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    Home breakfast sweets

    Published: Feb 28, 2020 • Modified: Feb 25, 2023 • This site generates income via ads and may contain affiliate links. See my privacy policy linked in the footer.

    Blueberry Swirl Coffee Cake

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Image of blueberry swirl coffee cake from Beyond the Butter®.
    Images of blueberry swirl coffee cake from Beyond the Butter®.
    Images of blueberry swirl coffee cake from Beyond the Butter®.
    Images of blueberry swirl coffee cake from Beyond the Butter®.

    This fabulous tasting Blueberry Swirl Coffee Cake recipe combines a warm and fluffy coffee cake with a homemade blueberry pie filling that baked to a nice golden brown. Serve it warm with a simple glaze drizzled over the top, and you got yourself the perfect breakfast, brunch, or after-dinner treat!

    Blueberry swirl coffee cake squares on a white parchment paper background | All Images © Beyond the Butter®
    Serving a slice of freshly baked blueberry swirl coffee cake | All Images © Beyond the Butter®
    Blueberry swirl coffee cake with blueberry pie filling dipped spoon resting by it on a white parchment paper background | All Images © Beyond the Butter®
    Jump to:
    • 5 Reasons Why You Need This Coffee Cake in your life
    • How to Make the Recipe
    • Homemade Blueberry Pie Filling
    • Why Do You Blanch Blueberries Before Adding Them to the Pie Filling?
    • How Long Will This Homemade Blueberry Pie Filling Keep?
    • What Baking Tools Are Needed?
    • Recipe FAQs
    • More Breakfast Treats to Try!
    • 📖 Recipe
    • Reviews

    5 Reasons Why You Need This Coffee Cake in your life

    1. It's easy to make!
    2. The coffee cake is light and fluffy, with flavors of vanilla and almond in each bite. So good!
    3. The homemade blueberry pie filling's fresh taste and texture are wonderful, thanks to the beautifully plump blueberries! And nothing beats the smell of blueberries in the oven!
    4. Adding the drizzled simple glaze to the top brings all the flavors together nicely!
    5. It's really, REALLY good served warm!

    Coffee cakes, in general, to me are just a great treat to make for when company is coming over or if you have family in town for the weekend!

    Blueberry swirl coffee cake squares on a white parchment paper background | All Images © Beyond the Butter®
    Blueberry swirl coffee cake with blueberry pie filling dipped spoon resting by it on a white parchment paper background | All Images © Beyond the Butter®

    How to Make the Recipe

    Let's do a quick run-through on how to make this super easy blueberry swirl coffee cake recipe.

    Whisk the dry ingredients. This includes all-purpose flour and baking powder.

    Beat the wet ingredients next. Start with the unsalted butter and vegetable shortening. Then add the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and finally, the eggs.

    Combine the dry and wet together. The final step is to gradually add in the whisked dry ingredients with the wet, mixing together until just combined. Do not over-mix the cake batter.

    Alternate between the batter and filling. Using a spoon, add ⅔ of the coffee cake batter to the bottom of the prepared 13-inch x 9-inch pan. Then add all of the homemade blueberry pie filling. The final step is adding the remaining coffee cake batter by the spoonful over the top.

    Bake the blueberry swirl coffee cake. Bake for 40-45 minutes at 350ºF or until the top of the coffee cake is a nice light golden brown.

    Make the glaze. While the coffee cake begins to cool, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk. You can use any dairy type of milk. I used 1%. Immediately drizzle it over the top of the coffee cake and serve!

    Small glass jar of blueberry pie filling | Image © Beyond the Butter®

    Homemade Blueberry Pie Filling

    I absolutely love making pie fillings! Ever since I made my Homemade Cherry Pie, I've been hooked! This blueberry pie filling recipe requires only five ingredients, isn't overly sweet, and takes roughly 15 minutes to make. The only hard part is waiting for it to cool down!

    Blanch the blueberries. An important step that should not be skipped. After this is done, drain the blueberries and keep them warm in a bowl covered with a towel.

    Make the filling. It takes roughly 7-8 minutes to see the sugar fully dissolve and the clear jel to thicken into the filling.

    Add in the blanched blueberries. Once done, remove the pan from the heat, and add in the blanched blueberries. Stir it all together, then spoon it into a large bowl (preferably glass) to cool completely. It takes anywhere from 2-3 hours to cool the pie filling down.

    Bowl of blueberries | Image © Beyond the Butter®

    Why Do You Blanch Blueberries Before Adding Them to the Pie Filling?

    I just need to mention first that blanching the blueberries does not mean you are cooking them. Blanching is boiling the fruit at a high temperature to stop the enzymes from causing the flavors to break down.

    How Long Will This Homemade Blueberry Pie Filling Keep?

    If kept in a tightly sealed container, this homemade blueberry pie filling will last up to a week in the refrigerator. If you're into canning, you can can this pie filling as well!

    Blueberry swirl coffee cake squares on a white parchment paper background | All Images © Beyond the Butter®

    What Baking Tools Are Needed?

    For the homemade blueberry pie filling, you'll need:

    • Large saute pan or sauce pan
    • Slotted spoon or colander
    • Medium-size bowl
    • Clean, kitchen towel

    For the coffee cake, you'll need:

    • 13-inch x 9-inch baking pan. I love using my Nordic Ware pan because it also has a lid.
    • Flour-based baking spray. I will forever swear by Baker's Joy!
    • Hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment
    • Whisk, spatula, and spoon

    For the simple glaze, you'll need:

    • Medium-size bowl
    • Whisk
    Cutting into freshly baked blueberry swirl coffee cake | All Images © Beyond the Butter®
    Blueberry swirl coffee cake with blueberry pie filling dipped spoon resting by it on a white parchment paper background | All Images © Beyond the Butter®

    Recipe FAQs

    What size baking pan will I need?

    You will need a 13 inch x 9 inch baking pan.

    How do I make the simple glaze for the coffee cake?

    Mix 1 cup (or 120 grams) of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk, then whisk together. Pour over the top of the warm coffee cake.

    How many ounces of blueberry pie filling does this recipe make?

    27 ounces

    Can I use store-bought pie filling in place of homemade?

    Yes, absolutely! You can even try a cherry, peach, or raspberry pie filling in instead too. Store-bought pie fillings are typically in 21 ounce cans. You can choose to use just 1, 21 ounce can for this recipe, or—for a little extra filling—you can buy two cans and use ¼ cup of the second can.

    What's the best way to store homemade blueberry pie filling?

    The best way is to keep it stored in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator. The blueberry pie filling will last up to one week. If you're into canning, you can can this pie filling instead.

    How many servings does this recipe yield?

    This coffee cake recipe yields approximately 12 slices or squares. You can cut them smaller, if you prefer.

    How long does it take for the blueberry pie filling to cool?

    To cool completely, which is best for this recipe, will take 2-3 hours.

    Do I need to blanch the blueberries when making the homemade pie filling?

    Yes. It's important to do this step because it will stop the enzymes from causing the flavors to break down.

    Is Clear Jel the same as gelatin or Sure Jel?

    No they are not the same thing and should not be used as a substitute for this recipe. Clear Jel has little to no after taste compared to other corn starches, and does a great job of thickening the pie filling and keeping the juices clear. If you plan to use this recipe for canning, the USDA recommends using this over other thickeners.

    Is there coffee in this coffee cake?

    No. I actually get this question quite a bit whenever I post my Chocolate Chip Sour Cream Coffee Cake to Instagram. With today's recipes, most people just enjoy eating coffee cake along with a good cup of coffee.

    Blueberry swirl coffee cake squares | All Images © Beyond the Butter®

    More Breakfast Treats to Try!

    • Just baked lemon blueberry streusel scones on a parchment lined baking sheet.
      Lemon Blueberry Streusel Scones
      Cook Time38 Minutes
    • Double chocolate muffins in a vintage baking tin with one unwrapped.
      Double Chocolate Muffins
      Cook Time1 Hours 10 Minutes
    • Homemade baked chocolate donuts topped with chocolate ganache glaze on a wire cooling rack.
      Homemade Baked Chocolate Donuts
      Cook Time30 Minutes
    • Small batch of pumpkin cinnamon rolls baked on a small baking sheet.
      Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
      Cook Time2 Hours 15 Minutes

      📖 Recipe

      Serving a slice of freshly baked blueberry swirl coffee cake on wood table.

      Blueberry Swirl Coffee Cake

      Author: Jennifer
      This fabulous tasting Blueberry Swirl Coffee Cake recipe combines a warm and fluffy vanilla coffee cake with a homemade blueberry pie filling that's baked a nice golden brown. Serve it warm with a simple glaze drizzled over the top and you got yourself the perfect breakfast, brunch, or after dinner treat!
      5 from 1 vote
      (prevent your screen from going dark while making this recipe)
      Print Recipe Pin Recipe
      Prep Time 35 minutes minutes
      Cook Time 45 minutes minutes
      Total Time 1 hour hour 20 minutes minutes
      Course Breakfast Sweets
      Cuisine Breakfast
      Servings 12 servings
      Calories 534 kcal

      Ingredients
       

      homemade blueberry pie filling

      • 1 cup Granulated Sugar
      • ¼ cup Clear Jel
      • 1 ¼ cup Water
      • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
      • 5 cups Fresh Blueberries (rinsed and blanched)

      coffee cake

      • 3 cups All-Purpose Flour
      • 1 ½ teaspoon Baking Powder
      • ½ cup Unsalted Butter (room temperature)
      • ½ cup Vegetable Shortening
      • 1 ½ cups Granulated Sugar
      • 2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
      • 1 teaspoon Almond Extract
      • 4 Large Eggs (room temperature)

      simple glaze

      • 1 cup Powdered Sugar
      • 2-3 tablespoon Milk (any dairy type, I used 1%)

      Instructions

      homemade blueberry pie filling

      • Wash the blueberries in a large colander then place them in a large pot of boiling water. Once the water returns to a boil, immediately turn off the heat.
        5 cups Fresh Blueberries
      • Remove the blueberries with a slotted spoon, placing them in a bowl covered with a clean kitchen towel to stay warm. Alternatively, you can run the blanched blueberries through the same colander to drain the juices, then place in a bowl and cover to keep warm.
      • In a large saute or sauce pan, combine the granulated sugar, Clear Jel, water, and lemon juice, stirring constantly over medium heat until the granulated sugar and Clear Jel dissolves.
        1 cup Granulated Sugar, ¼ cup Clear Jel, 1 ¼ cup Water, 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
      • Continue to stir until the mixture thickens and turns into the clear-like gel filling, about 7-8 minutes.
      • Remove from heat, then add in the blanched blueberries, stirring until fully mixed.
      • Place the blueberry filling in a medium-size bowl (preferably glass) to cool completely before using in the coffee cake. If not using right away, still cool completely, then place in a tightly sealed container, and refrigerate it for up to a week.

      coffee cake

      • Adjust your oven to the 2nd level position (just above center) and preheat the oven to 350ºF. Generously spray a 13 inch x 9 inch baking pan with a flour-based baking spray. You may wish to also add a parchment paper sleeve to the pan as well. If adding, lightly respray the top before adding the batter.
      • In a medium-size bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Set to the side.
        3 cups All-Purpose Flour, 1 ½ teaspoon Baking Powder
      • Using your hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the unsalted butter and vegetable shortening on medium-high speed until well smooth and creamy.
        ½ cup Unsalted Butter, ½ cup Vegetable Shortening
      • Add in the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Then add in the eggs.
        1 ½ cups Granulated Sugar, 2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract, 1 teaspoon Almond Extract, 4 Large Eggs
      • Reduce the mixer speed to low, gradually adding in the whisked dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to over mix the batter.
      • Spread ⅔ of the batter into the bottom of the prepared 13 inch x 9 inch baking pan, reserving the rest for the topping.
      • Top with the homemade blueberry pie filling, then drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the top.
      • Place in the oven and bake for 43-45 minutes at 350ºF or until the top is a light golden brown.
      • While the coffee cake is still warm, drizzle with the simple glaze.

      simple glaze

      • In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk.
        1 cup Powdered Sugar, 2-3 tablespoon Milk
      • Drizzle over the warm blueberry swirl coffee cake, cut into squares, and enjoy!

      Recipe Notes

      • The noted prep time for this recipe includes 15 minutes for the homemade blueberry pie filling and 20 minutes for the coffee cake.
      • The recipe does not include the 2-3 hours of cooling time needed for the homemade blueberry pie filling.

      Nutrition

      Calories: 534kcal | Carbohydrates: 85g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 75mg | Sodium: 89mg | Potassium: 112mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 58g | Vitamin A: 353IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 56mg | Iron: 2mg

      Nutritonal information provided above is an estimate only and will vary based on specific ingredients used.

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      1. Kathy says

        June 08, 2021 at 1:55 pm

        5 stars
        This is a great coffee cake recipe because it’s a thick batter as it should be!

        As I was spreading the batter for the bottom portion I thought somethings wrong? Its very thin, but I went on with the recipe and I only used 2 cups of the blueberry jam, just enough to coat the bottom then added the remaining batter on top. Of course I want to use this jam in other recipes or on toast.
        Also, the clear jel is just tapioca starch or flour sometimes called and it worked out great. No need to buy another ingredient.

        As it bakes the baking powder makes it really puffy and doubles/triples in size so don’t worry about the bottom layer.

        Turned out terrific! Great job Jennifer!

        Reply
        • Jennifer says

          June 09, 2021 at 8:46 am

          Thank you for making it and for the feedback!❤️

          Reply

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      Welcome to my blog! I'm Jennifer, and I love creating and sharing dessert recipes that are sweet, simple, and fun to make and bring me—and hopefully you and your loved ones—wonderful memories! Learn more about me and my inspiration for starting Beyond the Butter!

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