Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 1 cup butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1½ tablespoons lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 2 cups mixed berries (blueberries, blackberries, raspberries) (fresh or frozen)
Topping & Glaze
- 2 tablespoons coarse sugar (for topping)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking the cake evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the softened butter and sugar. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This aerates the batter for a tender crumb.
- Add Egg, Lemon Zest, and Vanilla: Slowly add in the egg, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix on low speed just until smooth, ensuring the flavors are well incorporated without overmixing.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stop the mixer and add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix on low speed just until the dry ingredients are almost combined to avoid toughening the batter.
- Incorporate Buttermilk and Berries: Pour in the buttermilk and mix on low speed until the batter is well combined. Then, using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the mixed berries by hand to keep them intact and evenly distributed.
- Transfer to Baking Dish and Add Topping: Butter a 9″ x 9″ baking dish and transfer the batter into it. Use an offset spatula to spread the batter evenly. Sprinkle the top with 2 tablespoons of coarse sugar to add a sweet crunchy topping.
- Bake the Cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This ensures the cake is fully cooked but still moist.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire cooling rack before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.
- Prepare Lemon Glaze: In a small mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Stir until smooth. Add up to 1 additional tablespoon of lemon juice to reach your desired pouring consistency.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the lemon glaze over the cooled berry coffee cake. Slice, serve, and enjoy this refreshing, fruity treat.
Notes
- Fresh or frozen berries can be used; if using frozen, no need to thaw to avoid excess moisture.
- Ensure butter is fully softened to help cream better with sugar.
- Do not overmix once the flour is added to keep the cake tender.
- The coarse sugar topping adds a lovely crunch; don’t skip it.
- The glaze can be adjusted for thickness by adding more powdered sugar or lemon juice as needed.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian