Looking for a delightful and quintessential summer treat to satisfy your sweet cravings? Look no further than the Classic Blueberry Buckle! This irresistible dessert combines a moist, buttery cake packed with plump, juicy blueberries and a crunchy, sugary streusel topping for a truly indulgent experience. Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ, a summer brunch, or simply yearning for a taste of the season, this easy blueberry buckle recipe is guaranteed to win hearts.
Buckles, often referred to as fruit-filled coffee cakes, feature a dense, luscious batter interspersed with fresh or frozen fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or peaches. As the cake bakes, it “buckles” and cracks, creating a delightful platform for the crispy, sweet streusel to form a sugary crust over the tender, fruity core.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Blueberry Buckle:
- Minimal Prep, Maximum Payoff: Just mix, pour, and bake!
- Bursting with Blueberries: Enjoy 3 cups of fresh or frozen blueberries in every bite.
- Soft and Moist Texture: Velvety crumb that soaks up the berry juices.
- Crunchy Streusel Top: Adds an irresistible textural contrast.
- Accessible Ingredients: Likely already present in your pantry.
- Versatile Delight: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or snacking.
- Effortless Entertaining: Great make-ahead option for hassle-free hosting.
Ingredients
- Cake Flour (2 cups): Delicate flour option for a tender crumb.
- Baking Powder (1 tsp): Leavens the cake for a fluffy texture.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances flavors and balances sweetness.
- Butter (4 tbsp, room temperature): Adds richness and moisture.
- Sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the cake, contributing to texture.
- Egg (1): Acts as a binding agent for structure.
- Whole Milk (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and richness to the batter.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Enhances the cake’s flavor profile.
- Fresh or Frozen Blueberries (3 cups): Bursting with juicy, fruity goodness.
How to Make Classic Blueberry Buckle
Step 1: Preparing the Batter
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×9 baking dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat the room temperature butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla to the butter mixture, beating until well combined.
- Alternately mix in the flour mixture and milk, stirring just until incorporated.
- Gently fold in the blueberries to distribute evenly throughout the batter.
Step 2: Adding the Streusel Topping
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare the streusel by combining sugar, cake flour, cinnamon, and cold cubed butter until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping over the batter in the pan.
Step 3: Baking and Serving
- Bake the blueberry buckle for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the buckle to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving warm or at room temperature.
Storage Options
To keep your blueberry buckle fresh and delicious, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 5 days. When ready to enjoy, warm in the microwave or oven for a comforting treat.
Variations and Substitutions
- Almond Crumble: Swap the streusel for an almond-infused topping.
- Lemon Zest: Enhance the citrus notes by adding lemon zest to the batter.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour for a Celiac-friendly option.
- Altered Berries: Experiment with raspberries, blackberries, or a berry medley for unique flavors.
What to Serve With Classic Blueberry Buckle
- Almond Milk Latte: A smooth, nutty alternative to coffee.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Classic pairing for a sweet treat.
- Lemonade Spritzer: A refreshing citrus beverage.
- Whipped Cream: Dollop on top for added decadence.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I Use Frozen Blueberries?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries without thawing. - What Makes the Streusel Topping Crispy?
The cold butter in the topping creates a crunchy texture. - Can I Freeze Blueberry Buckle?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. - How Should I Reheat the Buckle?
Warm in the oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes for best results.
Indulge in the delightful union of juicy blueberries, buttery cake, and sugary streusel with each bite of the Classic Blueberry Buckle. The soft, moist crumb paired with the crisp, sweet topping creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will transport you to a world of summer bliss.
Classic Blueberry Buckle
Ingredients
- 2 cups Cake Flour
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 4 tbsp Butter room temperature
- 3/4 cup Sugar
- 1 egg Egg
- 1/2 cup Whole Milk
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 3 cups Fresh or Frozen Blueberries
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9x9 baking dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat the room temperature butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla to the butter mixture, beating until well combined.
- Alternately mix in the flour mixture and milk, stirring just until incorporated.
- Gently fold in the blueberries to distribute evenly throughout the batter.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare the streusel by combining sugar, cake flour, cinnamon, and cold cubed butter until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping over the batter in the pan.
- Bake the blueberry buckle for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the buckle to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving warm or at room temperature.