This Pioneer Woman Blueberry Coffee Cake is a moist and tender recipe, which is made with juicy blueberries and a buttery streusel topping. It’s the perfect brunch treat, ready in about 1 hour.
Pioneer Woman Blueberry Coffee Cake Ingredients
A simple, classic combination for the ultimate coffee cake.
Cake:
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup Shortening
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen
Streusel Topping:
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup butter
How To Make Pioneer Woman Blueberry Coffee Cake
A step-by-step guide to a crowd-pleasing classic.
- Cream Sugar and Shortening: Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the granulated sugar and shortening together until well creamed and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and mix until everything is well combined.
- Combine and Mix Batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. The batter will be thick. Gently fold in the blueberries.
- Prepare Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and flour for the streusel. Cut in the butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the thick batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake. Let cool before serving.

Recipe Tips
For a perfect, moist coffee cake every time.
- How to keep blueberries from sinking? This batter is naturally very thick, which helps suspend the blueberries. However, for extra insurance, you can toss the blueberries in a tablespoon of the measured flour mixture before gently folding them into the batter.
- Can I use butter instead of shortening? Yes, you can substitute an equal amount of softened butter for the shortening in the cake. The recipe notes that shortening creates an especially soft and tender cake, while butter will provide a richer, more savory flavor.
- Can I use frozen blueberries? Absolutely! There is no need to thaw the frozen blueberries before adding them to the batter. Using them frozen helps prevent them from bleeding their color throughout the cake.
- How do I know the coffee cake is done? The best way to check is with a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the cake. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. The top will be golden brown. Avoid overbaking to ensure the cake stays moist.
What To Serve With Blueberry Coffee Cake
Perfect pairings for this classic breakfast bake.
This coffee cake is a wonderful treat on its own, but it’s traditionally served with:
- A hot cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea
- A tall glass of cold milk
- A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a dessert-style treat
How To Store Blueberry Coffee Cake
Keeping your coffee cake fresh and ready to enjoy.
- Room Temperature: Store the cooled coffee cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: This cake freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap the whole cake (or individual slices) securely in a layer of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw on the counter before serving.
Blueberry Coffee Cake Nutrition Facts
An estimated guide per serving.
- Calories: 425 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 69 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Fat: 15 g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter and pour it into the pan (without the topping) up to one day in advance. Cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit on the counter for 30 minutes, then add the streusel topping and bake as directed, possibly adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Can I add a glaze to this coffee cake?
Of course! A simple powdered sugar glaze would be a delicious addition. Whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of milk or lemon juice until you reach a drizzling consistency. Drizzle over the cooled cake.
Can I make this in a different pan?
Yes, you could bake this in two 9-inch round pans or a 10- or 12-cup Bundt pan. You will need to adjust the baking time accordingly. Start checking for doneness about 5-10 minutes earlier.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Tiramisu Pound Cake Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Lemon Lime Pound Cake Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Peach Pound Cake Recipe
Pioneer Woman Blueberry Coffee Cake Recipe
Description
A classic, tender coffee cake bursting with juicy blueberries and finished with a rich, buttery brown sugar streusel topping. Perfect for brunch or an afternoon treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 inch pan.
- Cream sugar and shortening. Beat in eggs, milk, and vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the blueberries. Pour the thick batter into the prepared pan.
- Combine streusel ingredients until crumbly and sprinkle evenly over the batter.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving.
Notes
- u003cliu003eFor an extra tender cake, use shortening as directed. Butter can be substituted for a richer flavor.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eTo add a bright citrus note, mix 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon zest into the cake batter.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eFor a tangier cake, you can substitute half of the milk with an equal amount of sour cream or buttermilk.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThe cake batter is very thick; this is normal and helps prevent the blueberries from sinking.u003c/liu003e
