Looking for a delicious breakfast treat? Look no further! This Blueberry Almond Coffee Cake is soft, moist, and packed with flavor. You’ll love how easy it is to make with just a few simple ingredients. Perfect for any morning, it pairs beautifully with your favorite coffee or tea. Ready to elevate your breakfast game? Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe and impress your family and friends!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The mix of fresh blueberries and almond extracts creates a delightful flavor that is both sweet and nutty.
- Moist and Tender Texture: This coffee cake is incredibly moist, thanks to the butter and almond milk, making it a perfect treat for any time of the day.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it's brunch, a cozy afternoon snack, or a sweet dessert, this coffee cake fits the bill beautifully.
Ingredients
To make a delicious blueberry almond coffee cake, gather these simple ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the perfect texture and flavor. Flour gives structure, while sugar adds sweetness. Butter keeps the cake moist. Eggs help bind the mix together, and almond milk gives a nice flavor. Baking powder is your leavening agent, making the cake rise. Vanilla and almond extracts enhance the taste. Salt balances the sweetness, and blueberries provide juicy bites. Sliced almonds add crunch and extra flavor. You can choose to add cinnamon for warmth, and powdered sugar finishes your cake nicely.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cake bakes evenly.
2. Prepare a 9-inch round cake pan by greasing it with butter and dusting it with flour. You can also use parchment paper for easy removal.
Mixing Instructions
1. In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Mix until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step adds air, making the cake tender.
2. Beat in 2 large eggs, adding them one at a time. Make sure to mix well after each addition. This helps create a smooth batter.
3. Stir in 1/2 cup of almond milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of almond extract. Mix until well combined. The almond extract adds a nice flavor.
4. In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon if you choose to use it. This helps distribute the baking powder evenly.
Baking the Cake
1. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light.
2. Gently fold in 1 cup of fresh blueberries and 1/4 cup of sliced almonds. This gives the cake its fruity and nutty flavor.
3. Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle extra sliced almonds on top for a great look.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. Check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
5. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps keep the cake from getting soggy.
Tips & Tricks
Baking Tips
How to avoid overmixing: Overmixing can make your cake tough. Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until they blend. The batter should be slightly lumpy. This keeps your cake light and fluffy.
Best practices for incorporating blueberries: Fresh blueberries are best for this cake. Rinse them gently to remove dirt. Pat them dry with a paper towel. When you add them, fold them in slowly to keep them whole. This way, they won’t break apart in the batter.
Serving Suggestions
Ideal accompaniments for coffee cake: You can enjoy this coffee cake with a variety of sides. Fresh fruit is a great choice. A dollop of yogurt or whipped cream works too. These add a nice creaminess to the cake.
How to serve with coffee or tea: Serve slices of the cake warm or at room temperature. Brew a fresh pot of coffee or tea. The warm flavors of almond and blueberry pair well with both beverages. It makes for a perfect breakfast or snack.
Storing Tips
Storing leftovers properly: If you have leftover cake, store it in an airtight container. It keeps well at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you want it to last longer, refrigerate it.
Freezing the coffee cake: You can freeze the coffee cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore its texture.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Blueberries: For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh blueberries instead of frozen ones. They’ll provide a burst of juiciness in every bite.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a light and fluffy one.
- Let It Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps maintain its structure and prevents it from breaking apart.
- Enhance Flavor with Almonds: For an extra layer of flavor, toast the sliced almonds before adding them to the batter. This will bring out their natural nuttiness and add depth to your coffee cake.
Variations
Alternative Ingredients
You can easily make this coffee cake dairy-free. Swap the butter for coconut oil or vegan butter. Use almond milk or any plant-based milk. This keeps the taste rich while making it friendly for all diets.
If you need a gluten-free version, try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour mix. Check that it has a binding agent like xanthan gum. This will help the cake hold its shape and stay moist.
Flavor Enhancements
To boost the flavor, consider adding spices. A bit of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth. You might also squeeze some lemon juice. This adds a bright, fresh taste that pairs well with blueberries.
You can switch out the almonds too. Try walnuts or pecans for a different crunch. You can even mix in other fruits, like raspberries or peaches. Each fruit brings a new twist to this tasty coffee cake.
Creative Serving Ideas
Feeling creative? Transform this cake into muffins! Just adjust the bake time to about 20-25 minutes. This makes for easy grab-and-go breakfast options.
If you want to make it extra special, layer it with cream or frosting. A light whipped cream or cream cheese frosting adds a nice touch. This makes the cake feel more like a dessert, perfect for serving at brunch or special occasions.
Nutritional Information
Caloric Breakdown
- This coffee cake has about 200 calories per slice.
- Each slice contains:
- 8g of fat
- 3g of protein
- 30g of carbs
Health Benefits
- Blueberries are rich in vitamins C and K. They have antioxidants that may help your body.
- Almonds provide healthy fats, fiber, and protein. They can support heart health and may help with weight management.
Dietary Considerations
- This recipe contains allergens like gluten and nuts.
- For a vegan option, replace eggs with flaxseed meal and use plant-based butter. You can also use almond milk if you want a dairy-free cake.
- For low-carb diets, consider almond flour instead of regular flour.
FAQs
Common Questions
Can I use frozen blueberries? Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just add them straight from the freezer. This helps keep the cake moist. If they thaw, they can make the batter too wet.
How can I make the cake more moist? To make the cake more moist, try adding an extra egg or using more butter. You can also add a bit of yogurt or sour cream. These ingredients help add richness and moisture.
Troubleshooting
What to do if the cake is too dry? If your cake is dry, check your oven temperature. Sometimes, ovens run hot. You can also add a simple syrup to the top. This will help add moisture back to the cake.
Why is my cake not rising? If your cake is not rising, check the baking powder. It might be old or inactive. Also, ensure you mix the batter well but don’t overmix. This can affect how much it rises.
Ingredient Substitutions
What can I substitute for almond milk? You can use any milk you have on hand. Regular cow's milk, soy milk, or oat milk all work well. Each will give a different taste, so choose what you like best.
Can I use a different type of flour? Yes, you can use whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blends. Just remember that different flours can change the texture. You might need to adjust the liquid too.
This blog post covered all the key steps to make a delicious coffee cake. You learned about the ingredients, preparation, and baking methods. I shared tips to enhance your cake and how to store it. You can even experiment with variations and substitutions to suit your taste.
In the end, baking should be fun and creative. Don't hesitate to try new ideas and flavors. Enjoy the process and share your tasty cake with family and friends!
