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Blueberry Buckle is a blueberry-studded cake topped with a sweet cinnamon-streusel topping that “buckles” as it cools.
Early in my career in the Boston area, I worked with a lovely woman named Jane. One day, Jane announced that she would be bringing in some of her Blueberry Buckle the following morning.
The Blueberry Buckle was originally Jane’s grandmother’s recipe, and I soon learned from my co-workers that this was considered a Very Special Event in the office! And the next morning, the air in the office was literally buzzing with anticipation as we waited for Jane to arrive with The Buckle.
We all watched as Jane finally walked off the elevator – carrying her blueberry buckle – with a big, knowing smile on her face. We followed Jane to the office kitchen and collectively said “ooh!” as she revealed the blueberry buckle in the baking pan, which she had thoughtfully wrapped in a dish towel so it would stay warm during her commute to the office. Carefully she served each of us a piece – and then we dove in!
What is a buckle?
A buckle is an old-fashioned single layered cake interspersed with berries and with a streusel-type topping that “buckles” as it cools.
There is one word for that blueberry buckle: sublime. Not too sweet, perfectly moist, warm and bursting with berries. OK – that was more than one word, but this is a must-try recipe!
Jane was nice enough to share her recipe with us that day, and we’re now sharing it with you. Scroll down to see this Blueberry Buckle recipe, as well as video showing how we make it!
To Jane and her grandmother, wherever you are…thank you for sharing your recipe, and I hope we have done your family recipe proud!
This recipe was originally published on A Family Feast in January 2013. The photos and recipe have been updated.
You may like these other blueberry recipes:
- Lemon Blueberry Cream Pie
- 25 Best Blueberry Recipes
- Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins
- Blueberry Pudding Cake
- The Real Jordan Marsh Blueberry Muffins Recipe
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Blueberry Buckle
Blueberry Buckle is a blueberry-studded cake topped with a sweet cinnamon-streusel topping that “buckles” as it cools.
Ingredients
For the cake
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup shortening
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups blueberries (fresh or frozen)
- Additional shortening and flour to prepare the baking pan
For the topping
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and shortening until light and fluffy. Add the egg and mix until blended. Then add the milk and mix again until blended.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the 2 cups flour, baking powder and salt. Fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture slowly until blended. Fold in the blueberries.
- Grease and flour a 9×9 or 8×10 pan. Spread the blueberry batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- To make the topping, combine the sugar, flour, and cinnamon. With a pastry blender or two knives, cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle over the cake mixture in the pan.
- Bake at 375 degrees for 35-40 minutes for an 8×10 pan or 45-50 minutes for an 9×9 pan (until cake tester comes out clean). Other size baking pans may be used – just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Serve warm or cold, plain or with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
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This recipe looks amazing!! 🙂 Have you ever tried it with adding Lemon Zest to the cake mix? I would love to know what it does to the flavour and texture.
Hi Rachel – We haven’t tried adding lemon zest to the batter but I think it would be delicious! It shouldn’t change the texture very much at all, and lemon and blueberries are very complementary flavors so I think it is a great idea! (I’ll have to try that myself the next time we make this recipe!) 🙂
Martha,
I just found this recipe and can’t wait to make it. I’m wondering what kind of shortening you recommend. Thank you.
Hi Gail – We use Crisco. Hope you love the recipe!
That looks delightful. I don’t think I have ever had a blueberry buckle, but this makes me want to make one tonight.
I am a sucker for anything blueberry and your Buckle looks to-die-for!
I tried this recipe on Tuesday for a women’s brunch and it was a hit! Very moist and tasty! I am making it again today (Friday) for dessert for a potluck dinner. Twice in a week means it is a winner. I did not have any whole milk so I used almond milk. It worked great!
So glad you are enjoying the recipe Cathy and thanks for letting us know about the almond milk substitution! Have a great day!
Love how fluffy and light this looks! I can’t wait to make it!
I’m all about the buckle and the blueberry! Thanks Jane ; )
Blueberries, cake and streusel topping. I mean, it really doesn’t get any better than this, does it?
thank you for posting this recipe for blueberry buckle. I made it yesterday and my husband and I both enjoyed it. Had some for breakfast too.
You’re very welcome Mary! So glad you enjoyed the recipe!
That’s so awesome that Jane gave you the recipe! Recipes that literally make people buzz and stop them in their tracks are the types of recipes that I live for! I bet this does have the perfect burst of blueberry too!