Blueberry Buckle with Brown Sugar Topping is a classic and indulgent dessert that tantalizes the taste buds with a perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors. This delectable treat typically features a moist and tender cake base generously studded with plump, juicy blueberries. The berries burst with flavor, creating pockets of sweetness throughout the buckle.
What sets this dessert apart is the delightful brown sugar topping that crowns the cake. A heavenly mixture of brown sugar, butter, and sometimes cinnamon or nutmeg is sprinkled generously over the batter before baking. As the buckle bakes, this topping caramelizes, forming a luscious and slightly crunchy layer that adds depth and richness to every bite.
The cake itself is a comforting combination of pantry staples – flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and leavening agents – but it’s the addition of buttermilk or sour cream that imparts a subtle tanginess and ensures a moist crumb. The batter is carefully folded with the blueberries to ensure an even distribution of the fruit throughout the cake.
Once baked to golden perfection, the Blueberry Buckle is often allowed to cool slightly before being sliced into generous portions. The aroma of sweet blueberries and warm spices wafts through the air, inviting anyone nearby to indulge in this delightful dessert.
This timeless treat is not only a favorite for dessert but also doubles as a delightful addition to brunch or afternoon tea. The burst of blueberries, the tender cake, and the irresistible brown sugar topping make Blueberry Buckle a crowd-pleaser that captures the essence of homemade comfort with every heavenly bite. Whether served warm or at room temperature, this dessert embodies the simple joys of baking and is sure to become a cherished recipe in any culinary repertoire.
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
Preparation
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9-inch square baking dish.
2. For the cake, in a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another large bowl, cream together the 3/4 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 cup softened butter until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, and mix just until incorporated. Gently fold in the blueberries and spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish.
5. For the topping, combine the brown sugar, 1/3 cup flour, and cinnamon in a bowl. Cut in the chilled butter with a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle evenly over the batter in the dish.
6. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the topping is golden brown.
7. Allow the buckle to cool slightly before slicing and serving warm.
Variations & Tips:
– If blueberries aren’t your berry of choice, feel free to substitute them with blackberries or a mix of berries for a Summer Berry Buckle.
– For those with dietary restrictions, swap the all-purpose flour with your preferred gluten-free blend and use a plant-based milk and butter to keep it dairy-free.
– Sprinkle chopped nuts into the topping for an added crunch.
– To ensure the cake remains moist, do not overmix the batter once you’ve added the flour.
– Remember, the buckle can be quite hot coming out of the oven, so let it sit for a moment before serving – especially to the little ones. Enjoy this buckle with love, and watch it become a new tradition in your home as it has in mine.