Blueberry Buckle with Brown Sugar Topping

There’s something truly magical about the Blueberry Buckle that makes it a beloved treasure in the world of desserts. This classic treat, which has roots stretching back to colonial America, brings back cherished memories of cozy Sunday mornings spent in a kitchen filled with the sweet aromas of blueberries and cinnamon. Perfect for showcasing the natural sweetness and slight tartness of blueberries, this dish features a moist cake base, enriched with a delightful spice blend, and is crowned with a crumbly brown sugar topping for a satisfying textural contrast.

Whether it’s a casual brunch with friends or a comforting treat to sweeten a lazy afternoon, the Blueberry Buckle is a heartwarming addition to any table. Serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side elevates each bite into a sublime experience, while a hot cup of coffee or tea makes the perfect companion, turning your meal into a quaint and cozy retreat.

Servings: 8

INGREDIENTS:

For the cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup milk

2 cups fresh blueberries

For the topping:

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced

DIRECTIONS:

Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking dish to ensure your buckle comes out beautifully.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. This is your base for a fluffy cake.

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the granulated sugar with softened butter until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process is key for a light cake texture.

Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Combine with Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the creamed mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Stir just until blended to keep the cake tender.

Fold in Blueberries: Gently fold the blueberries into the batter to distribute them evenly without crushing.

Prepare the Topping: For the topping, mix brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a separate bowl. Cut in the chilled butter until the mix resembles coarse crumbs—this adds a delightful crunch on top.

Assemble and Bake: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared dish. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean and the topping is a gorgeous golden brown.

Cool and Serve: Let the buckle cool slightly in the pan on a wire rack before slicing. Serve warm for a heavenly experience.

Variations & Tips:

Berry Variations: Not a fan of blueberries? Swap them out for blackberries or a mix of berries for a delightful twist.

Nutty Addition: Add chopped nuts to the topping for extra crunch and flavor.

Dietary Adjustments: For a gluten-free or dairy-free version, substitute with suitable alternatives like gluten-free flour and plant-based milk and butter.

Baking Tip: Avoid overmixing the batter once flour is added to keep the texture soft and tender.

The Blueberry Buckle is not just a dessert; it’s a comforting symbol of home and tradition. Whether you’re introducing it to new friends or serving it up as a familiar favorite, it promises to warm hearts and bring smiles, making every gathering a little sweeter. Enjoy the process of baking this lovely cake, and relish in the joy it brings to your table!