Recipe Ideas

Blueberry Buckle Coffee Cake

Okay, you guys, this Blueberry Buckle Coffee Cake is seriously one of my all-time favorite things to bake. It reminds me so much of my grandma’s kitchen, filled with the smell of cinnamon and something sweet bubbling away in the oven. It’s like a hug in cake form, you know? I always make it when I need a little comfort, or when I want to impress someone with minimal effort – shhh, don’t tell! If you love a classic coffee cake, prepare to be completely obsessed with this blueberry version. It’s so much easier than it looks, and the flavor is just… incredible. Think blueberry muffins met crumb cake and decided to throw a party in your mouth. Seriously, this is a game-changer.

Blueberry Buckle Coffee Cake final dish beautifully presented and ready to serve

What is Blueberry Buckle Coffee Cake?

Alright, let’s break it down. Blueberry Buckle Coffee Cake is essentially a moist, tender coffee cake that’s loaded with juicy blueberries and then topped with a sweet, buttery crumb topping – the “buckle” part. The name comes from the way the cake sort of buckles and collapses a bit in the middle as it bakes, thanks to all those delicious blueberries and that heavy crumb topping. It’s essentially a perfect, comforting treat. Think of it as a less fussy version of a blueberry pie, but in cake form. It’s really easy to make, totally forgiving, and always a crowd-pleaser. Trust me, even if you’re not a “baker,” you can totally nail this.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Oh, where do I even begin? There are so many reasons to fall head-over-heels for this Blueberry Buckle Coffee Cake. First off, the flavor is out of this world. You’ve got the tanginess of the blueberries, the warmth of the cinnamon, and the rich, buttery flavor of the cake and crumb topping all working together in perfect harmony. It’s sweet, but not too sweet, and just bursting with that fresh blueberry flavor. Then there’s the simplicity. Seriously, this is one of the easiest things I bake. It comes together in minutes, and you probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. What I love most about this is how forgiving it is. You don’t have to be super precise with your measurements, and it still turns out amazing every time. Plus, it’s incredibly cost-effective. Blueberries might be a little pricey sometimes, but you can use frozen ones in this recipe and it tastes just as good! My family goes crazy for it, my friends request it, and even my picky neighbor always asks for a slice. If you love a good coffee cake, and you adore blueberries, this is a must-try recipe. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or even just a little afternoon treat with a cup of coffee. Trust me, you won’t regret it. It’s so much better than those store-bought ones, and your kitchen will smell heavenly while it bakes!

How do I make Blueberry Buckle Coffee Cake?

Quick Overview

Making this Blueberry Buckle Coffee Cake is surprisingly straightforward. You’ll start by making the cake batter, which is a simple combination of flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and a little bit of milk. Then, you’ll mix in your blueberries. Next comes the crumb topping, which is just a mix of flour, sugar, butter, and cinnamon. Sprinkle that all over the cake batter, and bake it until it’s golden brown and the cake is set. Honestly, the hardest part is waiting for it to cool down enough to eat! It’s so easy, even a beginner baker can get it right. I promise!

Ingredients

For the main battery:
* 2 cups all-purpose flour (I always use unbleached)
* 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened (make sure it’s *really* soft!)
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (I splurge on the good stuff here)
* 1/2 cup milk (whole milk makes it extra rich, but 2% works too)
* 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries (if using frozen, don’t thaw them)

For the Crumb Topping:
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces (super important that it’s cold!)

Blueberry Buckle Coffee Cake ingredients organized and measured on kitchen counter

What are the steps for

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Okay, first things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. I always do this even if it’s a non-stick pan – it just guarantees that the cake will come out cleanly. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for extra insurance, leaving a little overhang to lift it out easily later. This is key to easy cleanup!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. What is the importance of whisking and not stirring? How do I get all the lumps out and make sure everything is evenly distributed? Is this a good idea to put aside for now?

Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugars

In a large bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. You really want to get some air in there, so don’t rush this step! Scrape down the sides of the bowl a couple of times to make sure everything is incorporated.

Step 4: Add Eggs & Vanilla

Beat the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. If the mixture looks a little curdled, don’t worry, it’ll all come together in the end. How does vanilla work?

Step 5: Alternate Dry & Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending. Ending with dry ingredients. What is dry, wet, dry? Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! If you overmix the flour, you will get a tough cake. A few streaks of flour are fine.

Step 6: Fold in Blueberries

Gently fold in the blueberries. If you’re using frozen blueberries, toss them with a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter. This will help prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake. Make sure they’re evenly distributed!

Step 7: Prepare Crumb Topping

In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the crumb topping. How do you cut the butter with a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse. How do you keep butter from melting into flour? What is what gives you those little crumbs? I like to use my fingers because it gives me more control!

Step 8: Assemble & Bake

Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the topping starts to get too brown, you can tent the pan with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Step 9: Cool & Serve

Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. Is it good to eat warm or at room temperature? Is it okay to dust the cake with powdered sugar before serving?

What should I serve it with?

What are some good ways to make Blueberry Buckle Coffee Cake? To the next level, depending on the occasion:

For Breakfast:Pair it with a strong cup of coffee or latte. A side of crispy bacon or sausage would also be delicious. My family loves Greek yogurt. Isn’t it delicious?

For Brunch:Make it part of a larger brunch spread with eggs, pancakes, and Fruit Salad. What are the best brunch cocktails to serve with a mimosa or bellini? What’s your favorite way to serve vanilla ice cream?

As Dessert:Serve warm with vanilla Ice Cream or whipped cream. What are some good ways to serve maple syrup to someone who likes nuts? What is better than ice cream and milk?

For Cozy Snacks:What is a good morning tea or coffee? What are the best casual drinks to have with friends?

Growing up, we’d always have this cake with a big pot of coffee after church on Sundays. It’s just such a warm, comforting treat, and it brings back so many good memories. My kids love it now too, and it’s become a tradition that I hope they’ll continue when they have families of their own.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Blueberry Buckle Coffee Cake

Want to make sure your Blueberry Buckle Coffee Cake is absolutely perfect? Here are a few of my top tips:

Butter Matters: Use good quality butter for both the cake and the crumb topping. It really makes a difference in the flavor and texture. Make sure the butter for the cake batter is *really* soft, but the butter for the crumb topping needs to be cold.

Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the cake batter. Overmixing will result in a tough cake. Mix until just combined, and don’t worry if there are a few streaks of flour.

Frozen Blueberries: If you’re using frozen blueberries, don’t thaw them. Toss them with a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter to prevent them from sinking to the bottom.

Crumb Topping: Make sure the butter for the crumb topping is cold and cut into small pieces. This will help create those lovely little crumbs. You can use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut in the butter.

Baking Time: Baking times can vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the cake. It’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cooling Time: Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving. This gives it time to set up a bit and makes it easier to slice.

I remember one time, I was in a hurry and didn’t let the butter soften enough for the cake batter. The cake still tasted good, but the texture was definitely not as light and fluffy as it should have been. It was a good reminder that even small details can make a big difference! Another time, I accidentally overmixed the batter, and the cake turned out a bit tough. That’s when I learned the importance of mixing until *just* combined.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Want to make this Blueberry Buckle Coffee Cake ahead of time? Here’s how to store it:

Room Temperature: You can store it at room temperature for up to 2 days. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it from drying out.

Refrigerator Storage: You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Again, make sure it’s covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container.

Freezer Instructions: To freeze, wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap, then wrap it again with aluminum foil. You can store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

When you are ready to eat again: warm it in the microwave 20 seconds or oven at 350 for 5-10 minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Use a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. I recommend one that already contains xanthan gum. You might need to add a little extra moisture, so start with an extra tablespoon or two of milk and add more if needed until the batter is the right consistency. Keep a close eye on it while it bakes, as gluten-free cakes can sometimes bake faster.
Do I need to peel the blueberries?
Absolutely not! Blueberries are used with the skin on – the skin is where a lot of the nutrients are anyway!
Can I make this as muffins instead?
Absolutely! Just fill muffin tins about 2/3 full with batter and sprinkle with the crumb topping. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This is a great way to make individual portions!
How can I adjust the sweetness level?
If you want to reduce the sweetness, you can reduce the amount of sugar in both the cake batter and the crumb topping. Start by reducing each by 1/4 cup and see how you like it. You can also use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, but keep in mind that this will change the flavor and texture of the cake slightly.
What can I use instead of blueberries?
If you’re not a fan of blueberries (gasp!), you can substitute other berries like raspberries, blackberries, or even chopped strawberries. You can also use chopped apples or pears for a different flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

Blueberry Buckle Coffee Cake slice on plate showing perfect texture and swirl pattern

Honestly, this Blueberry Buckle Coffee Cake is more than just a recipe – it’s a little piece of my heart. It’s easy, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser. I hope you’ll give it a try and experience the joy of baking (and eating!) this delicious treat. If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my classic coffee cake or my lemon blueberry loaf. They’re all equally delicious and easy to make. Happy baking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think, and don’t forget to rate the recipe! If you make any fun variations, I’d love to hear about those too. Enjoy!

I’m Maria, a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, personal trainer, author, and podcaster. I love helping people improve their physical and mental health through easy-to-understand wellness advice and delicious recipes made with nourishing ingredients. Pull up a seat—you’re welcome at this table!

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