Next, I sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure there are no lumps. I blend this gently, alternating with the milk until I have a smooth batter. Finally, I fold in the blueberries with a rubber scraper, being careful not to crush them. The beautiful burst of color against the batter always makes me smile! I pour this mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Now, let’s move on to make that delicious crumb topping! In a small bowl, I combine the brown sugar, flour, butter, and cinnamon until it resembles a coarse crumb. The smell of cinnamon started dancing in my kitchen at this point, and it just gets better from here! I sprinkle this topping generously over the blueberry batter.
Finally, I pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The wait is tough, but as the cake bakes, the aromas fill my home, making it worth it. When it’s finally done, I let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving—if I can wait that long!
Pro Tips for Best Results
I tested this recipe three ways to get it just right. First off, if you’re using frozen blueberries, make sure to add them straight from the freezer into the batter. Don’t thaw them first; they tend to get mushy when prepped. Also, I’ve found that the best way to measure flour is by fluffing it up in the bag, spooning it into the measuring cup, and leveling it off without packing it down. This ensures the cake is nice and fluffy!
Another great tip—I love adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter. This little addition brightens the flavors and enhances the blueberries beautifully. For extra buttery goodness, I sometimes replace half the milk with sour cream. It adds a delightful richness to the cake, making it even more moist.
Lastly, if you want to make this ahead of time, try baking the cake the day before and putting it in an airtight container overnight. It stays moist wonderfully, and the flavors blend together beautifully. I like to reheat individual slices in the microwave for a warm treat the next day!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One thing I learned from numerous baking adventures is that overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake. I remember the first time I made this coffee cake; I was so eager to mix everything quickly that I ended up with a heavy texture instead of the light, airy cake I wanted. So, be gentle when mixing in the flour and blueberries! (See the next page below to continue…)