Blueberry Boy Bait is a pan of buttery cake studded with sweet, juicy blueberries. Some folks call it Blueberry Coffee Cake.
Let me tell you a little story as to how this boy bait thing all came about!
For many summers, our family attended Cambodian Heritage Camp in Fraser, Colorado. We joined dozens of families from across the US to immerse ourselves in Khmer cultural workshops, activities, and amazing food.
We treasured the fellowship with families “like ours”, who share the joys and fears raising brown-skinned children in these uncertain times. These people “get me”. More important, they feed my soul.
So what does a camp for children adopted from Cambodia have to do with the recipe? It was here that I discovered this tasty little blueberry coffee cake.
One of the dads offered to make Blueberry Boy Bait (you gotta love a man who packs a recipe for a weekend trip!). Soon the enticing aroma drew all of us to the cabin kitchen.
Blueberry coffee cake fresh from the oven was one of the yummiest treats I’ve ever tasted. I knew I just HAD to have the recipe!
My friend shared his version with me (from a newspaper clipping of unknown origin), which is somewhat different than others I’ve found. Some have crumb toppings like this one, while others have a cinnamon glaze. I took the liberty to reduce the sugar in my version.
Where the heck did the name Blueberry Boy Bait come from?
I have to admit the recipe name intrigued me. My detective friend (aka Google) revealed a Chicago teenager created the dish. She hoped the buttery, berry-filled treat would help her attract a boyfriend.
After submitting the recipe to a Pillsbury baking contest in the 1950s, she earned a 2nd place award in the Junior division. I couldn’t locate any reports on her success in landing a boyfriend.
Ingredients Needed For Blueberry Coffee Cake
- Flour – all purpose works best
- Sugar
- Butter – softened
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Eggs – room temperature for best results
- Milk
- Vanilla
- Fresh blueberries – I like to use smaller berries
Can I use frozen Blueberries?
You can substitute frozen blueberries if berries are out of season. If your budget allows, spring for frozen Maine blueberries. The smaller Maine berries taste amazing in this recipe. You will need to thaw out your blueberries and pat dry before using.
How To Store
Warm from the oven is marvelous, but this baked treat is also a tasty leftover. If you do have leftovers, wrap them up and store them at room temperature for a day or two.
Tools Needed to Make Blueberry Coffee Cake
Sometimes the right tools can make or break your cooking experience. These are the tools I used to make quick work of this recipe (affiliate links provided):
Batter bowl
Pastry cutter
Baking dish
More Easy Tasty Dessert and Treats:
- Hawaiian Mac Nut Banana Bread
- Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies
- Vanilla Spiced Pumpkin Bread
- S’mores Rice Krispie Treats
- Strawberry Shortcakes with Biscuits
** Want to make Blueberry Boy Bait? Pin the recipe for later **
Originally published 10/15/17 and updated 9/4/20.
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I’ve shared this recipe at the following online parties: Weekend Potluck.
Blueberry Boy Bait
Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup butter
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 1 tsp. salt
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 1 1/4 cup fresh blueberries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Coat a 9×13 rectangular baking dish with non-stick spray.
- Combine flour, sugar, salt, baking powder and butter in a medium bowl. Using a pastry cutter or two forks, cut ingredients together to make a crumb mixture. Reserve 3/4 cup for later use.
- In a small bowl, beat eggs slightly. Add milk and vanilla; stir.
- Add flour mixture to liquid mixture. Stir to combine.
- Transfer the batter to greased baking dish.
- Scatter blueberries on top of the batter, then sprinkle reserved crumb mixture to finish.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes, until toothpick insert in center comes out clean.
Notes
- Wrap leftovers & store at room temperature for 1-2 days.
- Frozen blueberries can be substituted. Thaw & pat dry before using.
- Nutritional information is provided as a reference using an online calculator. We recommend verifying the information independently.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is provided as a reference, using an online calculator. We recommend verifying the information independently for accuracy.
Miz Helen says
Congratulations!
Your post is featured on Full Plate Thursday this week. We have pinned your post to our Featured Board and hope you enjoy your new Red Plate. Thanks so much for sharing with us and come back soon!
Miz Helen
BLONDIE says
Can you use canned pie filling?
Lori1 says
I’m not sure as I’ve never made this recipe with canned filling, Blondie. Can you report your results if you decide to try it?
Genie Sawyer says
Another way to us up my blueberries every way,
Lori1 says
Yes it is, Genie!
Vanitha says
Looks so delicious and healthy with all those blueberries!! Thanks for bringing it to Fiesta Friday!!
Lori1 says
Thanks for stopping by, Vanitha!
Lisa Carpenter says
Love this recipe….it is delish…and so grateful to be one of the families to have the shared family experience of Cambodian Camp with you my sister from another mister…
Lori1 says
So many wonderful memories made over the years, Lisa. So grateful to have added you, Julie & the Bonus son to our extended family.
Jhuls | The Not So Creative Cook says
I love the sound of this one – a perfect pair for my cup of tea! Thanks for sharing at Fiesta Friday party!
Lori1 says
Tea is a great pairing for a piece (or two) of Blueberry Boy Bait. Thanks for stopping by Jhuls!
Miz Helen says
We will really enjoy your Blueberry Boy Bait, it looks delicious! Thanks so much for sharing your awesome post with Full Plate Thursday. Have a great weekend and come back to see us real soon!
Miz Helen
Lori1 says
Thanks, Miz Helen!
Heather says
This recipe looks SOOOO delicious, and fairly simple. I was intrigued by the name, but your explanation was great! Thanks for sharing!
Lori1 says
Definitely easy to make. Thanks for stopping by, Heather!