Easy Mixed Berry Coffee Cake: Your New Favorite Breakfast or Brunch Treat

Indulge in the simple pleasure of baking with this delightful Easy Mixed Berry Coffee Cake recipe. Bursting with the vibrant flavors of fresh raspberries and blackberries, this homemade coffee cake is the perfect companion for your morning coffee, a sweet addition to any brunch spread, or a comforting treat for an afternoon pick-me-up. Its wonderfully moist crumb and irresistible crunchy sugar topping make it a universally loved dessert that’s surprisingly effortless to create.

If you’re a true berry enthusiast, your culinary journey doesn’t have to end here! Explore more luscious berry dessert recipes like our No-Bake Berry Cheesecake, the refreshing Easy Berry Trifle, and the heavenly Easy No-Bake Berry Cheesecake Delight Dessert. We’re completely captivated by the delicious world of berries!

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Easy Mixed Berry Coffee Cake!

This isn’t just another coffee cake; it’s a culinary experience designed for ease and maximum enjoyment. Here’s why this recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen:

• Effortlessly Simple: We believe delicious baking doesn’t have to be complicated. This recipe is straightforward, perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros looking for a quick and satisfying dessert. You’ll be amazed at how easily this masterpiece comes together.
• Explosion of Fresh Berry Flavor: Each bite is a symphony of sweet and tart, thanks to the generous inclusion of fresh raspberries and blackberries. The berries burst with natural juices, infusing the entire cake with an unparalleled fruity goodness that tastes like summer in every slice.
• Perfectly Moist and Fluffy: Say goodbye to dry, crumbly cakes. Our coffee cake boasts an incredibly moist and tender crumb, achieved through a balanced ratio of ingredients that ensures a light, airy texture that melts in your mouth.
• Irresistible Crunchy Topping: A simple sprinkle of sugar on top transforms into a delightful crisp, sugary crust during baking. This crunchy contrast to the soft cake interior adds an extra layer of texture that will keep you coming back for more.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a leisurely Sunday brunch, need a quick breakfast on a busy weekday, or simply desire a comforting dessert after dinner, this coffee cake fits seamlessly into any part of your day. It’s equally wonderful served warm with a scoop of ice cream or cooled with a dollop of whipped cream.
• Adaptable to Dietary Needs: We’ve included easy modifications to make this recipe suitable for vegan and gluten-free diets, ensuring everyone can enjoy a slice of this heavenly berry goodness without compromise.

Key Ingredients for Success

Creating an exceptional mixed berry coffee cake starts with quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few tips for selection:

Easy Berry Coffee Cake Recipe

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Using unsalted butter gives you control over the overall saltiness of the cake. Ensure it’s properly softened (at room temperature) for a smooth, creamy batter that incorporates air effectively.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create that desirable moist texture. For a slightly less sweet cake, you can reduce this to 3/4 cup without significantly impacting the texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A staple in baking, vanilla enhances all the other flavors, adding a warm, aromatic depth to the cake.
• 1 large egg or 1 flax egg for vegan: The egg acts as a binder, adds richness, and contributes to the cake’s structure. For a vegan alternative, a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, allowed to sit for 5 minutes until thickened) works wonderfully.
• 1 & 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of our cake. For best results, measure your flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off, rather than scooping directly from the bag, which can lead to too much flour and a dry cake.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder: This leavening agent is crucial for giving the coffee cake its light and fluffy rise. Ensure your baking powder is fresh for optimal results.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile of the cake. Don’t skip it!
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or 1/3 cup milk of choice: Greek yogurt adds incredible moisture and a slight tang, resulting in a tender crumb. If using milk, dairy-free options like almond or soy milk are excellent choices for a vegan cake.
• 3/4 cup whole raspberries: Fresh, plump raspberries bring a delicate sweetness and a beautiful ruby hue to the cake.
• 3/4 cup whole blackberries: Deeply flavorful and slightly tart, blackberries perfectly complement the raspberries and add a lovely visual appeal.
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, for topping: This final sprinkle creates a crisp, glistening crust that adds a wonderful textural contrast to the soft cake below.

Step-by-Step Baking Guide: How to Make Easy Berry Coffee Cake

Follow these simple steps to bake your perfect mixed berry coffee cake:

1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray an 8-inch round or square baking pan with non-stick cooking spray, or grease and flour it thoroughly. Set the prepared pan aside.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Make sure these ingredients are well combined to ensure even leavening throughout the cake.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, preferably using an electric mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, typically for 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for incorporating air and creating a tender cake.
4. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg (or flax egg) and vanilla extract into the butter mixture. Continue mixing until the batter is smooth and well-emulsified. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is fully incorporated.
5. Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the Greek yogurt (or milk). Start by adding about one-third of the flour mixture and mix until just combined. Then, add one-third of the yogurt/milk and mix. Repeat this process, ending with the final one-third of the flour mixture. Beat until the batter is just combined and smooth, taking care not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
6. Gently Fold in Berries: Carefully fold in about half of the whole raspberries and blackberries into the thick batter. Use a spatula and incorporate them with just 4-5 gentle folds to ensure they are evenly distributed without crushing them or overworking the batter. The batter will be quite thick at this stage.
7. Assemble and Top: Spread the thick cake batter evenly into your prepared baking dish. Arrange the remaining fresh raspberries and blackberries decoratively on top of the batter. Finally, generously sprinkle the 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar over the berries. This sugar will caramelize and form that delightful crunchy topping during baking.
8. Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake the mixed berry cake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times can vary, so keep an eye on it.
9. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven. Let it sit in the pan for about 30 minutes to cool slightly before carefully transferring it to a wire rack. This helps the cake set and prevents it from breaking. If you prefer to serve it warm, this is the perfect time. For completely cooled slices, allow it to cool entirely in the pan. Any leftovers can be stored in the fridge to maintain freshness.

Storing Your Mixed Berry Coffee Cake

To keep your delicious coffee cake fresh and flavorful:

• At Room Temperature: If consumed within 2-3 days, you can store the coffee cake at room temperature in an airtight container. Make sure it’s completely cooled before storing to prevent condensation.
• In the Refrigerator: For longer freshness, especially in warmer climates or if your cake contains dairy that might spoil quickly, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This will keep your cake fresh and moist for up to a week.
• Freezing for Later: This coffee cake freezes beautifully! Once completely cooled, wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature for several hours or overnight in the refrigerator before serving. You can also gently warm individual slices in the microwave for a fresh-baked taste.

Delicious Variations to Try

This Easy Mixed Berry Coffee Cake recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing you to get creative with flavors and textures:

• Explore Other Berries or Fruits: Don’t limit yourself to just raspberries and blackberries! Try incorporating other seasonal favorites like sliced strawberries, sweet blueberries, tart cherries, or even chopped peaches or apples for a unique twist.
• Add a Nutty Crunch: For an extra layer of texture and flavor, fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds into the batter with the berries. They toast beautifully in the oven, enhancing the cake’s depth.
• Infuse with Citrus Zest: A hint of lemon zest or orange zest grated into the batter adds a bright, fresh, and aromatic note that beautifully complements the berries. Approximately 1-2 teaspoons should do the trick.
• Indulge with Chocolate Chips: For a decadent touch, mix in a handful of white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, or even miniature chocolate chips into the batter. Chocolate and berries are a match made in heaven!
• Go Vegan: To make this coffee cake completely vegan, simply use 1 flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water, let sit 5 mins) to replace the egg, and opt for a non-dairy milk (like almond, soy, or oat milk) and dairy-free yogurt or butter substitute.
• Spice it Up: Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, comforting spice flavor that pairs perfectly with coffee.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use frozen berries in this recipe? Yes, you can! If using frozen berries, there’s no need to fully thaw them, but it’s a good idea to rinse them lightly and toss them with a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake and can absorb excess moisture.
• Is it possible to make this coffee cake gluten-free? Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a good quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Brands like Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur Measure for Measure work very well in this recipe.
• What’s the best way to store any leftovers? For optimal freshness, store any leftover coffee cake in an airtight container. It will keep well at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Can I freeze the baked coffee cake? Yes, you can easily freeze the coffee cake. Once completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will maintain its quality for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• What other fruits can I use besides raspberries and blackberries? The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability! Feel free to use any berries you love, such as blueberries, sliced strawberries, or a custom mix of your favorites. Chopped fruits like peaches, plums, or even pitted cherries would also be delicious.
• Do I need an electric mixer for this recipe? While an electric mixer makes creaming the butter and sugar easier and faster, it’s not strictly necessary. You can certainly use a sturdy whisk and a bit of “elbow grease” to combine the ingredients. Just ensure you beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy and that the batter is well-mixed without overworking it.
• What can I substitute for butter for a dairy-free version? For a dairy-free alternative, you can use a high-quality dairy-free butter substitute (like Miyoko’s Kitchen or Earth Balance) or an equal amount of coconut oil (ensure it’s refined if you don’t want a coconut flavor).
• How can I make this recipe healthier? To boost the nutritional value, you can replace up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour. Consider using a natural sugar substitute or reducing the amount of granulated sugar by 1/4 to 1/2 cup. Adding nuts or seeds can also provide healthy fats and fiber.
• Can I add a glaze or frosting to the coffee cake? Absolutely! A simple lemon glaze, made by whisking powdered sugar with a little lemon juice or milk, would be a fantastic addition to drizzle over the cooled cake. For something richer, a light cream cheese frosting would also be heavenly.
• Would a crumble topping work with this recipe? Yes, a classic crumble topping would be a fantastic addition! You’ll love this easy crumble recipe. Simply sprinkle it over the batter before baking instead of the granulated sugar.
• Why might my coffee cake turn out dense? The most common reason for a dense coffee cake is over-mixing the batter, especially after the flour has been added. Overworking the gluten in the flour can lead to a tough, dense texture. Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Ensure your leavening agents (baking powder) are fresh.
• Can I use different types of milk? Yes, any milk you prefer will work! Dairy milk, almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk can all be used interchangeably in this recipe, depending on your dietary preferences.
• Can I replace Greek yogurt with sour cream? Yes, sour cream is an excellent substitute for Greek yogurt in this recipe. It will provide similar moisture and a delightful tanginess.

In conclusion, our Easy Mixed Berry Coffee Cake recipe is a truly versatile, deliciously satisfying, and simple-to-make treat that promises to delight your taste buds and impress your guests. Whether enjoyed warm from the oven with a rich cup of coffee, or cooled as a sweet snack, its moist texture and vibrant berry flavors are simply irresistible. Get baking and create your own perfect slice of joy!

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