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๐Ÿ Home ยป Recipes ยป Breakfast Recipes

Easy Blueberry Cake

Updated: Oct 30, 2023 ยท Published: Aug 15, 2023 by Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan ยท 14 Comments

Jump to Recipe
Time: 45 minutes mins

This Easy Blueberry Cake with vanilla glaze will be the star of any brunch, or make yourself a special breakfast. Simple to make from scratch with pantry ingredients.

๐ŸซIngredients

Blueberriesโ€”fresh or frozen.
Buttermilkโ€”a substitute may be used.
Pantry Ingredientsโ€”AP flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, powdered sugar, butter, vanilla extract, egg, milk

Blueberry cake on white plate.
Jump To (scroll for more)
  • ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐ŸณHow to Make Blueberry Cake
  • Variations and options
  • โฌ†๏ธHow to make a larger cake?
  • Storage of leftovers
  • โ“FAQs
  • Step-by-Step Photo Instructions
  • ๐Ÿ“–The Recipe Card with Step-by-Step Instructions
Blue ribbon divider used for visual effect

Featured comment from Karen:
"It is so delicious, and the glaze makes it so scrumptious. I can't wait to try it with other berries. This is a 5-star winner for my recipe collection."

Call it breakfast cake, coffee cake, or blueberry buckle; you will love this simple blueberry cake. A delicious treat from fresh or frozen blueberries with common pantry ingredients

This simple and easy blueberry cake recipe uses buttermilk for tenderness with a common pantry ingredient and frozen or fresh blueberries. Melt in your mouth tenderโ€”it's perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a snack. Use it like a coffee cake or scones.

Check out some other great blueberry recipes. Start the day with some Baked Blueberry Pancakes, Healthy Blueberry Scones, or Blueberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake. Or end the meal with Blueberry Cobbler or Blueberry Crumble Pie.

๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐ŸณHow to Make Blueberry Cake

  1. Combine flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, with an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar for about 2 minutes and then beat in egg and vanilla.
  3. Mix in about โ…“ of the flour mixture and โ…“ of the half cup of buttermilk. Repeat twice more.
  4. Pour the batter into a prepared pan and sprinkle with blueberries dusted with flour.
  5. Bake until a toothpick comes out cleanโ€”about 30 minutes.
  6. Optional glaze. Combine powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Mix until smoothโ€”it will be a thick liquid. Then drizzle over the cake.

This is a summary of the steps and ingredients. See the recipe card or the step-by-step photo instructions below for complete instructions.

Variations and options

Topping variationsโ€”use a streusel topping or sprinkle the top with sugar and chopped pecans or walnuts. Or skip the toppingโ€”it is delicious without any topping.

Use different berries, like fresh raspberries or blackberries. A frozen berry mix will also work.

โฌ†๏ธHow to make a larger cake?

This recipe is baked in a 9-inch round, 8 by 8, or 6 by 9 inch baking pan. I call this 8 small servings, although it is more like 4 generous servings. This is a good "cooking for two" size. There are leftovers, but they may be stored easily.

Follow these simple steps for a double recipe for larger needs, like a "take a dish" party.

  1. Use the recipe card and adjust the servings from 8 to 16.
  2. Use the amount of ingredients in the ingredient list, not the instructionsโ€”those do not adjust.
  3. Use a 9 by 13 inch cake pan to cook.
  4. Cooking time will be 5 to 10 minutes longer. Use the toothpick test to determine the end point of cooking.

Storage of leftovers

Store tightly wrapped with plastic wrap or aluminum foil at room temperature for 3 days or frozen for 3 months.

โ“FAQs

How to prevent the berries from all dropping to the bottom of the cake

Be sure the berries are dry. Rinse and dry with paper towels, even if frozen.

A light dusting of flour will help keep the berries suspended.

And lastly, do not mix the berries into the batter. Just spread on top.

What pan size to use?

A 9-inch round pan is what I generally use, but an 8-inch square or 6 by 9 inch oblong dish.

A double recipe is best in a 9 by 13 standard cake pan and may take a bit longer to cook, so go by color and the toothpick test.

What to substitute for buttermilk?

Buttermilk has an acid pH which will activate more rise for the baking powder and sodaโ€”leading to a softer and more tender cake. You can make it with regular milk or a milk substitute if you wish but with less rise.

If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by using ยฝ cup of milk, remove 1 ยฝ teaspoons, and add 1 ยฝ teaspoons of vinegar or lemon juice (my choice). Allow it to set for 5-10 minutes before use.

Blue ribbon divider used for visual effect
โ†‘Jump to Table of Contents

This recipe is listed in these categories. See them for more similar recipes.

Breakfast Recipes, Dessert Recipes

Have you tried this recipe, or have a question? Join the community discussion in the comments.

Step-by-Step Photo Instructions

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blueberries and cake ingredients.

Preheat oven to 400ยฐ. Pick over the blueberries for stems and rinse. Pat dry.

round baking pan coated with flour.

Prep a 9-inch round baking pan with a coat of butter and dust with flour with paper towels.

mix dry ingredients in a large bowl.

Mix the dry ingredientsโ€”flour, baking powder, and baking soda in a separate bowl.

mixing in egg with hand mixer.

In a large mixing bowl, mix the wet ingredients using an electric hand mixer to cream ยผ cup of butter and โ…” cup sugarโ€”about 2 minutes. Add 1 egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter/sugar mixture and mix in.

mix in flour and buttermilk with hand mixer.

Add about โ…“ of the flour mixture and โ…“ of the half cup of buttermilk. Mix well. Repeat twice.

cake batter in pan topped with blueberries.

Place the batter into the prepared panโ€”smooth the top. Sprinkle on 1 cup of blueberries. Sprinkle the top with 1 ยฝ tablespoons sugar if not doing the glaze.

flipping the cake onto a cooling rack.

Bake on the middle rack until a toothpick comes out cleanโ€”about 30 minutes. Allow to cool in a pan for about 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edge and invert on a rack to cool more.

mixing glaze in a metal bowl.

Optional glaze. Combine โ…” cup powdered sugar, โ…› teaspoon vanilla, and 3-4 teaspoons milk. Move the cake back to a plate and apply the glaze.

Blueberry cake on white plate.

๐Ÿ“–The Recipe Card with Step-by-Step Instructions

Blueberry cake on white plate

Easy Blueberry Cake

5 from 2 votes
From Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan
This Easy Blueberry Cake with vanilla glaze will be the star of any brunch, or make yourself a special breakfast. Simple to make from scratch with pantry ingredients.
Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes minutes
Servings #/Adjustable :8 servings
Print | Pin | Email share | Like and save for later Saved!

Ingredients

US Customary - Convert to Metric
  • 1 cup flour - AP
  • ยฝ teaspoon baking powder - aluminum-free
  • ยฝ teaspoon baking soda
  • โ…” cup sugar
  • ยผ cup butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ยฝ cup buttermilk
  • 1 egg - large
  • 1 cup blueberries - fresh or frozen
Optional Glaze or a dusting of sugar
  • โ…” cup powder sugar
  • โ…› teaspoon vanilla
  • 3-4 teaspoon milk

Step-by-Step Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 400ยฐ. Pick over the blueberries for stems and rinse. Pat dry.
    blueberries and cake ingredients
  • Prep a 9-inch round baking pan with a coat of butter and dust with flour with paper towels.
    round baking pan coated with flour
  • Mix the dry ingredientsโ€”flour, baking powder, and baking soda in a separate bowl.
    mixing dry ingredients in a metal bowl
  • In a large mixing bowl, mix the wet ingredients using an electric hand mixer to cream ยผ cup of butter and โ…” cup sugarโ€”about 2 minutes. Add 1 egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter/sugar mixture and mix in.
    mixing egg into batter with electric mixer
  • Add about โ…“ of the flour mixture and โ…“ of the half cup of buttermilk. Mix well. Repeat twice.
    mixing milk into the batter
  • Place the batter into the prepared panโ€”smooth the top. Sprinkle on 1 cup of blueberries. Sprinkle the top with 1 ยฝ tablespoons sugar if not doing the glaze.
    cake batter in pan topped with blueberries
  • Bake on the middle rack until a toothpick comes out cleanโ€”about 30 minutes. Allow to cool in a pan for about 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edge and invert on a rack to cool more.
    turning the cake onto a rack upside down
  • Optional glaze. Combine โ…” cup powdered sugar, โ…› teaspoon vanilla, and 3-4 teaspoons milk. Move the cake back to a plate and apply the glaze.
    mixing glaze in small bowl

Recipe Notes

Pro Tips

  1. Use fresh or frozen berries. Do not thaw the frozen berries.
  2. A double recipe is best in a 9 by 13 standard cake pan and may take a bit longer to cook, so go by color and the toothpick test.
  3. Rinse the berries and pat dry with a paper towel. A light dusting of flour will help prevent the blueberries from dropping to the bottom of the cake during baking.
  4. Use aluminum-free baking powder.
  5. If you don't have buttermilk, use ยฝ cup of milk, remove 1 ยฝ teaspoons and add 1 ยฝ teaspoons of vinegar or lemon juice (my choice). Allow it to set for 5-10 minutes before use.
  6. The 400ยฐ oven temperature looks high but is correct.
  7. While I added the glaze as optional, you definitely want to do it.
  8. This cake will fall apart if you try to cut it before cooled.
  9. Store tightly wrapped with plastic wrap at room temperature for 3 days. Or frozen for 3 months.
  10. Nutrition data includes optional glaze.

Your Own Private Notes

Click here to save your own private notes only you will see. These will print and be saved for your next visit.

To adjust the recipe size:

You can adjust the number of servings above; however, only the amount in the ingredient list is adjusted, not the instructions.

Nutrition Estimate (may vary)

Calories : 241 kcal (12%)Carbohydrates : 42 g (14%)Protein : 3 g (6%)Fat : 7 g (11%)Saturated Fat : 4 g (20%)Cholesterol : 37 mg (12%)Sodium : 145 mg (6%)Potassium : 84 mg (2%)Fiber : 1 g (4%)Sugar : 29 g (32%)Vitamin A : 242 IU (5%)Vitamin C : 2 mg (2%)Calcium : 37 mg (4%)Iron : 1 mg (6%)
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Blueberry Buttermilk Cake, Blueberry Cake

Editor's Note: Originally Published July 24, 2016. Updated with expanded options, refreshed photos, and a table of contents to help navigation.

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  1. Karen S says

    August 26, 2023 at 3:05 pm

    5 stars
    Dr Dan, I made this recipe today with fresh blueberries and Bob's Red Mill gluten free flour, following the recipe exactly. (Spoon the flour into the measuring cup with GF flour) It must be the buttermilk. It is so delicious, and the glaze makes it so scrumptious. I can't wait to try it with other berries. This is a 5-star winner for my recipe collection.

    Reply
    • Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan says

      September 27, 2023 at 8:13 pm

      Hi Karen,

      Welcome to the blog. Sorry for the delayed response.

      I do love this easy cake.

      Thanks for the comment.

      Dan

  2. Dana Stieferman says

    August 11, 2019 at 2:09 pm

    Dr. Dan, Iโ€™m sure your wife got the buttermilk so you would get the message to make this Easy Buttermilk Blueberry Cake! It worked!! Not a big fan of blueberries but do like any other berry, esp blackberries. Will p/u the bmilk & berries on next grocery run. Canโ€™t wait to try it; Iโ€™m anticipating it will be a 5-star rating.
    Thanks for all your recipes. Since my DHโ€™s injury, Iโ€™ve even done a few steaks following your great instructions. Iโ€™m 74 and just now really cooking- thanks to my husband actually liking to cook since shortly after we were married.
    Gotta go - TMI ! ๐Ÿ˜œ

    Reply
    • Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan says

      August 11, 2019 at 2:21 pm

      Hi Diana,

      Welcome to the blog.

      I usually do the shopping or we do it together but she went and I asked for a quart of milk. I had just wasted most of a gallon. I believe she grabbed the buttermilk by mistake but I had the berries and the buttermilk and went searching for a recipe. I anticipate a scone or cake. But the raspberry recipe was more my style. I'm sure the blackberries will be fine.

      Just a tip, there is a very nice dried buttermilk that works great in baking. Lasts for months refrigerated and of course you can cheat with regular milk and lemon juice.

      Glad you are enjoying the site and thanks for the note.

      Dan

  3. Sandra says

    August 11, 2019 at 12:40 pm

    5 stars
    I commented back in 2017 and Iโ€™m doing so today because this is still my favourite cake. I change it up with different berries all are wonderful but raspberry is my fave. Try it youโ€™ll like it.

    Reply
    • Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan says

      August 11, 2019 at 2:32 pm

      Hi Sandra,

      Thanks for commenting again and the rating.

      My wife loves raspberries and I just got some today to go with a fresh pineapple. We make a fruit salad with berries and fresh pineapple if there is a good looking pineapple. I could divert them to the cake but that might cause wife issues.

      I'm out of blueberries at the moment (as of yesterday). I need to go to the farm this week and get 10 pounds for the freezer. Nothing like fresh from the blueberry farm.

      Dan

  4. Sandra says

    October 04, 2017 at 9:44 pm

    I made this with raspberries today, ooh, you must try it! Wonderful, easy too.

    Reply
  5. Cary says

    January 06, 2017 at 3:00 am

    i love this easy, delicious cake! tried to multi-star it, but doesn't want to take.

    Reply
    • DrDan says

      January 06, 2017 at 4:19 pm

      Hi Cary, Thanks for the note. I'm having some issues with the star rating and will try to get it fixed soon.
      Dan

  6. Sandra says

    August 11, 2016 at 12:57 am

    Delicious. I used a lemon glaze, went nicely with blueberries. Quick and easy to put together

    Reply
  7. Joan Garneau says

    July 24, 2016 at 7:03 pm

    Oh, thank you! Here I am in Michigan visiting family and while I have helped eat four pounds of blueberries since I have been here, I am going to run to the blueberry farm to get some more and make this cake. My daughter will love it as will I.

    Reply
    • DrDan says

      July 24, 2016 at 7:20 pm

      Our normal blueberry farm is still closed but others are open. My wife sent me for 25# for the freezer. So that will have to wait.

      I got these from the local market. But still Michigan berries.

  8. Julie says

    July 24, 2016 at 4:16 pm

    Looks delish and I have all ingredients except for the buttermilk, so I will be picking it up today. I see I need 1:2 cup in the description, but I don't see it in the ingredient list.

    By the way, your convection baked drumsticks are superb! Crispy outside, juicy inside! New favorite in our house.

    Reply
    • DrDan says

      July 24, 2016 at 4:28 pm

      I do like the drumsticks...
      Thanks for the proofread and fixed.
      You can sub for the buttermilk with regular milk with lemon juice or vinegar. However, I do like the buttermilk a little better. I keep powdered buttermilk for cooking, and it is very nice since I rarely have buttermilk on hand otherwise, but my wife got it for some reason.

      Thanks for the note
      Dan

DrDan imageHi, I'm DrDan.
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