Blueberry Buckle Cake

Blueberry Buckle Cake is a delicious and classic American dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. It’s a delightful treat that combines a tender cake base with juicy blueberries and a streusel topping. Let’s dive into the details of what it is, its history, components, preparation steps, and the time required to make it.

What is Blueberry Buckle Cake?
Blueberry Buckle Cake is a type of coffee cake or crumb cake that features fresh or frozen blueberries as its star ingredient. The name “buckle” comes from the way the cake buckles or crumples as it bakes, creating a delightful crumbly texture. It’s typically served as a dessert or a sweet breakfast treat.

History:
The exact origin of Blueberry Buckle Cake is not well-documented, but it is believed to have its roots in American colonial cooking. Blueberries are a native fruit to North America, so it’s likely that early American settlers incorporated them into their baking. Over the years, this dessert became a beloved classic in American cuisine, especially in New England.

Components:
Blueberry Buckle Cake consists of three main components:

1. Cake Base: The cake base is a moist and slightly dense vanilla-flavored cake batter.

2. Blueberries: Fresh or frozen blueberries are mixed into the cake batter, providing bursts of fruity flavor and a lovely purple hue.

3. Streusel Topping: The streusel topping is a mixture of butter, sugar, flour, and sometimes cinnamon. It’s sprinkled generously over the cake batter, creating a sweet and crunchy layer on top.

Steps to Prepare Blueberry Buckle Cake:
Here are the steps to prepare a delicious Blueberry Buckle Cake:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries

For the Streusel Topping:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch square baking pan.

2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

6. Gently fold in the blueberries.

7. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.

8. In a separate bowl, combine the streusel topping ingredients (sugar, flour, cinnamon, and cold cubed butter) using a fork or pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs.

9. Sprinkle the streusel topping over the cake batter.

10. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.

11. Allow the cake to cool for a bit before serving.

Time Needed:
The preparation and baking of Blueberry Buckle Cake typically take approximately 1 hour. This includes the time needed for mixing the batter, assembling the cake, and baking it to perfection.

Enjoy your homemade Blueberry Buckle Cake as a delightful dessert or as a sweet morning treat with a cup of coffee or tea. It’s a delightful way to showcase the deliciousness of blueberries in a classic American dessert.

Certainly, here are the approximate nutrition facts and some health information for a serving of Blueberry Buckle Cake. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes:

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

• Calories: 300-350 calories
• Total Fat: 10-15 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 6-8 grams
• Cholesterol: 40-60 milligrams
• Sodium: 200-300 milligrams
• Total Carbohydrates: 50-60 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: 1-2 grams
  • Sugars: 30-35 grams
• Protein: 3-5 grams

Health Information:

1. Moderate Calories: A serving of Blueberry Buckle Cake contains a moderate number of calories, making it a suitable dessert or occasional treat. Be mindful of portion sizes to manage calorie intake.

2. Moderate Fat: The cake has a moderate amount of fat, with some of it coming from butter in the cake and streusel topping. While fat is essential for flavor and texture, it’s advisable to consume such desserts in moderation due to the saturated fat content.

3. Sugar Content: Blueberry Buckle Cake is sweetened with sugar and contains a substantial amount of sugar per serving. It’s important to be aware of your sugar intake, as excessive sugar consumption can contribute to various health issues.

4. Fiber: While this dessert may not be a significant source of dietary fiber, the blueberries in the cake can contribute a small amount. Fiber is important for digestive health.

5. Protein: Blueberry Buckle Cake contains a small amount of protein. However, it’s not a significant source of protein, and you should rely on other foods for your protein needs.

6. Portion Control: To enjoy Blueberry Buckle Cake in a balanced diet, practice portion control. Opt for a smaller slice to manage calorie and sugar intake.

7. Fresh Blueberries: Blueberries are a healthy addition to the cake as they are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They can provide some nutritional benefits, but they are mostly used for flavor.

It’s essential to enjoy desserts like Blueberry Buckle Cake in moderation as part of a balanced diet. If you have specific dietary restrictions or health concerns, consider adapting the recipe to make it healthier, such as using less sugar or substituting some ingredients with healthier alternatives.