Hello, fellow foodies and baking enthusiasts! There's something incredibly special about the transition from spring to summer. It's not just the longer, sun-drenched days or the anticipation of beach trips and barbecues. For me, it's the arrival of blueberry season. And what better way to celebrate than with my all-time favorite: a blueberry buckle.
I still vividly remember the first time I tasted a blueberry buckle. It was at a cozy little bakery downtown on a sweltering July day. The moment I took a bite, I was instantly transported. The tender, buttery crumb bursting with ripe, juicy blueberries and that crumbly, cinnamon-laced streusel... it was love at first bite. Ever since my initial encounter with the blueberry buckle, it's earned a treasured spot in my baking repertoire.
My aim today? To pass this fantastic recipe on to you, so that you may also discover the sheer delight it brought me on that memorable summer day. The promise I make to you is this: one bite of this buckle, and your summer mornings, midday meals, or sweet treats will ascend to an unprecedented level.
And now, without further ado, let's get into the baking zone. Also, I invite you to check out these 5 irresistible blueberry buckle recipes that will make your mouth water, including, of course, also one of my favorite, the Lemon-Blueberry Buckle.
Without wasting another moment, let's jump right into the baking action.
- 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- Cooking spray
- 2 1/4 cups cake flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole or 2% milk
- 2 cups fresh blueberries (about 12 ounces), divided
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 1 medium lemon
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup cake flour
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- this is optional 1/2 cup of powdered sugar
Though it appears lengthy, fret not! The magic of this recipe lies in its straightforwardness. Believe me when I say that the result is absolutely rewarding. Every mouthful of this buckle is a celebration of summer and a testament to the magic of simple ingredients.
1. First up, chop the butter into little pieces and leave it out to get soft. This step is key because it will help the butter and sugar blend together smoothly later on, giving us a super fluffy and soft cake.
2. Get your oven heated up to 375°F and prepare your baking pan. I prefer an 8-inch square one. A swift spray of cooking oil and a lining of parchment paper will set the stage perfectly.
3. Gather your dry ingredients - the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. The cake flour is key here, it gives the buckle that soft, delicate texture.
4. Get your stand mixer going and whip up the butter and sugar until they look fluffy and light.
5. Slowly beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Always remember, patience is a virtue, especially in baking.
6. Gradually add half of the flour mixture, alternating with the milk. This method ensures a smoother, more uniform batter.
7. Next up, pour that thick, fragrant batter into your baking pan. Grab those extra blueberries you saved and scatter them over the top.
8. Now, it's time to prepare that irresistible streusel. Melt your butter and combine it with the cake flour, granulated sugar, and kosher salt. Spread this crumbly goodness over the batter.
9. Bake your blueberry buckle for approximately 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out spotless.
10. Once your buckle is beautifully baked, let it chill out for 15 minutes. Then, use that handy parchment paper to lift it out of the pan. Then, let it cool down entirely on a cooling rack.
11. If you like a little citrus zing, prepare the lemon glaze. Just mix the powdered sugar with the lemon juice. Keep stirring until you have a mixture that you can easily pour. When your buckle has cooled down, pour this tangy glaze all over it.
12. Cut your buckle into squares, serve, and let the summer vibes wash over you!
Remember, this buckle can sit at room temperature. Maintaining its freshness is a breeze - just wrap it well in plastic, and it'll retain its delightful taste for as long as two days. But let's be real, with something this appetizing, it's unlikely to sit around for that long!
Baking a blueberry buckle is not just about making a cake. It's about celebrating summer, relishing in the joy of fresh, ripe blueberries, and creating a treat that comforts and delights. Every time I bake this, it brings back that memory of my first bite of buckle and reminds me why I fell in love with it. I hope you'll find the same joy in your kitchen. Happy baking!