Bursting with juicy blueberries and topped with a buttery, cinnamon-spiced crumb, this Blueberry Buckle is the ultimate coffee cake. Whether you serve it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, it’s a delicious way to celebrate fresh blueberry season.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and fresh blueberries.
- Perfect Texture: A tender cake base with a crispy, cinnamon-laced crumb topping.
- Versatile: Ideal as a coffee cake, dessert, or snack.
- Easy to Make: Whip it up in just 45 minutes from start to finish.
Ingredients
Cake
- ¾ cup white sugar
- ¼ cup butter or shortening
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
Topping
- ½ cup white sugar
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan to ensure easy removal.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the sugar, butter, and egg until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the dry mixture to the sugar mixture in two batches, alternating with the milk. Beat briefly after each addition, just until combined.
- Gently fold in the fresh blueberries, taking care not to overmix. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
Step 3: Make the Crumb Topping
- In a small bowl, combine the sugar, flour, butter, and cinnamon.
- Use your hands or a pastry cutter to mix until the topping is crumbly.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the cake batter.
Step 4: Bake the Buckle
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the buckle cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Whisk
- Pastry cutter or hands for the topping
- 8×8-inch baking pan
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or snack.
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days; warm slices slightly before serving.
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in the microwave or oven.
Variations
- Mixed Berry Buckle: Swap half the blueberries for raspberries or blackberries.
- Lemon Blueberry Buckle: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter for a citrusy twist.
- Nutty Topping: Mix in ¼ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts with the topping for added crunch.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
Helpful Notes
- Use fresh, firm blueberries for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen berries, do not thaw them before folding into the batter.
- For a golden, crispy topping, use softened (not melted) butter.
- Test for doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Ina Garten: “Always use room-temperature ingredients for more consistent baking results.”
- Chef Alton Brown: “Toss blueberries in a little flour before adding them to the batter to prevent them from sinking.”
- Chef Mary Berry: “Bake in the center of the oven for even cooking and a perfect crumb.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, frozen blueberries work well. Just toss them in a tablespoon of flour before adding to the batter to prevent color bleeding.
2. What if I don’t have an 8×8-inch pan?
You can use a 9-inch round pan or double the recipe for a 9×13-inch pan, adjusting the baking time as needed.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Blueberry buckle stays fresh for up to 2 days at room temperature and can be reheated just before serving.
4. Can I use whole wheat flour?
You can substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
5. How do I prevent the topping from sinking into the batter?
Ensure the batter is thick enough, and sprinkle the topping evenly across the surface.
With its tender cake, juicy blueberries, and buttery crumb topping, this Blueberry Buckle is a classic that’s sure to please. Perfect for any time of day, it’s a versatile and delicious recipe you’ll want to make again and again!