Blueberry Streusel Coffee Cake

My son's girlfriend loves cakes with fruit in them so I pulled out an old recipe for Blueberry Streusel Coffee Cake that I used to make a lot.  It's a quick cake to make and smells wonderful when it is cooking thanks to the cinnamon sugar topping. The blueberries melt into the batter and give the cake a lot of moistness. In the interest of health, blueberries have amazing health benefits and there are a lot of them in this cake. They are full of vitamins and antioxidants , but more important, they reduce inflammation and cholesterol and are actually a good source of fiber. The Chinese believe they are good for the brain and kidneys. So in case you feel guilty about eating a cake, remember how good the blueberries are for you. And the cinnamon is amazing for regulating blood sugar! I think this is the perfect cake to go with an afternoon cup of coffee or in my case - tea!

Blueberry Streusel Coffee Cake

2 cups fresh blueberries, washed and stem picked off

2 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 stick butter (1/4 cup)

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup milk

Topping:

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 cup flour

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

4 Tablespoons cold butter, cut into small chunks

In a small bowl, mix together the topping ingredients with your fingers until well blended.  Set aside until needed.

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Butter and 9 x 9 inch baking pan. Mix together the flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl. 

In the Cuisinart or electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar until blended.  Beat in the egg and milk and mix until fluffy.  Add in the flour mixture alternately with the milk until just blended.  Pour mixture into the baking pan and smooth the top.  Put the blueberries on top and press into the batter.  Sprinkle the topping over the cake and place into the oven.

Bake for 45 - 50 minutes or until the top is lightly browned and cake tester comes out clean.

Five Element Analysis

Blueberries belong to the Water Element so that element is fully covered and the eggs add more. The wheat flour contributes the Wood Element and the sugar brings in plenty of the Earth Element. The vanilla extract and cinnamon make sure that the Metal Element is represented. Only the Fire Element is missing and serving this with coffee or tea makes this a balanced treat!