugar with a silicone spatula or your fingertips. This simple action helps release the lemon’s fragrant oils, infusing the sugar with incredible citrus flavor. Next, add your room-temperature eggs and vanilla extract, whisking vigorously for about one minute until the mixture thickens slightly and becomes pale. Pour in the vegetable oil and room-temperature sour cream, whisking until just combined. In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula, mixing until the batter just barely comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake. Scrape this tender cake batter evenly into your prepared pan.
3. Create the Cream Cheese Filling: Now for the luscious middle layer! In a clean large bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), use an electric mixer to beat your softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy, free of any lumps. Add the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and room-temperature egg, and continue to beat until everything is well combined and fluffy. Carefully pour this delightful cream cheese mixture over the cake batter in your pan, gently spreading it into an even layer with the back of a spoon or an offset spatula. Finally, sprinkle your fresh or thawed and drained blueberries evenly over the cream cheese layer.
4. Assemble the Crumb Topping: The signature buttery streusel topping is what makes a coffee cake truly special! To achieve that perfect crumbly texture, it’s essential to use *cold* butter. In a small bowl, combine your cold, cubed salted butter with the granulated sugar and all-purpose flour. Using a pastry blender, a fork, or even your fingertips (working quickly to keep the butter cold), cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, with some pea-sized clumps forming. If you have a food processor, you can also pulse the cold butter and dry ingredients together a few times until crumbles form – just be careful not to over-process. Generously sprinkle this crumbly mixture over your blueberries, ensuring an even layer. Your cake is now ready for the oven!
5. Bake and Cool to Perfection: Place your blueberry cream cheese coffee cake in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 to 55 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the streusel topping is beautifully golden brown, and the cream cheese layer underneath appears set with minimal jiggle in the center. A wooden skewer inserted into the cake part (avoiding the cream cheese layer) should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15 minutes. To remove the cooled cake from a springform pan, run a thin butter knife along the inner edge of the pan before unclasping. For a square pan with parchment overhang, gently lift the cake out. Transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely before proceeding to the icing step. This cooling period is crucial for the cake to set properly and prevent the icing from melting.
6. Drizzle with Zesty Lemon Icing: The final touch! Once your blueberry crumb cake is entirely cool, it’s time for the vibrant lemon icing. In a small bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until you have a smooth, pourable consistency. If the icing is too thick, add a tiny bit more lemon juice (¼ teaspoon at a time); if it’s too thin, add a little extra powdered sugar until it reaches your desired consistency. Now, artistically drizzle this zesty icing over the top of your delicious blueberry coffee cake. Allow the icing a few minutes to set before slicing and serving. Get ready to enjoy some truly yummy lemon blueberry goodness!

Expert Tips and FAQs for a Perfectly Moist Blueberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake

Achieving the perfect moist blueberry coffee cake is easy with a few simple tricks. Here are some key tips and answers to frequently asked questions to ensure your cake turns out beautifully every time:

More Berry Recipes You’ll Love

• Strawberry Crumble
• Buttermilk Blueberry Muffins with Lemon Zest
• Lemon and Blackberry Cake
• Skillet Blueberry Cobbler with Smoked Sugar
• Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars

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