This Blueberry Buckle with Brown Sugar Topping is the ultimate comfort dessert. Juicy blueberries are folded into a tender, vanilla-scented cake and topped with a golden, buttery crumb layer infused with cinnamon and brown sugar.
Perfectly balanced between sweet and tart, this buckle is a versatile treat, ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent finish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Loaded with Blueberries: Every bite is packed with juicy, sweet blueberries that scream summer.
Irresistible Topping: The crumbly brown sugar topping adds a delightful crunch and warm cinnamon flavor.
Perfectly Moist Cake: With a tender, buttery base, this buckle is as satisfying as it is easy to make.
Versatile Dessert: Serve it for breakfast, dessert, or a mid-day treat—it’s a crowd-pleaser any time of day.
Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, this recipe is easy to whip up without a special grocery run.
Key Ingredients
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries add a burst of tart sweetness. If blueberries aren’t in season, frozen berries work well—just toss them in a bit of flour to prevent sinking.
Brown Sugar Topping: This buttery crumb topping, with its combination of brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour, is the star of the buckle. It caramelizes slightly during baking, adding a golden, crunchy layer.
Butter: Softened butter in the cake ensures a moist texture, while chilled butter in the topping creates the perfect crumbly consistency.
Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the cake, enhancing its flavor. Use pure vanilla extract for the best results.
Milk: Creates a smooth batter that bakes into a tender crumb. Whole milk works best, but a non-dairy option like almond or oat milk can be used if needed.
Cinnamon: A touch of cinnamon in the topping complements the sweetness of the blueberries and the richness of the brown sugar.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even baking.
Grease the Baking Dish: Coat a 9-inch square baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together:
2 cups of all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder
1/2 teaspoon of salt
Set Aside: Keep the mixture ready to incorporate into the batter.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Beat Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat 3/4 cup of granulated sugar with 1/4 cup of softened unsalted butter.
Mix until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
Tip: Use an electric mixer for best results.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Incorporate Wet Ingredients:
Beat in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Ensure the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
Step 5: Combine with Dry Ingredients
Alternate Additions:
Gradually add the dry ingredients from Step 2 to the creamed mixture.
Alternate with 1/2 cup of milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
Mix Gently: Stir just until combined to maintain a tender texture.
Step 6: Fold in Blueberries
Add the Blueberries:
Gently fold in 2 cups of fresh blueberries with a spatula.
Be careful not to crush the berries to keep them intact.
Step 7: Prepare the Topping
Mix Dry Topping Ingredients:
In a bowl, combine:
1/2 cup of brown sugar
1/3 cup of all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
Cut in Butter:
Add 1/4 cup of chilled, diced unsalted butter.
Use a pastry cutter or two knives to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 8: Assemble and Bake
Spread Batter:
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Smooth the top with a spatula if needed.
Add Topping:
Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes.
The buckle is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the topping is golden brown.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Cool Slightly:
Let the buckle cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes.
Serve Warm:Slice and serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Serving Suggestions
Classic Pairing: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert.
Brunch Treat: Enjoy a slice with a dollop of whipped cream and a cup of coffee or tea.
Fresh Twist: Garnish with lemon zest or a drizzle of lemon glaze for a bright, zesty contrast.
Berry Medley: Serve alongside fresh strawberries or raspberries for a colorful berry-themed dessert spread.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerate: Store leftover buckle in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheat: Warm slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes to refresh their flavor and texture.
Variations
Mixed Berry Buckle: Replace half the blueberries with raspberries, blackberries, or chopped strawberries for a medley of flavors.
Lemon Blueberry Buckle: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the batter and a tablespoon of lemon juice to the topping for a citrusy twist.
Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.
Nutty Topping: Add 1/4 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping for extra crunch.
Spiced Buckle: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cake batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
Conclusion
Blueberry Buckle with Brown Sugar Topping is a timeless dessert that combines simplicity with irresistible flavor. The tender cake, juicy blueberries, and buttery, cinnamon-spiced topping come together to create a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious.
Pro Tip: If serving for brunch, prepare the buckle the night before and reheat it in the morning for a no-stress crowd pleaser.
So, preheat that oven, grab those blueberries, and get ready to enjoy the sweet, summery magic of this Blueberry Buckle. Trust me, it’ll be love at first bite!
Blueberry Buckle with Brown Sugar Topping
Ingredients
- 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
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour for topping
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter chilled and diced
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat granulated sugar with softened butter until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Use an electric mixer for best results.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Stir just until combined.
- Gently fold in the blueberries using a spatula, being careful not to crush them.
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in chilled butter using a pastry cutter or two knives until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the crumb topping over the batter. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the topping is golden brown.
- Let the buckle cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
