Delightful Small-Batch Lemon Blackberry Streusel Coffee Cake

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:

1. Preheat your oven to 350℉. Prep a 9×5 loaf pan with greasing and parchment paper.
2. Mix streusel ingredients until crumbly. Set aside.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.