Indulge in a perfect harmony of flavors with this Small-Batch Lemon Blackberry Streusel Coffee Cake. Crafted with love and the zest of fresh lemons, this cake offers a refreshing twist on traditional coffee cake. Its tender crumb is punctuated with juicy blackberries and crowned with a crispy, buttery streusel topping. Optional lemon icing adds an extra layer of zesty sweetness, making this cake a perfect treat for any time of the day. Whether you're enjoying a quiet morning at home or sharing a moment with a friend, this cake is sure to impress.
Why You'll Love This:
This cake combines the tangy brightness of lemon and the sweet, succulent blackberries with a crunchy streusel topping, creating a multi-textured experience in every bite. It's a small batch, making it ideal for those moments when you crave something sweet without the commitment to a large cake. The addition of the lemon glaze elevates it from simply delicious to truly exquisite, offering a balance of flavors that's both refreshing and comforting.
Perfect Occasion:
This Lemon Blackberry Streusel Coffee Cake is perfect for a leisurely weekend breakfast, a special brunch, or as a delightful afternoon snack. It's also an excellent choice for small gatherings, tea parties, or as a thoughtful homemade gift to a neighbor or friend. Celebrate the seasons, especially spring and summer when the flavors shine brightest, with this delightful cake.
Decoration Tips:
For a stunning presentation, drizzle the lemon icing over the cake in a zigzag pattern and let it naturally drip down the sides. Garnish with additional fresh blackberries and a few lemon zest strips or thin lemon slices for a pop of color. Serve on a chic cake stand or a pretty plate to make this coffee cake the centerpiece of your table.
Ingredients:
For the Streusel:
- 1.5 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1.5 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons melted salted butter
For the Cake:
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ¼ cup melted salted butter
- 1 room temperature egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla or lemon flavoring
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- ½ cup room-temperature buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 4 ounces blackberries, fresh or frozen
For the Icing (Optional):
- ½ cup confectioners' sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350℉. Prep a 9x5 loaf pan with greasing and parchment paper.
- Mix streusel ingredients until crumbly. Set aside.
- For the cake, rub sugar with lemon zest in a bowl. Stir in melted butter, your choice of extract, and the egg yolk. Blend in flour, baking powder, salt, buttermilk, and lemon juice until just mixed.
- Spread half the batter in the pan, add ⅔ of the blackberries and half the streusel. Layer the remaining batter and top with the rest of the berries and streusel.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes. Let it cool slightly before drizzling with the optional lemon icing.
Embrace the joy of baking with this exquisite Lemon Blackberry Streusel Coffee Cake, a treat that promises to brighten your day and tantalize your taste buds.