Blueberry Buckle is a timeless dessert that combines the sweetness of fresh blueberries with a crumbly streusel topping, all atop a moist, cake-like base. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or craving a comforting treat, this recipe promises to satisfy with its perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients:
- 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
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan to prepare.
- Cream together white sugar, softened butter, egg, and lemon zest in a large mixing bowl until fluffy and well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups flour, baking powder, and salt. Add this dry mixture to the creamed ingredients, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined.
- In a small bowl, toss fresh blueberries with 1 tablespoon of flour to coat evenly. Gently fold these blueberries into the batter.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- For the streusel topping: In another bowl, combine cold butter, brown sugar, white sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Use your fingers or a fork to blend the mixture until crumbly. Sprinkle this streusel evenly over the batter in the pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the buckle to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 280mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 50g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 27g
- Protein: 4g
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Tips :
- Warm or Cold: Serve the blueberry buckle warm from the oven for a comforting dessert experience. Alternatively, chill it and serve cold for a refreshing twist.
- Accompaniments: Enhance the flavor with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of cold ice cream against the warm buckle is simply divine.
- Presentation: Dust the top with powdered sugar before serving for a touch of elegance. Alternatively, drizzle with a simple lemon glaze for added zing.
- Garnish: Sprinkle some fresh blueberries on top for a pop of color and added freshness.
Storage Tips:
- Room Temperature: Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. Make sure to cover the baking pan tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate the blueberry buckle for up to 5 days. Ensure it’s tightly covered to prevent drying out.
- Freezing: Blueberry buckle can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy the delightful flavors of blueberry buckle freshly or preserved for later enjoyment. Whether served as a dessert or a sweet treat with coffee, this classic recipe is sure to impress!
Variations :
Blueberry buckle is a versatile dessert that lends itself well to creative twists and variations. Here are some ideas to customize this classic recipe:
- Mixed Berry Buckle: Replace some or all of the blueberries with a mix of strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries for a colorful and flavorful variation.
- Lemon Blueberry Buckle: Add 1-2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice to the batter along with the lemon zest for a bright citrusy flavor that complements the blueberries.
- Almond Blueberry Buckle: Mix 1/2 cup of sliced almonds into the streusel topping for added crunch and nutty flavor.
- Spiced Blueberry Buckle: Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg or a pinch of cloves to the streusel topping for a warm, spiced flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free Blueberry Buckle: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the baking powder is gluten-free as well. The texture may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.
- Vegan Blueberry Buckle: Use plant-based butter and substitute the egg with a flaxseed or chia seed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seeds + 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes until gel-like). Use dairy-free milk such as almond or soy milk.
- Apple Blueberry Buckle: Add 1 cup of peeled and diced apples along with the blueberries for a delightful fruity combination.
- Chocolate Chip Blueberry Buckle: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips over the batter before adding the streusel topping for a decadent twist.
- Coconut Blueberry Buckle: Mix 1/2 cup of shredded coconut into the streusel topping for a tropical flair.
- Peach Blueberry Buckle: Substitute half of the blueberries with diced fresh or canned peaches for a sweet and juicy variation.
FAQs:
- Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh ones? Yes, you can substitute frozen blueberries for fresh ones in this recipe. However, keep in mind that frozen berries may release more moisture, which can affect the texture slightly.
- Can I use a different type of fruit in place of blueberries? Absolutely! Blueberry buckle is versatile, and you can use other fruits like strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, or a combination of these fruits.
- How do I prevent the streusel from getting too soggy? Ensure your streusel mixture is crumbly and not overly wet. Using cold butter and mixing until crumbly will help achieve the desired texture.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the batter and the streusel topping ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Combine and bake just before serving for the freshest taste.
- What is the best way to store leftovers? Store leftover blueberry buckle covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- How can I enhance the lemon flavor in this recipe? Increase the amount of lemon zest or add a small amount of lemon extract to the batter for a more pronounced lemon flavor.
- Can I freeze blueberry buckle? Yes, blueberry buckle freezes well. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or serving.
- What can I serve with blueberry buckle? Blueberry buckle is delicious on its own or served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It also pairs well with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
- Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe? You can experiment with different types of flour, such as whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend, though the texture and flavor may vary slightly.
- How can I adjust the sweetness of the buckle? If you prefer a sweeter buckle, you can increase the amount of sugar in the batter or the streusel topping. Conversely, if you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the sugar slightly.
These FAQs should help clarify common questions about making and enjoying blueberry buckle, ensuring a delightful baking experience for all!
Blueberry Buckle not only makes for a delicious dessert but also a delightful addition to any gathering or afternoon tea. Its moist cake base, bursting with juicy blueberries and topped with a crunchy streusel, will have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this classic recipe as it brings together the best of summer’s bounty in every bite.