So you woke up today craving something more exciting than toast but less dramatic than a full English breakfast? Friend, you’re in the right place. 🙂 Let me introduce you to Blueberry Buttermilk Breakfast Cake — the perfect combination of fluffy, tangy, sweet, and oh-so-cozy.
I’ve baked this beauty more times than I can count (don’t ask me to count before coffee). It’s moist (yes, I said it), loaded with juicy blueberries, and has just enough sweetness to qualify as breakfast without making you feel like you’re eating dessert before 9 AM… although, let’s be honest, I’ve eaten it at midnight too.
Let’s break down this recipe and why you’re about to become obsessed. Ready? Thought so.
Why You’ll Love This Blueberry Buttermilk Breakfast Cake
First things first — why bother making this? I hear you. You could grab a muffin at the coffee shop or just eat cereal. But here’s why this recipe wins every time:
- Buttermilk magic — it keeps the cake incredibly tender and moist. Seriously, it’s like baking’s secret weapon.
- Loads of blueberries — because who wants just three sad berries hiding in their cake? Not you.
- No fancy equipment — no stand mixer or soufflé skills needed here.
- Works for everything — breakfast, brunch, afternoon snack, or that random midnight craving.
- Stays good for days — if it even lasts that long at your house.
Honestly, once you’ve tried this, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start making it sooner. Ever wondered what pure happiness tastes like? Yeah, it’s this.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you sprint to the kitchen, here’s your shopping list. And don’t worry — nothing weird or impossible-to-pronounce here.
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temp
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (plus extra for sprinkling)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups fresh blueberries (frozen works too — I won’t judge 😉)
- ½ cup buttermilk
If you don’t have buttermilk lying around (because, who does?), just mix ½ cup of milk with 1½ teaspoons of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes. Boom. Instant buttermilk.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Blueberry Buttermilk Breakfast Cake
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8 inch baking dish. Or line it with parchment paper if you hate washing dishes.
Step 2: Cream That Butter
In a bowl, beat the butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Basically, until it looks like something you want to eat with a spoon. (But don’t. Yet.)
Step 3: Add the Egg & Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract. Don’t overthink it — just make sure everything’s combined.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together 1¾ cups flour, baking powder, and salt. You’re building the cake’s structure here, so try not to skip this part while scrolling Instagram.
Step 5: Toss the Berries
In a small bowl, toss the blueberries with the remaining ¼ cup of flour. This keeps them from sinking straight to the bottom of the cake. Science!
Step 6: Combine
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with flour because that’s just how it works best. Stir in the floured blueberries gently.
Step 7: Bake
Spread the batter into your pan, sprinkle the top with a little extra sugar (because sparkle ✨), and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Pro Tips & Tricks for a Next-Level Breakfast Cake
Because you’re here to win at breakfast, not just participate:
- Use fresh berries if you can. They burst less and keep the cake prettier.
- Don’t overmix the batter. Unless you like tough, rubbery cake (which, no).
- Let it cool (a little). Hot blueberries are basically lava. Give it 10–15 minutes before slicing.
- Double the recipe. Trust me, this thing disappears fast.
Ever tried adding a sprinkle of lemon zest on top? Game. Changer. Thank me later.
FAQs About Blueberry Buttermilk Breakfast Cake
Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, and I do it all the time when fresh ones are ridiculously overpriced. Just don’t thaw them first — toss them frozen in flour and you’re good.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No buttermilk? No problem. Like I said earlier, just mix regular milk with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar and wait a few minutes. Works like a charm.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can bake it the night before and keep it covered on the counter. In fact, some say it tastes even better the next day (if it lasts that long).
How do I store leftovers?
Wrap it tightly or put it in an airtight container. It stays good for about 3–4 days at room temp. Or you can freeze slices for later.
Can I use other berries?
Go wild! Raspberries, blackberries, or even chopped strawberries work beautifully. Just remember: still toss them in flour to avoid a soggy mess.
Why Buttermilk Makes This Cake So Awesome
Let’s pause and give buttermilk the standing ovation it deserves. Buttermilk does three magical things in this recipe:
- It makes the crumb tender — thank you, acidity.
- It gives the cake a subtle tang, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
- It reacts with the baking powder, giving you that perfect lift without any fuss.
If you’re one of those people who think buttermilk is just “milk that went bad,” well… technically not wrong, but also, so wrong. Buttermilk is what makes this cake shine.
Personal Story: The Day This Cake Saved My Morning
Okay, quick story time. A few months ago, I overslept and woke up to a kitchen full of hungry family members who were this close to eating cold cereal for brunch. Not on my watch. I threw this cake together in under 20 minutes (plus baking time), and by the time everyone was awake and caffeinated, the house smelled like a bakery and the cake was ready to slice.
It’s now officially “my thing” whenever we have guests. And yes, I’ve even made it while wearing pajamas. No judgment.
Creative Twists on the Classic
Feeling fancy? Or just bored? Here are some creative ways to mix it up:
- Lemon-Blueberry Version: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the batter.
- Cinnamon-Sugar Topping: Sprinkle a cinnamon-sugar mix over the top before baking.
- Glazed Finish: Drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze after it cools for a bakery-worthy look.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans on top for some crunch.
IMO, the lemon version is chef’s kiss. But you do you.
Serving Suggestions
Don’t just plop this beauty on a plate and call it a day. Here are some ways to make it Instagram-worthy (and delicious):
- Warm slice + dollop of whipped cream + extra blueberries.
- Pair it with a big mug of coffee or a mimosa (because brunch).
- Top with Greek yogurt and honey for a protein-packed twist.
- Serve cold straight from the fridge if you’re impatient. (Guilty.)
FYI, it also makes an incredible late-night snack. Just saying.
Why This Cake Beats Store-Bought Every Time
Sure, you could buy a blueberry muffin at the store, but:
- Those are usually dry and sad.
- You control the sweetness here — no sugar bombs.
- More blueberries. Always more blueberries.
- Bragging rights. Obviously.
- And have you seen the price of “artisan muffins” lately? Yikes.
Homemade wins. Every. Single. Time.
Related Recipes
- Banana Blueberry Breakfast Cookies Recipe
- Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars Recipe
- Easy Freezer Breakfast Sandwich Recipe
Final Thoughts: Go Bake This Already!
So there you have it — everything you need to know about the Blueberry Buttermilk Breakfast Cake recipe. It’s easy, delicious, and guaranteed to impress anyone you serve it to (even if that “anyone” is just you, standing in your kitchen at 11 PM).
Ever wondered why some recipes stick around forever? This is one of them. Seriously, once you try it, you’ll never look at sad boxed muffins the same way again.
Now grab that whisk, preheat the oven, and bake yourself a little joy. You deserve it. 🙂
And hey — if you come up with your own twist on this cake, don’t be shy. Share it with me. I’m always looking for an excuse to bake another one.
Happy baking, my friend!
If you’d like, I can also draft a printable recipe card version of this or help you write a Pinterest-friendly description. Just say the word!
Blueberry Buttermilk Breakfast Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 2 cups fresh blueberries tossed in 1 tbsp flour
- 1 tbsp sugar for sprinkling on top
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8 inch baking pan.
- Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest, and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk.
- Fold in floured blueberries gently.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and sprinkle 1 tbsp sugar on top.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can use frozen blueberries (do not thaw) if fresh aren’t available.
- Substitute lemon zest with orange zest for a twist.
- Cake keeps well for 2–3 days covered at room temperature.
DID YOU MAKE THIS EASY RECIPE?
If you have, then share it with us by sending a photo. We’re excited to see what you’ve made! 🙂