Name: Blueberry Buckle
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: ¾ cup all-purpose flour; ¾ cup white whole wheat flour; ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder (I recommend aluminum free); 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 1 ½ cups blueberries (fresh or frozen (If using frozen, do not thaw)); Zest of 1 small lemon lemon zest; ½ cup nonfat milk (or milk of choice); 1 large egg; ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted, or canola oil); ¼ cup brown sugar; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter (diced); ¼ cup walnuts (chopped)

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When I think of comfort food, the first thing that comes to mind is a warm slice of Blueberry Buckle. There’s something incredibly nostalgic about the smell of fresh blueberries baking in the oven, mingling with the sweet aroma of cinnamon. Growing up, my grandmother made this delightful treat for family gatherings, and every bite felt like a warm hug. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast treat or a sweet afternoon snack, Blueberry Buckle has a special place in my heart. It’s simple enough to whip up on a lazy Sunday morning yet impressive enough to serve at brunch with friends. I remember the excitement as we waited for the timer to go off, eager to dig into the golden-brown crust. This recipe brings back all those cherished memories, and I’m thrilled to share it with you.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
30 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
20 mins

Difficulty:
Easy

Calories:
295 kcal

Protein:
5 g

Diet:
Standard

Fat:
12 g

Tools Used:
Oven, Baking Sheet, Frying Pan, Wooden Spoon, Cutting Board, Whisk, Chef’s Knife, Mixing Bowl

The Beauty of This Blueberry Buckle

It’s All About the Flavor

One of the key reasons I adore Blueberry Buckle is its blend of flavors. The tartness of the blueberries contrasts beautifully with the sweet, buttery crumble topping. It’s a harmony of taste that dances on your palate.

Versatile and Adaptable

This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can use fresh or frozen blueberries, depending on what you have on hand. Plus, you can switch up the toppings by adding different nuts or spices to cater to your taste.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a holiday, or simply treating yourself, Blueberry Buckle fits the bill. It’s a crowd-pleaser that works for any gathering.

Easy to Make

Even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll find this recipe approachable. The steps are straightforward, making it a great starting point for budding bakers.

Heartwarming Memories

Every time I make Blueberry Buckle, I’m reminded of my childhood. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a tradition that brings family and friends together.

Great for Leftovers

This cake keeps beautifully, making it perfect for enjoying over several days. It tastes great warmed up or at room temperature, and it’s simple to reheat.

Essential Ingredients for Blueberry Buckle

The ingredients for Blueberry Buckle are simple yet harmonious, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures. At the heart of this recipe are the star players: flour, blueberries, and a touch of cinnamon. These components come together to form a deliciously moist cake topped with a crunchy crumble—a combination that makes this dish so irresistible.

¾ cup all-purpose flour: This is the base of our cake, providing structure and a light, fluffy texture.
¾ cup white whole wheat flour: Adds a nutty flavor and enhances the nutritional value without compromising on taste.
½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter, balancing the tartness of the blueberries.
1 tablespoon baking powder: Ensures the cake rises beautifully, creating a soft and airy crumb.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors, making each bite more satisfying.
1 ½ cups blueberries: The star ingredient! Fresh or frozen, their juicy bursts of flavor elevate the dish.
Zest of 1 small lemon: Brightens the cake with a hint of citrus that pairs beautifully with the blueberries.
½ cup, plus 1 tablespoon nonfat milk: Keeps the batter moist and contributes to a tender crumb.
1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together, creating a rich texture.
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and a buttery flavor to the cake.
¼ cup brown sugar: Sweetens the crumble topping and provides a deeper flavor.
2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, diced: Creates a crumbly texture in the topping.
¼ cup walnuts: Adds crunch and a nutty flavor contrast to the sweet cake.

Recipe Steps for Blueberry Buckle

Making Blueberry Buckle is a delightful experience that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering scents. Follow these steps to create a delicious cake that your family will love. Let’s dive in!

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. This is crucial to ensure your cake rises correctly. While the oven heats, take your 8×8 inch pan, lightly coat it with cooking spray, and line it with parchment paper, ensuring to coat it again. Set it aside for now.
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients together until evenly mixed. This step is essential as it ensures that the leavening agents work efficiently when combined with wet ingredients.
Gently fold in the blueberries and lemon zest. Be careful not to crush the blueberries; you want to keep them intact for those beautiful bursts of flavor in the cake. The lemon zest adds a refreshing brightness that complements the blueberries perfectly.
In a small, separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter. Make sure the butter isn’t too hot; otherwise, it could cook the egg. This mixture brings moisture to your batter, ensuring a tender cake.
Add the wet ingredients to the flour and blueberry mixture. Use a wooden spoon to stir everything together. It’s okay if the batter is thick—this is what creates those delightful, chewy textures. Scrape the batter into your prepared pan and spread it into an even layer, making sure to fill the corners.
Prepare the crumble topping. In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. With a fork or your fingers, cut in the diced butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This topping is what adds that irresistible crunchy layer on top of the soft cake.
Mix in the walnuts to the crumble. The nuts add an extra crunch and a nutty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the cake.
Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the top of the batter. Don’t be shy—cover every inch for a deliciously crunchy finish!
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it; you want a nice golden brown on top. The smell will be heavenly, a promise of what’s to come.
Once baked, let cool slightly before slicing. You can serve Blueberry Buckle warm or at room temperature. Enjoy it as it is, or with a dollop of whipped cream!

Things Worth Knowing

Use fresh berries: Fresh blueberries will give the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, don’t thaw them before adding.
Don’t overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined to prevent a dense cake.
Check for doneness: Ovens vary, so start checking your Blueberry Buckle a few minutes before the end of the baking time.
Cool properly: Letting it cool slightly before slicing helps maintain the crumble topping’s texture.

Substitutions and Tips

Making a delicious Blueberry Buckle is all about the right tips and tricks. Here are some handy suggestions to ensure your baking experience is smooth and successful.

Storage: Store leftover Blueberry Buckle at room temperature for up to four days. It tastes great even after a couple of days!
Freezing: You can freeze slices for up to three months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for best results.
Pairing: This cake is delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top.
Flavor variations: Consider adding lemon zest or almond extract for a different flavor profile.
Nut-free option: If you have nut allergies, simply omit the walnuts or replace them with seeds like sunflower seeds.

Side Dish Ideas for Blueberry Buckle

If you’re looking for ways to serve Blueberry Buckle, here are some ideas that pair beautifully with this delightful cake:

Morning coffee: Enjoy a slice with your morning coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast treat.
Brunch gatherings: It’s perfect for brunch alongside fruit salad or yogurt.
Picnic fare: Slice it up for an easy, portable dessert option during summer picnics.
Seasonal serving: It’s a fantastic dish for summer get-togethers when blueberries are in season.
Light lunch: Pair it with a light salad for a refreshing lunch option.

FAQ

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries in your Blueberry Buckle. Just add them directly to the batter without thawing. This will help maintain their shape and prevent the batter from becoming too watery. The baking process will ensure they are perfectly cooked and flavorful.

To store your Blueberry Buckle, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If you wish to keep it longer, you can also freeze individual slices. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to three months.

The main difference between Blueberry Buckle and Blueberry Crumble is in texture and structure. Buckle is a cake-like dessert with a batter base and a crumb topping, while a Crumble is typically more of a fruit dessert with a crisp topping over the fruit without a cake base. Both are delicious, but they offer different experiences!

Absolutely! Adding nuts, like walnuts, to your Blueberry Buckle provides a delightful crunch and additional flavor. You can mix them into the batter or sprinkle them on top of the crumble. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit them.

Conclusion

This Blueberry Buckle recipe is truly a delightful treat that brings warmth and comfort to any gathering. Its balance of sweetness and tartness, along with its moist texture and crunchy topping, makes it a standout dessert. I encourage you to try making this cake for your next brunch or family gathering. You won’t be disappointed!