Blueberry Buckle Recipe
Blueberry Buckle is a timeless dessert that effortlessly blends the tender, moist texture of a coffee cake with the burst of fresh blueberries and the crunch of a cinnamon-sugar crumble. This delightful treat is versatile enough to be enjoyed at breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or as a comforting dessert. With its inviting aroma and satisfying blend of flavors, Blueberry Buckle is the perfect addition to any occasion, offering a slice of sweetness that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients Overview
The beauty of Blueberry Buckle lies in its simplicity, relying on a handful of key ingredients that most home bakers already have in their pantry. The star of the show, of course, is the blueberries. Fresh, plump blueberries are ideal, providing that juicy pop in every bite, but frozen berries can also be used in a pinch. The cake itself is built on a foundation of all-purpose flour, sugar, butter, and a single egg, which work together to create a light and fluffy texture. A touch of lemon zest adds a subtle brightness that enhances the natural sweetness of the blueberries. The crumble topping, made with cold butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, and a hint of cinnamon, brings a perfect contrast of textures, creating a satisfying crunch with each bite.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating a Blueberry Buckle is a rewarding process, combining simple techniques to produce a dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent.
Preparing the Batter
To begin, preheat your oven to 350°F and generously grease an 8×8-inch baking pan. This will ensure your Blueberry Buckle releases easily after baking. In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, egg, and lemon zest until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the batter, resulting in a light, tender cake. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk, and mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so be sure to stop as soon as the ingredients are fully incorporated.
Folding in the Blueberries
Before adding the blueberries to the batter, toss them with a tablespoon of flour. This simple step helps to prevent the berries from sinking to the bottom of the cake during baking, ensuring that each bite is filled with juicy bursts of blueberry. Gently fold the flour-coated blueberries into the batter, being careful not to crush them, and then spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan.
Creating the Crumble Topping
The crumbly topping is what sets Blueberry Buckle apart from other cakes. In a small bowl, combine cold butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, and ground cinnamon. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend these ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The key here is to keep the butter cold, as this will create a topping that crisps up beautifully in the oven. Once mixed, sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter, ensuring every corner is covered with this sweet, cinnamon-spiced goodness.
Baking and Serving the Blueberry Buckle
Baking Time and Temperature
Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and let the Blueberry Buckle bake for 40-45 minutes. As it bakes, the kitchen will fill with the warm, comforting scent of cinnamon and sugar. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the buckle is ready. If the topping begins to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the pan with aluminum foil to prevent it from burning.
Cooling and Serving Suggestions
Allow the Blueberry Buckle to cool slightly in the pan before cutting into squares. This short cooling period helps the cake set and makes it easier to slice. Serve the buckle warm or at room temperature, and consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. The contrasting temperatures and textures will elevate the experience, making it a memorable dessert.
Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing the Best Blueberries:
For the most flavorful buckle, use fresh, ripe blueberries. If fresh berries are out of season, frozen blueberries can be a great alternative—just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the batter.
Making Ahead and Storing:
Blueberry Buckle can be made a day in advance and stored at room temperature in an airtight container. If you prefer, it can also be refrigerated for up to three days, but be sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Variations and Add-Ins:
While traditional Blueberry Buckle is hard to beat, feel free to experiment by adding other fruits such as raspberries or diced peaches. A splash of lemon juice or an extra sprinkle of lemon zest in the batter can add a zesty twist that complements the blueberries beautifully.
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen blueberries work well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid adding excess moisture to the batter.
How do I prevent the blueberries from sinking?
Tossing the blueberries in a little flour before folding them into the batter helps to suspend them evenly throughout the cake, preventing them from sinking to the bottom.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Absolutely! Simply double the ingredients and bake the buckle in a 9×13-inch pan. Keep in mind that the baking time may need to be adjusted slightly, so start checking for doneness around the 40-minute mark.
Blueberry Buckle is a versatile and delicious dessert that is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Its combination of tender cake, juicy blueberries, and a crisp, cinnamon-scented topping makes it the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether served as a breakfast indulgence, a sweet afternoon snack, or a comforting dessert, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Share it with friends and family, and enjoy the smiles that follow.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups fresh blueberries
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup butter, softened
1 egg
2 teaspoons lemon zest
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup milk
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Topping
¼ cup cold butter + 1 tablespoon
¼ cup brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
â…“ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing an 8×8-inch baking pan.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, egg, and lemon zest until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, and mix just until everything is combined.
In a small bowl, toss the fresh blueberries with 1 tablespoon of flour to coat them lightly. Gently fold the blueberries into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
For the topping, combine the cold butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the topping becomes crumbly. Evenly sprinkle this topping over the batter.
Bake the blueberry buckle for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow it to cool slightly before serving.
Blueberry Buckle Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups fresh blueberries
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup butter softened
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Topping
- ¼ cup cold butter + 1 tablespoon
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- â…“ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing an 8×8-inch baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, egg, and lemon zest until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, and mix just until everything is combined.
- In a small bowl, toss the fresh blueberries with 1 tablespoon of flour to coat them lightly. Gently fold the blueberries into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
- For the topping, combine the cold butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the topping becomes crumbly. Evenly sprinkle this topping over the batter.
- Bake the blueberry buckle for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow it to cool slightly before serving.