Buttermilk Blueberry Breakfast Cake

Indulging in a slice of this Buttermilk Blueberry Breakfast Cake is like enjoying a warm hug in cake form. With the perfect balance of sweetness from the blueberries, a zesty pop of lemon, and the rich, tender crumb from the buttermilk, this cake is an ideal choice for a breakfast treat, brunch, or even a light dessert. Whether you’re serving it on a special occasion or as a cozy morning treat, this cake will make your taste buds sing with joy. Its light, fluffy texture and fruity burst of fresh blueberries make it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

This cake comes together in just a few easy steps and is made with common ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your kitchen. The combination of vanilla, lemon zest, and buttermilk results in a beautifully moist, flavorful cake that’s a perfect complement to your morning coffee or tea. The subtle sweetness from the cake and the slight tang from the buttermilk are balanced by the juicy sweetness of the blueberries, creating a delightful treat with every bite. It’s the kind of recipe that feels homemade and comforting, yet sophisticated enough for any gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect for Breakfast or Brunch

This cake is light and moist, making it the perfect breakfast or brunch treat, but it’s also indulgent enough to enjoy with a cup of coffee.

2. Simple Ingredients

Made with everyday ingredients like sugar, flour, buttermilk, and fresh blueberries, this cake is simple to prepare but yields an impressive result.

3. Bright and Fresh Flavor

The lemon zest and fresh blueberries provide a vibrant burst of flavor, making each bite refreshing and satisfying.

4. Easy to Make

With just a few simple steps, this recipe is easy to follow, even for novice bakers. The cake comes together quickly and doesn’t require any special equipment.

5. Versatile

While perfect for breakfast or brunch, this cake is also a wonderful dessert or snack to enjoy any time of day, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter (room temperature)
• Lemon zest (from 1 large lemon)
• Sugar (reserve 1 tablespoon for sprinkling)
• Egg (room temperature)
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour (reserve 1/4 cup for tossing with the blueberries)
• Baking powder
• Kosher salt
• Fresh blueberries
• Buttermilk

Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free.
• Berry Swap: While blueberries are a classic choice, you can swap them for raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries for a different twist.
• Spiced Version: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor to complement the blueberries.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round or square baking pan with butter or non-stick spray, and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Add the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest to the butter mixture, and beat until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in increments, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Toss the Blueberries

In a small bowl, toss the blueberries with the reserved 1/4 cup of flour to coat them lightly. This will prevent the berries from sinking to the bottom of the cake. Gently fold the blueberries into the batter, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the reserved tablespoon of sugar over the top of the cake to create a slight crunch as it bakes. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice into squares or wedges, and serve.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the butter and egg are at room temperature before starting. This ensures they mix together smoothly for a better texture.
• Do Not Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the batter once you add the flour. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
• Use Fresh Blueberries: Fresh blueberries work best for this recipe, but if you must use frozen, do not thaw them before adding them to the batter.
• Lemon Zest: For a more intense lemon flavor, you can increase the lemon zest by half or even add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the batter.

How to Serve

This Buttermilk Blueberry Breakfast Cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Serve it with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy morning treat. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey for extra indulgence. For a more decadent experience, pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate the cake to extend its shelf life for up to 5 days.

Freezing

To freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the cake at room temperature for several hours.

Reheating

If you prefer to enjoy the cake warm, simply microwave a slice for 10-15 seconds or reheat in the oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake without buttermilk?

Yes, if you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute with 1/2 cup of regular milk mixed with 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes before using.

2. Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Yes, but make sure not to thaw the frozen blueberries before folding them into the batter. This helps prevent the color from bleeding into the cake.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the cake a day or two in advance. It stores well at room temperature for up to 3 days.

4. Can I add nuts to this cake?

Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans would be a great addition to the batter for some extra crunch and flavor.

5. Can I use a different type of flour?

You can use whole wheat flour for a slightly denser and heartier cake. If using gluten-free flour, make sure it’s a 1:1 substitution.

6. Can I make this into muffins instead of a cake?

Yes, you can divide the batter into muffin tins and bake at the same temperature for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days.

8. Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, this cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to serve.

9. Can I add other fruits to this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute or add other fruits like raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries for a twist on the classic blueberry cake.

10. How do I know when the cake is done?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. If the cake is golden brown on top and slightly pulling away from the edges, it’s likely ready.

Conclusion

This Buttermilk Blueberry Breakfast Cake is the perfect combination of light, fluffy, and fruity goodness. With its deliciously tangy flavor, subtle sweetness, and tender crumb, it’s an ideal choice for breakfast, brunch, or even a sweet afternoon snack. Whether you make it for a special occasion or as a regular treat, it’s sure to impress anyone who tries it. Enjoy every bite of this easy-to-make cake that will quickly become a family favorite!

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