Craving a delightful twist to your morning routine? Dive into the world of blackberry coffee cake recipes with me. This Blackberry Swirl Coffee Cake is a true showstopper, boasting elegant swirls of blackberry puree throughout a light and fluffy cake base. The sweet brown sugar topping adds a perfect crunch to every bite, making it an ideal addition to any breakfast spread or afternoon coffee break.
Baked with love and attention to detail, this Blackberry Coffee Cake from Kitchen Trial and Error is a must-try for any baking enthusiast. The combination of juicy blackberries, a tender cake crumb, and a hint of cinnamon creates a flavor profile that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply treating yourself, this recipe promises to elevate your baking game and impress your taste buds.
Ingredients
Blackberry Filling
- 1 cup blackberries
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
Coffee Cake Batter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Streusel Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Required Tools and Equipment
When making this delectable Blackberry Swirl Coffee Cake, having the right tools and equipment at hand is crucial to ensure a smooth baking experience. Here are the essential items you will need:
Tools:
- 9-inch Springform Pan: This type of pan is ideal for accommodating the layers of this coffee cake, including the blackberry swirls and cream cheese layer.
- Electric Mixer: To efficiently mix the cake batter and cream cheese layer until smooth and creamy.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurately measuring ingredients like flour, sugar, baking powder, and more.
- Mixing Bowls: To mix and combine the various components of the cake.
- Spatula: Essential for spreading the cream cheese layer evenly over the cake batter.
- Oven: To bake the cake to perfection.
- Oven: Preheat to the required temperature before starting the baking process.
- Parchment Paper: Optional but useful for easy removal of the cake from the pan.
- Cooling Rack: To allow the cake to cool properly after baking.
- Serrated Knife: Helpful for cutting and serving the finished cake.
- Small Saucepan: For preparing the blackberry puree.
Instructions
I adore making this Blackberry Swirl Coffee Cake, it’s a delightful treat with a burst of blackberry flavor and a cinnamon brown sugar crumble on top.
Preparing the Blackberry Filling
- Blend 1 1/2 cups of fresh or frozen blackberries with 1/4 cup of sugar until smooth.
- Strain the puree through a mesh sieve if you prefer a seedless filling.
- Set the blackberry puree aside for later use.
Making the Coffee Cake Batter
- In a large bowl, sift together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 2 tsp of baking powder, and 1/4 tsp of salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 large egg, 2/3 cup of milk, 1 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract, and 1/3 cup of melted butter.
- Create a well in the dry ingredients, pour in the wet mixture, and stir gently until just combined.
- Fold in 1/2 cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt, stirring until fully incorporated.
Creating the Streusel Topping
- In a bowl, mix 1 cup of flour, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 1 tsp of cinnamon.
- Cut in 6 tbsp of cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×9 baking dish.
- Spread half of the coffee cake batter into the prepared pan, ensuring it reaches the edges.
- Layer the blackberry puree evenly over the batter, then add the remaining batter on top.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping over the cake batter.
- Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool before slicing and serving. Enjoy this delightful Blackberry Swirl Coffee Cake!
Baking the Cake
To bake the delicious Blackberry Swirl Coffee Cake, preheat your oven to 350°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the baking process:
- Creaming Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step helps incorporate air into the mixture for a tender crumb.
- Incorporating Eggs: Add the eggs to the butter-sugar mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition. This ensures even distribution of the eggs in the batter for a cohesive texture.
- Mixing Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Adding these dry ingredients gradually helps prevent clumping and allows for even dispersion of leavening agents.
- Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add half of the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and gently fold until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender cake texture.
- Layering Batter and Blackberry Puree: Spread a layer of the thick cake batter evenly in the prepared baking dish. Then spoon the blackberry puree over the batter, creating a beautiful swirl effect throughout the cake.
- Adding Streusel Topping: Sprinkle the buttery pecan streusel over the top of the blackberry batter. The crunchy streusel adds a delightful contrast in texture to the soft cake and juicy blackberries.
- Baking to Perfection: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Be mindful not to overbake to retain the cake’s moistness.
- Serving: Once baked, allow the Blackberry Swirl Coffee Cake to cool slightly before slicing and serving. This cake is perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or as a delightful dessert any time of the day.
Preparing the Glaze and Finishing Touches
After baking the Blackberry Swirl Coffee Cake to perfection and allowing it to cool, it’s time to add the final touch with a delicious powdered sugar glaze. Here’s how to prepare the glaze and finish off your coffee cake with finesse:
Making the Powdered Sugar Glaze
- In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of powdered sugar with a splash of milk or water.
- Stir the mixture vigorously until smooth and reaches a drizzling consistency.
- Adjust the thickness by adding more powdered sugar if too thin, or more liquid if too thick.
Drizzling the Glaze
- Once the powdered sugar glaze is ready, use a spoon or a fork to drizzle it generously over the cooled Blackberry Swirl Coffee Cake.
- Start at the center and move in a back-and-forth motion to create a decorative drizzle pattern.
- Continue drizzling until the entire surface of the cake is beautifully glazed.
- Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving the coffee cake.
- For an extra flourish, you can sprinkle some additional fresh blackberries on top of the glazed cake.
- Serve the Blackberry Swirl Coffee Cake with a smile and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors in every bite.
Serving and Storage Tips
How to Serve
To serve this delightful blackberry coffee cake, slice it into generous portions using a sharp knife. The cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or afternoon treat. Serve the cake on a decorative platter to showcase its delicious layers and swirls of blackberry filling.
Storage Instructions
To keep your blackberry coffee cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake, ensuring it is well covered. Before serving refrigerated cake, allow it to come to room temperature for the best taste and texture. To freeze the cake for future enjoyment, tightly wrap individual slices or the entire cake in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store in the freezer for up to three months.
Conclusion
Blackberry Swirl Coffee Cake is a delightful treat that combines the tartness of blackberries with the sweetness of a light, fluffy cake. By following the steps outlined in this recipe, you can create a showstopping dessert that is perfect for any occasion. From preparing the blackberry filling to adding the finishing touch of a powdered sugar glaze, each step is essential in bringing out the flavors and textures of this delicious cake. Remember to serve it generously sliced, paired with your favorite beverage, and displayed beautifully to impress your guests. Whether enjoyed fresh or stored for later, this Blackberry Swirl Coffee Cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and a go-to recipe for your baking repertoire.