German Blueberry Cake (Blaubeerkuchen)

Craving a slice of something sweet, fruity, and authentically European? This German Blueberry Cake, also known as Blaubeerkuchen, is a tender, buttery delight bursting with fresh blueberries and a hint of lemon. It’s simple to prepare and makes the perfect treat for brunch, dessert, or afternoon coffee.

Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Authentic German Flavor – A traditional cake that’s both rustic and elegant.
Moist & Buttery – Rich cake base contrasts beautifully with juicy blueberries.
Easy to Make – Simple ingredients, one bowl, and no fancy techniques.
Seasonal Favorite – Best with fresh summer blueberries, but frozen work too.
Perfect Anytime – Serve it as dessert, breakfast, or with coffee.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon
• ⅓ cup milk
• 2 cups fresh blueberries (or frozen, not thawed)

For Topping:

• 2 tbsp coarse sugar (optional, for a crunchy topping)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Optional Add-Ins:

• ½ tsp ground cinnamon (for a warm twist)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (for extra zing in the batter)

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Hand or stand mixer
• Spatula
• 9-inch springform pan or round cake pan
• Zester or microplane
• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pan & Preheat

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9-inch springform pan or line the bottom with parchment paper.
3. Lightly flour the sides to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Batter
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
6. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
7. Stir in vanilla extract and lemon zest.
8. Gradually add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk.
9. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix.

Step 3: Fold in Blueberries
10. Gently fold in 1 ½ cups of the blueberries using a spatula.
11. Be careful not to crush the berries.

Step 4: Assemble & Bake
12. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
13. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of blueberries on top.
14. Optionally, sprinkle coarse sugar for a lightly crisp crust.
15. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 5: Cool & Serve
16. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes.
17. Carefully remove the sides of the springform pan.
18. Cool completely on a wire rack.
19. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Tips for the Best Blaubeerkuchen
Use Fresh Blueberries – For the best flavor and texture.
Don’t Overmix – To keep the cake tender and light.
Add Lemon Zest – It brightens the flavor and complements the berries.
Let It Cool – Helps the structure set and enhances flavor.
Double It – Easily doubled for a larger crowd using a 9×13-inch pan.

Serving Suggestions
Afternoon Coffee – A classic pairing in German households.
With Whipped Cream – A dollop adds richness.
For Brunch – A sweet centerpiece alongside savory dishes.
With Ice Cream – Vanilla ice cream makes it an indulgent dessert.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerate: Keeps well for up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing:
Wrap slices or the whole cake tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.

Reheating:
Microwave: Heat slices in 15-second intervals.
Oven: Warm at 300°F for 5–7 minutes for a freshly baked feel.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen blueberries?
   Yes, use them straight from the freezer to prevent bleeding.
2. Is this cake very sweet?
   It has a moderate sweetness, but you can adjust the sugar to taste.
3. Can I add a streusel topping?
   Definitely! A crumb topping adds texture and extra sweetness.
4. Can I use almond flour or make it gluten-free?
   Try a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend for best results if avoiding gluten.

Final Thoughts
German Blueberry Cake (Blaubeerkuchen) is a charming and delicious treat that captures the essence of homestyle European baking. With its golden crust, tender crumb, and juicy berries, this cake is sure to become a beloved favorite. It’s easy to make, visually lovely, and perfect for any occasion—simple yet so satisfying.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see how your cake turns out.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Cuisine: German

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 280 | Protein: 4g | Carbohydrates: 36g | Fat: 13g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 180mg

Print