What A Wonderful Legacy- Blueberry Coffee Cake
Do you ever look through your recipes and one catches you off guard? This morning, not even filed in the right place, appeared the most wonderful legacy of a blueberry coffee cake recipe. The memories of this cake made by the dearest of friends took my breath away. Many of these cakes were made and eaten at both their home and ours. Our feet under a table together with this coffee cake led to many wonderful and rich conversations.
You see…this friend was a deep thinker. One whose prayer life and study time brought much fruit to all in her company. When she left us, a huge hole appeared for all of us who loved and were loved by her.
She was an antique lover, a joy and contagious laughter spreader, a prayer warrior, and a best friend. She is missed greatly by all of us. Her words carried weight and were respected by everyone.
So, when this blueberry coffee cake recipe appeared out of nowhere, I could hear her whisper, “share this one”.
So…sharing was what had to happen.
Can I tell you what I love about the decades old recipes? I have shared many on the pages here and here.
They are simple…with a bit of stains…and then there are the details that are left out. Things like how long to cook them or even the temperature to bake them.
Today, sharing recipes feels more like a “hand holding” experience than the cooks before me.
If you got a simple list of ingredients AND amounts, that was gold.
Do you see the amount of salt in Marie’s handwriting? That would be a “tad”! I love when it says, “a pinch” or “a tad”.
She also noted she used a blender…blender????…my mixer came out instead.
Recreating this recipe came with a few changes from that original recipe card…but, the fact that I was creating a revised version would still make her happy.
Marie’s Blueberry Coffee Cake
Now, the term coffee cake may just have disappeared from our memory banks.
In fact, I had never heard of a “buckle”, but many of you reading may have used that term instead of “coffee cake.”
So many have changed breakfasts to gluten free options, avocado toast, granola bars, smoothies or yogurt with fruit.
How our lives have changed.
But, this is among the best recipes that I could share with you for a morning get together or an afternoon tea.
Maybe this is just the nudge you need to gather feet under your table again.
That’s truly what Marie’s voice spoke to me this morning…gathering is the important part.
Nothing hard. Not a big production. Just a cup of tea or coffee served with this coffee cake.
That’s it.
Her cake would be delicious…
but what would make it better? Her antique napkins, plates and silverware that would just make you feel so very special.
First, measure all ingredients…
Mix together crumble topping…
Cream together sugar and butter…
Whisk dry ingredients…then liquid ingredients…and alternately add to creamed mixture beating together.
Fold in blue berries and add to baking dish buttered or lined with parchment paper.
TIP: Flour coating to the blueberries often helps keep them more evenly distributed.
Top the blueberry coffee cake batter with crumble topping and bake!
Serve the blueberry coffee cake while warm!
Marie’s Blueberry Coffee Cake
Equipment
- 1 oven
- 1 Mixing bowls
- 1 mixer
- dry and liquid measuring cups and spoons
- 1 9 x 9 baking pan
- parchment paper, optional
- zester or grater if adding lemon zest
Ingredients
- 1/4 C butter, softened
- 1/2 C sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 t baking powder
- 1/8 t salt, just a "tad"
- 2 C all purpose flour
- 1/2 C milk
- 1 C blueberries, fresh or frozen
- 1 T lemon zest, optional
Crumble Topping
- 1/2 C brown sugar
- 1 t cinnamon
- 1/4 C all purpose flour
- 1/4 C pecans, finely chopped, optional
- 1/4 C butter, cold
- whipped cream for serving, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- Measure all ingredients. NOTE: Always spoon lightly and level flour to prevent too much flour and keep the cake light.
- Mix together topping ingredients-sugar, flour, cinnamon (and nuts, if using). A mini food processor is helpful for this step, but not necessary. Cut in butter until topping is crumbly.Set aside until ready to add topping.
- Butter 9 x 9 baking dish. TIP: If you want to be able to lift it out for serving, line it with 2 pieces of parchment paper to cover all sides and long enough to lift out after baking.
- In separate bowl, mix together flour, salt and baking powder with a whisk.
- In a large mixing bowl, add softened butter and sugar and cream together with a mixer.
- Add egg and and mix into creamed mixture. If using lemon zest, mix into creamed mixture.
- Alternately add milk and flour mixture until just combined. Don't over mix.
- Fold in blueberries by hand.TIP: Feel free to coat the blueberries in flour which helps them not sink as much. Don't defrost frozen blueberries.
- Pour into greased baking dish and sprinkle with topping.
- Bake for 40 or so minutes until lightly browned and cake tester or toothpick comes out clean. Be careful not to over bake.
- OPTIONAL: Serve warm with fresh whipped cream.
Notes
This coffee cake recipe brings back so many memories.
Memories that remind me that new ones need to be continually made…and what could be better than this recipe to initiate them? Right?
If you have one of those friends in your life, perhaps now is the time to consider creating something that you appreciated and learned from them.
Leaving their legacy for the next generation is so important.
If you are one of my local friends reading this, who already know who I am talking about, you may be shedding tears with me now.
But, perhaps the memories that this sweet friend gave to you…her words of encouragement…words for a New Year…or simply her joy…will resonate.
My desire is to be more like Marie Knight. One who lifts, encourages, and feeds not only stomachs…but truly the heart and soul.
You are missed, sweet friend, more than you could ever imagine.
Thank you for placing this recipe in my sight this morning…and reminding me to encourage the saints. I’ll be doing just that and sharing this recipe today…both on the pages with you all and in my home with feet gathered under my table.
Enjoy both baking and sharing, friends. Such a lost art that would leave all of us better.
Blessings and joy with those who place their feet under your table,
10 Comments
Vickie Ramey
Diet-what diet?! This must be made and I even have fresh blueberries in the frig! I never met Marie, but I heard you speak of her often and always with affection. Old recipes certainly do help us remember the cooks before us and the love they shared by sharing their recipes.
Leslie J Watkins
Marie was so dear to us. Perfect time of year to make that cake, invite favorite people to enjoy it with a cup of coffee and just linger around your table a little longer. Can’t wait to hear how it goes when you do that!
So reminiscent of what Marie would do! I keep finding old recipes. Ingredients that can no longer be found…time and temperatures left off…but, I can certainly imagine how wonderful they would have been created.
Chris Wooley
Sounds really good
Leslie J Watkins
And inspired by Marie makes everything better.
Cindy Walker
Remembering the days of coffee cakes my grandma & Momma made. Thank you for the memory with this blueberry coffee cake. I will make this one.
Leslie J Watkins
Thank you Hope you love this one…and sharing it with loved ones.
Paul Knight
Leslie, thank you so much for sharing this! My mom thought the world of you and Gary. My wife loves to bake, especially breakfast items. She frequently tells me how much she wishes she had been able to meet and know Mom. I am printing this for her now. My daughter, Traci is a professional baker. Some of her early memories are of being covered in flour helping and learning in the kitchen from her grandmother. She’ll treasure this recipe too. -Paul
Leslie J Watkins
Oh, my goodness, Paul. What treasured memories for Traci with her grandmother. Although the recipe is slightly different than your Mom’s original, the intent of the coffee cake AND it must have blueberries was foremost in my mind. Oh, the memories we hold dear with your Mom and Dad at the table are our favorites. From the food to the card games and the input into our lives, those moments impacted us deeply. Love to you and your family.
Jack
Thank you for sharing this delightful blueberry coffee cake recipe! Your detailed instructions and mouthwatering photos have made it easy for me to envision the baking process and the delicious outcome. I appreciate the personal touch you bring to your posts, making each recipe feel like a cherished family tradition.
I can’t wait to try baking this blueberry coffee cake and savoring the comforting aroma that will fill my kitchen. Your blog continues to be a treasure trove of culinary inspiration, and I’m grateful for the wonderful legacy of recipes you’re passing on. Looking forward to more delightful treats from your kitchen!
Leslie J Watkins
Thank you, Jack. This makes my heart so very happy. Thank you for following! Happy baking!