Classic Blueberry Buckle Recipe with Streusel Topping
Warm, tender bites flecked with sweet fruit create a comforting twist on morning treats.
Classic Blueberry Buckle with Streusel Topping
If you’re searching for a bake that blends the best qualities of a coffee cake and a fruit dessert, the blueberry buckle offers all that and more. Its moist, buttery cake is bursting with fresh blueberries and topped with a sweet, crumbly streusel that adds just the right touch of crispness. Originating in American kitchens, the buckle remains a beloved classic, delighting generations with each slice. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this cake delivers on flavor and nostalgia.
What is Blueberry Buckle?
Blueberry buckle is a homey, old-fashioned cake distinguished by its dense, tender base and generous layer of sweet blueberries inside, crowned with a buttery streusel topping. The name ‘buckle’ refers to how the cake “buckles” under the weight of the berries and the crumb topping as it bakes, resulting in a delightfully rustic appearance and a satisfying texture. Some liken it to a cross between a cobbler, a coffee cake, and a crumb cake, but its signature topping and berry-rich batter set it apart.
Ingredients
The following recipe yields a 9-by-9-inch pan of classic blueberry buckle, enough to serve 9 to 12 people. For best results, use fresh blueberries when in season, but frozen berries can also be substituted.
For the Streusel Topping
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon or cardamom
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
For the Cake
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups fresh blueberries, divided
- Nonstick cooking spray for the pan
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 9-by-9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Prepare the Streusel: In a medium bowl, stir together the melted butter, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and your choice of ground cinnamon or cardamom. Add the flour and a pinch of salt. Combine until the mixture forms a crumbly texture. Set aside while you make the cake batter.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In another medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and kosher salt.
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar with a mixer on medium speed until creamy and light. Add the eggs one at a time, beating just until each is incorporated.
- Combine and Finish Batter: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with milk, and beat until just combined. Stir in the lemon zest and vanilla extract to infuse the batter with fresh flavor.
- Add Blueberries: Using a spatula, gently fold in 2 cups of the fresh blueberries, being careful not to burst them.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Evenly spread the cake batter into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of blueberries over the top.
- Top with Streusel: Using your fingers, crumble the streusel mixture over the surface of the batter and scattered berries, covering as evenly as possible.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden-brown.
- Cool, Slice, and Serve: Allow the buckle to cool for 20 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips for Success
- Fresh vs. Frozen Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are ideal as they retain their shape and juice during baking. If using frozen, add them straight from the freezer (do not thaw), but expect more color bleeding into the batter and add a few additional minutes to the bake time.
- Streusel Choice: Customize your streusel by using cardamom instead of cinnamon for a more floral flavor. Add chopped nuts for extra crunch if desired.
- Storage: Blueberry buckle keeps well for up to three days at room temperature when stored in an airtight container. It can also be wrapped and frozen for up to one month; thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Serving Suggestions: Enjoy with a dollop of whipped cream, crème fraîche, or Greek yogurt for breakfast or brunch. It’s equally delicious as a dessert with vanilla ice cream.
Blueberry Buckle vs. Related Desserts
| Dessert | Main Features | Topping | Texture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buckle | Buttery cake base packed with blueberries | Crumbly streusel, cinnamon or cardamom | Moist cake, crisp topping |
| Coffee Cake | Not always berry-filled; flavored with cinnamon or nuts | Usually streusel | Cake-like, fluffy |
| Crumb Cake | Dense cake with extra-thick crumb topping | Heavy layer of crumbs | Dense, crumbly topping |
| Cobbler | Fruit filling with biscuit or cake topping | Biscuit or drop dough | Fruit-heavy, biscuit topping |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make blueberry buckle in advance?
Yes, blueberry buckle can be prepared up to three days ahead. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for best results. If frozen, allow it to thaw prior to serving for optimal texture.
Can I use other fruits instead of blueberries?
What others are reading
Absolutely. While blueberries are traditional, you can substitute blackberries, raspberries, or chopped strawberries. Just ensure fruits are fresh and not overly watery.
What is the best way to serve blueberry buckle?
Blueberry buckle is delicious both warm and at room temperature. For breakfast, enjoy with coffee or tea; for dessert, pair with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
How do I keep the topping crisp?
Allow the cake to cool slightly before covering or storing—this prevents steam from softening the streusel. Reheat lightly in the oven to restore crispness if needed.
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for the all-purpose flour, but results may vary slightly in texture.
Creative Twists on Blueberry Buckle
The classic recipe is highly adaptable to personal taste or seasonal produce. Consider these ideas for modifications:
- Lemon Glaze: Drizzle a light glaze of powdered sugar mixed with lemon juice over the cooled buckle for an extra citrusy zing.
- Nutty Crunch: Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or almonds to the streusel for a more textured topping.
- Cardamom Variation: Replace cinnamon with cardamom for a fragrant, floral twist.
- Mixed Berries: Use a combination of berries (blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries) for a colorful, vibrant buckle.
Meet the Recipe Creator
Senior Food Editor Josh Miller is known for dreaming up inventive recipes that balance homey comfort with modern flavor twists. Whether experimenting with skillet cornbread or incorporating healthy updates to classic treats, Josh brings passion to every creation. When not developing new recipes, you can often find him in his pottery studio, crafting functional kitchenware that embodies the same creative spirit as his cooking.
Final Thoughts
Blueberry buckle’s enduring popularity is a testament to its comforting flavor profile and easy, reliable preparation. Perfect for any season and occasion, this classic cake delivers juicy bursts of fruit with crisp, buttery streusel in every bite. Whether prepared for a holiday brunch, a summer picnic, or simply as a delightful treat with coffee, this recipe promises to become a staple in your home baking repertoire.
Recipe Card: Blueberry Buckle with Streusel Topping
| Prep time | 20 minutes |
| Cook time | 40–45 minutes |
| Total time | ~1 hour |
| Servings | 9–12 |
| Level | Easy |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What makes the buckle different from a coffee or crumb cake?
A: Buckle features more fruit tucked into the batter, and its streusel topping “buckles” as it bakes, making the texture slightly denser and juicier.
Q: Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
A: Yes. Use a 13-by-9-inch pan and add another 10–15 minutes to the baking time. Check for doneness with a toothpick in the center.
Q: How can I ensure blueberries are evenly distributed?
A: Gently fold the berries into the batter and shake the pan lightly after spreading the batter to settle the fruit before adding the topping.
References
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