Blackberry Coffee Cake Recipe

This Blackberry Coffee Cake recipe features a tender, buttery crumb layered with juicy blackberries and a sweet cinnamon crumble topping. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, this easy coffee cake balances bright fruit flavor with rich, bakery-style texture.

Blackberry coffee cake is one of those baked goods that feels special yet remains approachable. With juicy blackberries, a buttery crumb, and a crisp cinnamon streusel topping, this easy blackberry coffee cake recipe is the kind you’ll want to bake again and again.

Serve it with a hot cup of coffee or a cup of tea, and you’ve got a breakfast cake that easily turns into an afternoon snack or an elegant addition to Mother’s Day brunch.

What Is Blackberry Coffee Cake?

Blackberry coffee cake is a classic coffee cake made with fresh berries baked into a tender cake batter and finished with a crumb topping. Despite the name, there is no actual coffee flavor in traditional coffee cake. It’s meant to be enjoyed with coffee, making it perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or casual entertaining.

Why You’ll Love This Blackberry Coffee Cake Recipe

• Soft, tender coffee cake with a buttery crumb, juicy blackberries, and a cinnamon streusel topping that adds the perfect crunch
• Easy to make with simple pantry staples and baked in a single cake pan for minimal prep and cleanup
• Versatile and crowd-pleasing, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack with coffee or tea

Blackberry Coffee Cake Ingredients

For the Coffee Cake Batter:

• Unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• Granulated sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Milk
• Fresh blackberries

For the Cinnamon Streusel Topping:

• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Flour
• Cinnamon
• Butter

This classic ingredient combination keeps the recipe approachable while delivering a tender coffee cake with a buttery crumb and bakery-quality texture.

Fresh vs Frozen Blackberries for Coffee Cake

Fresh blackberries are ideal during blackberry season because they hold their shape and provide bursts of juicy blackberries throughout the center of the cake. Frozen berries can work in a pinch, but do not thaw them first. Toss them lightly in flour to reduce excess moisture in the cake batter and prevent sinking.

Cinnamon Streusel Topping for Coffee Cake

The crumb topping is what separates a good cake from a classic coffee cake. Mixing brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and butter creates a buttery streusel with a perfect crunch. Sprinkle it evenly over the top of the cake so every slice gets that buttery crunch and crumb topping contrast.

How to Make Blackberry Coffee Cake (Step-by-Step)

1. Start by preheating the oven and lining your baking dish with parchment paper. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, or using a large bowl and handheld mixer, cream the butter and sugar at medium speed until light and fluffy.
2. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients to form your flour mixture. Alternate adding the wet ingredients and dry ingredients to the bowl of a stand mixer, starting and ending with the flour mixture.
3. Gently fold in the fresh berries, keeping some whole. Spread half of the batter into the prepared pan, add some of the remaining blackberries, then top with the rest of the batter to create an even layer. Finish with the streusel topping before baking in the preheated oven.

Baking Tips for Moist Coffee Cake

• Use room temperature ingredients, especially butter, milk, and egg, so the cake batter mixes evenly and bakes up tender
• Cream the butter and sugar well using an electric mixer or paddle attachment until light and fluffy to create a soft crumb
• Do not overmix once the flour is added; mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated to avoid a dense cake
• Alternate wet and dry ingredients when mixing to maintain structure and prevent overworking the batter
• Fold in blackberries gently to keep them intact and prevent excess moisture from bleeding into the cake
• Bake in the center of the oven so the coffee cake cooks evenly from edge to center
• Cool the cake before slicing to allow the crumb to set and retain moisture for clean, bakery-style slices

How to Tell When Coffee Cake Is Done

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let the cooled cake rest in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack.

Can You Make Blackberry Coffee Cake Ahead of Time?

Yes. This cake can be baked a day in advance and stored under a cake dome. The flavors develop overnight, making it an excellent choice for brunch or afternoon tea.

How to Store Blackberry Coffee Cake

Store leftover slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to four days. Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Blackberry Coffee Cake Variations

Add lemon zest or a splash of lemon juice for brightness, drizzle with a simple glaze, or swap in other fresh berries. Almond extracts also pair beautifully with blackberries for a bakery-style twist.

This easy blackberry coffee cake recipe is proof that simple ingredients and good technique can create unforgettable results. Be sure to check the full recipe card below and leave a star rating if you bake it.

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• Banana Coffee Cake Recipe
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