Ina Garten, the beloved "Barefoot Contessa," has a knack for creating recipes that are both elegant and surprisingly easy to execute. Her Blueberry Coffee Cake with Sour Cream is no exception. This recipe delivers a moist, tender crumb studded with juicy blueberries, perfectly complemented by the tangy richness of sour cream. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for brunch, afternoon tea, or a casual weekend treat. Let's dive into the details and explore variations to make this recipe your own.
What Makes Ina Garten's Blueberry Coffee Cake Special?
Ina Garten's recipes are known for their simplicity and reliance on high-quality ingredients. This coffee cake is no different. The use of sour cream adds incredible moisture and a delightful tang that balances the sweetness of the blueberries and the cake itself. The streusel topping, while simple, provides the perfect textural contrast – crunchy and buttery against the soft, tender cake. It's a recipe that prioritizes flavor and ease of preparation, making it accessible to even novice bakers.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe requires readily available ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry. You’ll need:
- For the Cake: All-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, unsalted butter (softened), large eggs, sour cream, vanilla extract, fresh or frozen blueberries.
- For the Streusel Topping: All-purpose flour, brown sugar, rolled oats (optional, but recommended), cold unsalted butter (cut into small pieces), cinnamon.
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions (Adapting Ina's Recipe):
While a precise, step-by-step guide mirroring Ina Garten's exact recipe would require reproducing her copyrighted material, we can offer a general guide based on the common elements of sour cream blueberry coffee cakes.
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to the temperature specified in your chosen recipe. Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
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Make the Batter: Cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt). Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream, and mix until just combined. Gently fold in the blueberries.
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Prepare the Streusel: In a bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, oats (if using), and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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Assemble & Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle evenly with the streusel topping. Bake according to your chosen recipe's instructions until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool & Serve: Let the coffee cake cool in the pan for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, absolutely! Frozen blueberries work perfectly well in this recipe. Just make sure they're not overly thawed before adding them to the batter to prevent the batter from becoming too watery.
What if I don't have sour cream?
You can substitute sour cream with plain yogurt (Greek or regular) or buttermilk. The flavor will be slightly different, but the cake will still be moist and delicious.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this coffee cake can be made a day or two in advance. Store it, covered, at room temperature.
How do I store leftover coffee cake?
Store leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can I freeze this coffee cake?
Yes, you can freeze this coffee cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Tips for the Best Blueberry Coffee Cake:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the cake will taste.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting (if desired): Frosting a warm cake can cause the frosting to melt.
- Get creative with the topping: Add chopped nuts, different spices, or even a glaze to the streusel for extra flavor and texture.
This adaptation provides a comprehensive guide to baking a delicious blueberry coffee cake inspired by Ina Garten's style. Remember to consult a reliable recipe for precise measurements and baking times. Enjoy!
