Description

There’s something uniquely comforting about the combination of blueberries and a crumbly, buttery topping. The Blueberry Buckle with Brown Sugar Topping is a timeless dessert that captures the essence of home-baked goodness. This classic treat, with its tender cake base, bursting with juicy blueberries, and its irresistibly crunchy brown sugar topping, is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a breakfast delight, a brunch centerpiece, or a sweet ending to a meal, this buckle is sure to please everyone at the table.

The origins of the “buckle” date back to colonial America, where fruit was often incorporated into cakes to make use of seasonal produce. The name "buckle" comes from the way the cake "buckles" or sinks under the weight of the fruit and the topping as it bakes, creating a rustic and charmingly uneven surface. This blueberry buckle is a perfect example of this tradition, showcasing the natural sweetness of blueberries while complementing them with a rich, buttery crumb topping.

Ingredients

• For the Cake:
• 2 cups fresh blueberries
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• For the Topping:
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces

Preparation Method

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F or 190°C and grease a 9-inch square baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix well.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just incorporated.

4. Gently fold in fresh blueberries without crushing them.

5. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish.

6. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over the batter.

7. Bake for 45-50 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean and the topping is golden brown.

8. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled, optionally with ice cream or whipped cream.

Tips and Conclusion

For a twist on the traditional buckle, try adding a touch of lemon zest to the cake batter. The bright citrus notes will enhance the flavor of the blueberries, adding a refreshing contrast to the sweet brown sugar topping. Additionally, if you’re using frozen blueberries, toss them in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter. This will help prevent the berries from bleeding into the cake and turning the batter purple.

The Blueberry Buckle with Brown Sugar Topping is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of the simple pleasures in life. Each bite offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, from the tender, blueberry-studded cake to the crunchy, cinnamon-kissed topping. It’s a dessert that’s both nostalgic and timeless, bringing a sense of warmth and comfort to any table. Whether you’re enjoying it with family at a casual weekend brunch or sharing it with friends over coffee, this blueberry buckle is sure to become a beloved favorite. So, the next time you have fresh blueberries on hand, don’t hesitate to whip up this classic treat – it’s sure to be a hit!