Welcome to the world of delightful homemade treats with this classic Blueberry Buckle recipe. A buckle, which falls somewhere between a coffee cake and a crumble, is an old-fashioned dessert that has won hearts for generations. The name “buckle” refers to the way the streusel topping sinks and buckles as it bakes, creating a charmingly rustic appearance. This dessert is bursting with fresh, juicy blueberries, making it perfect for summer gatherings, brunches, or even an indulgent breakfast.
Imagine biting into a piece of this Blueberry Buckle: the moist, tender cake filled with sweet, tart blueberries, topped with a buttery, cinnamon-scented streusel that adds just the right amount of crunch. It’s simple to make but yields impressive results, whether you’re serving it to guests or enjoying it with a cup of coffee on a lazy weekend morning. This recipe walks you through each step to ensure your Blueberry Buckle turns out perfectly every time.
Ingredients:
For the Batter:
- ¾ cup white 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 (for blueberries)
- 1 ½ cups fresh blueberries
For the Streusel Topping:
- ¼ cup cold butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup white sugar
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan thoroughly. This will ensure that your buckle comes out of the pan easily and retains its shape.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the white sugar and softened butter. Cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.
- Add the egg and lemon zest to the creamed mixture. Beat until the egg is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of flour, baking powder, and salt. Make sure the baking powder is evenly distributed to avoid any clumps in the batter.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined after each addition. Overmixing can result in a tough cake, so mix until no streaks of flour remain.
- Prepare the Blueberries:
- In a small bowl, toss the fresh blueberries with 1 tablespoon of flour. This helps to keep the blueberries from sinking to the bottom of the batter while baking.
- Incorporate Blueberries:
- Gently fold the floured blueberries into the batter. Be careful not to crush the berries to keep their juices from turning the batter blue.
- Spread the Batter:
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top and ensure an even thickness throughout.
- Make the Streusel Topping:
- In another bowl, combine the cold butter, brown sugar, white sugar, flour, and ground cinnamon. Use your fingers or a fork to blend the mixture until it forms a crumbly texture. The butter should be well distributed but still in small pieces to create a crumbly texture.
- Add the Streusel:
- Sprinkle the streusel mixture evenly over the batter in the pan. Make sure to cover the entire surface for an even layer of topping.
- Bake:
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The buckle is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the Blueberry Buckle to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This cooling period helps the cake set and makes it easier to slice.
- Once slightly cooled, cut into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Blueberry Buckle as a delightful breakfast treat, perhaps with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of honey.
- Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delectable dessert.
- Enjoy it alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a comforting afternoon snack.
Notes:
- Fresh vs. Frozen Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are ideal for this recipe, but if you’re using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them before adding to the batter. Thawed blueberries can become too mushy and discolor the batter.
- Streusel Variations: For an added twist, you can include chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts in the streusel topping. This adds an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to three months. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator and warm before serving.
FAQs:
- Can I use other fruits in place of blueberries?
- Yes, you can substitute other berries such as raspberries, blackberries, or a mix of berries. Chopped peaches or apples can also be used for a different flavor profile.
- What can I use if I don’t have lemon zest?
- Lemon zest adds a fresh, citrusy flavor, but you can substitute it with an equal amount of orange zest or ½ teaspoon of lemon extract.
- Is it necessary to coat the blueberries in flour?
- Coating the blueberries in flour helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the batter while baking. It’s a helpful step but not absolutely necessary if you’re in a hurry.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Make sure it’s a blend designed for baking, which usually includes a mix of rice flour, tapioca starch, and potato starch.
- What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
- For best results, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. If reheating the entire buckle, cover with foil and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-15 minutes.
- Can I add nuts to the batter?
- Yes, you can add about ½ cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the batter for added texture and flavor.
This Blueberry Buckle recipe is a perfect blend of simplicity and elegance, making it a favorite for many occasions. Whether you’re baking for a special brunch or just to enjoy a sweet treat at home, this buckle is sure to impress with its delightful combination of flavors and textures.