Blueberry Buttermilk Breakfast Cake

Blueberry Buttermilk Breakfast Cake

Introduction

This Blueberry Buttermilk Breakfast Cake is the kind of recipe that makes you rethink pancakes forever. Soft, moist, and bursting with juicy blueberries, this cake delivers everything you love about classic breakfast flavors in an easy-to-slice, bakery-style form. With a tender crumb, bright lemon zest, and just the right amount of sweetness, it’s perfect for slow weekends, brunch gatherings, or make-ahead breakfasts during busy weeks. Enjoy it warm from the oven or straight from the fridge—it’s incredible either way.

History & Inspiration

Breakfast cakes have long been popular in American home baking, especially in the Midwest and Northeast, where fruit-forward baked goods were often served in the morning with coffee. This blueberry buttermilk version draws inspiration from old-fashioned coffee cakes and farmhouse baking, where buttermilk was a staple ingredient used to create tender, moist textures. Blueberries, one of North America’s most beloved fruits, naturally became a breakfast favorite thanks to their balance of sweetness and freshness.

Why This Breakfast Cake Is Special

• Uses simple pantry ingredients

• Moist, tender crumb thanks to buttermilk

• Loaded with fresh blueberries

• Not overly sweet—perfect for breakfast

• Delicious warm or cold

• Stores well for several days

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh blueberries

• 2 cups all-purpose flour, divided

• 1 cup granulated sugar, plus 1 tablespoon for topping

• 1 large egg, room temperature

• ½ cup buttermilk

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

• 2 tablespoons lemon zest

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Blueberries

Toss the blueberries with ¼ cup flour until evenly coated. This prevents them from sinking during baking. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter & Sugar

In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream together the butter, sugar, and lemon zest for 3–5 minutes until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg until fully incorporated, then mix in the vanilla extract.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using).

Step 6: Build the Batter

Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the batter, beginning and ending with the dry mixture. Mix just until combined.

Step 7: Fold & Assemble

Gently fold in the floured blueberries. Pour batter into the prepared dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the top with 1 tablespoon sugar.

Step 8: Bake

Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool & Serve

Allow the cake to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Baking Method Explained

This recipe uses the creaming method, where butter and sugar are beaten together to incorporate air, resulting in a soft, fluffy texture. Alternating wet and dry ingredients ensures a smooth batter and prevents overmixing, keeping the cake tender.

Health & Enjoyment Benefits

• Blueberries are rich in antioxidants

• Lemon zest adds natural brightness without extra sugar

• Lower sweetness makes it suitable for breakfast

• Satisfying and filling

• Perfect balance of comfort and freshness

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Add a lemon glaze for extra sweetness

• Swap blueberries for raspberries or blackberries

• Add sliced almonds or streusel topping

• Use orange zest instead of lemon

• Sprinkle powdered sugar before serving

Who Will Love This Recipe

• Breakfast and brunch lovers

• Blueberry pancake fans

• Busy families needing make-ahead meals

• Coffee cake enthusiasts

• Home bakers of all skill levels

Storage & Serving Tips

• Store covered at room temperature for 1 day

• Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days

• Serve cold, room temperature, or reheated

• Pairs beautifully with coffee or tea

Final Conclusion

Blueberry Buttermilk Breakfast Cake is everything a great breakfast should be—comforting, flavorful, and effortless. Whether you’re serving guests, feeding your family, or treating yourself, this cake delivers bakery-quality results with minimal effort. Once you try it, you may never go back to pancakes again.