Step-by-Step Method:
Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment and Ingredients
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare the Blueberries: If using fresh blueberries, rinse and pat them dry. Toss them with 1 tablespoon of flour to prevent sinking during baking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
- In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients.
- Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as it could make the cake dense.
Step 5: Fold in the Blueberries
- Gently fold the prepared blueberries into the batter using a spatula. This ensures the berries are evenly distributed without breaking them.
Step 6: Pour the Batter and Add the Topping
- Transfer the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the batter.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
- Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Check for doneness around the 40-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes.
- Transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips for Success:
- Fresh or Frozen Blueberries: Both work beautifully in this recipe. If using frozen blueberries, don’t thaw them to avoid excess moisture.
- Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Customize Your Cake: Add a pinch of nutmeg or lemon zest to the batter for an extra layer of flavor.
Storage:
- Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: If you prefer a chilled slice, store it in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the cake warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Pair it with a drizzle of lemon glaze for a citrusy touch.