Making this blueberry kuchen takes me back to the summers when my mother would have us pick wild berries. And she would tell us “kids” to stay outside till we had a full container filled with the berries. We didn’t mind cause we would get this wonderful treat once we filled the buckets!

Blueberry Kuchen with a red and white napkin.

Originally Published January 10, 2021

Updated March 8, 2025

Because my mom never really followed a recipe, she seemed magical to us! The smile on her face, and the light in her eyes as she added a “pinch” of this, & a “bit” of that had us in awe. And watching her make blueberry kuchen made us realize the love she had for cooking.

Ida was raised in the plains of Kansas on a farm. Therefore, milking cows, making butter, & hanging the clothes on the line was just an average day. This was during the dust bowl, and times were tough.

And growing up on a farm, everything they made was with things they could harvest. From the eggs to the milk, to the butter, to the berries. Farm to table was the best! We hope you enjoy this as much as we did.

Here are three reasons you’ll love this Blueberry Kuchen:

Flavorful Combination: The zesty lemon and warm cinnamon notes perfectly complement the sweetness of the blueberries, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
Simple Preparation: With straightforward ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is accessible for both novice and experienced bakers.
Versatile Enjoyment: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this kuchen can be enjoyed at any time of the day.

Ingredients for Blueberry Kuchen and Their Importance

Flour – Provides structure and stability to the cake.
Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
Baking powder – Acts as a leavening agent, making the cake rise.
Salt – Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Milk – Adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb.
Melted butter – Contributes richness and a soft texture.
Egg – Binds the ingredients and adds structure.
Vanilla extract – Enhances flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
Cinnamon – Adds warmth and depth of flavor, with some reserved for topping.
Lemon zest – Brightens the flavor and provides a fresh citrus contrast, with some reserved for topping.
Nutmeg – Adds a subtle spice that complements the other flavors.
Fresh blueberries – Provide bursts of juicy sweetness and a signature fruity taste.

How to Make this Blueberry Kuchen:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Make crumb topping by combining 3 ingredients and mixing with fork, just till combined. You want to have this in clumps. Set aside.
In a medium mixing bowl, beat egg.
Whisk in sugar, vanilla & melted butter, baking powder and salt.
Gradually add in milk, slowly mixing through with whisk
Add in zest, 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon, a few grated of the nutmeg
Stir in flour, mixture will be a bit lumpy, use whisk to break up big pieces, but do not over mix
Pour batter into a greased parchment lined 8×12 pan
Place blueberries over the batter
Put the crumb mixture over the top
Sprinkle with 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon, & a few zests of lemon
Bake in center of oven for 40-5 minutes, turning half way through
Allow to sit for 5-10 minutes before cutting

Storage Tips:

At Room Temperature: Once cooled, cover the kuchen with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will remain fresh for up to 2 days.
Refrigeration: For extended freshness, refrigerate the kuchen in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Before serving, you can bring it to room temperature or warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds.
Freezing: To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. The kuchen can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw slices at room temperature or warm them in the microwave before enjoying.

Baking Tips:

Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh blueberries for the best flavor and texture. Ensure they are evenly distributed over the batter before adding the crumb topping.
Crumb Topping: When preparing the crumb topping, mix the ingredients until just combined to achieve a clumpy texture that bakes into a delightful crunch.
Even Baking: Rotate the pan halfway through baking to ensure the kuchen bakes evenly and achieves a golden-brown crust.

This Blueberry Crumb Kuchen not only offers a delicious treat but also brings a touch of nostalgic comfort to your table.