Looking for the ultimate blueberry coffee cake recipe that doubles as both a comforting breakfast and a crowd-pleasing dessert? This Blueberry Buckle with Brown Sugar Crumb Topping is a nostalgic favorite—tender cake layered with juicy blueberries and finished with a golden, buttery cinnamon streusel. Whether you’re planning a summer brunch, cozy weekend treat, or just craving something sweet and fruity, this buckle delivers on every level.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Made with fresh seasonal blueberries
Topped with a crunchy, sweet brown sugar cinnamon streusel
Perfect for brunch, potlucks, or afternoon tea
Budget-friendly and made with pantry staples

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Cake

All-Purpose Flour (2 cups)
Provides structure to the cake batter.
Baking Powder (1½ tsp)
Helps the cake rise and stay light and fluffy.
Salt (½ tsp)
Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
Granulated Sugar (¾ cup)
Sweetens the cake and helps with browning.
Unsalted Butter, softened (¼ cup)
Adds richness and moisture to the batter.
Large Egg (1)
Binds the ingredients and adds tenderness.
Vanilla Extract (1 tsp)
Adds warm flavor and enhances the blueberries.
Milk (½ cup)
Moistens the batter for a soft, tender crumb.
Fresh Blueberries (2 cups)
Juicy and sweet, they create pockets of fruit throughout the cake.

For the Topping

Brown Sugar (½ cup)
Adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness and crunch.
All-Purpose Flour (⅓ cup)
Helps form the crumbly topping texture.
Ground Cinnamon (½ tsp)
Adds a warm, spiced note to the topping.
Unsalted Butter, chilled and diced (¼ cup)
Cuts into the dry ingredients to form a buttery streusel topping.

Tips and Tricks

Fresh blueberries work best, but frozen can be used if thawed and drained.
Use cold butter for the topping—warm butter will melt too quickly.
Add a touch of lemon zest to the batter for a citrusy boost.
Let the buckle cool for 10 minutes before serving—it sets up nicely.

Variations and Customizations

Substitute raspberries or blackberries for blueberries.
Add a lemon glaze drizzle on top after baking.
Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-friendly version.

Pairing Suggestions

Serve with vanilla yogurt for a sweet-and-creamy breakfast.
Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or chai latte.
Pair with whipped cream or ice cream for a dessert-worthy plate.

Storage Instructions

Room Temp: Keep covered for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 4–5 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before serving.

Blueberry Buckle

Author: easysweetmeal
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 9 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Blueberry Buckle with Brown Sugar Streusel – A tender, buttery cake bursting with juicy blueberries, crowned with a crunchy cinnamon-brown sugar crumble. Warm, cozy, and perfect with coffee or vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups all-purpose flour
1½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup milk
2 cups fresh blueberries
½ cup brown sugar
⅓ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a 9-inch square baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- 2 cups flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt

3. Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate large bowl, cream:
- ¼ cup softened butter
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
Beat until light and fluffy.
Add 1 egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.

4. Combine Batter

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with ½ cup milk.
Stir just until combined—avoid overmixing.
Gently fold in 2 cups blueberries.

5. Spread in Pan

Pour the batter into your prepared dish and smooth the top.

6. Make the Crumb Topping

In a small bowl, combine:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup flour
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Cut in ¼ cup chilled, diced butter using a pastry cutter or clean fingers until it forms coarse crumbs.

7. Add Topping and Bake

Sprinkle the topping evenly over the batter.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the topping is golden brown.

Notes

This recipe is a favorite for summer gatherings, Mother’s Day brunch, and cozy mornings.
Serve warm for best results, or reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American