#MiddleburyCT #BlueberryCherryBuckle
This week we have the perfect summer dessert for Independence Day. Picture this: a bowl of warm, freshly baked Blueberry Cherry Buckle. Each spoonful blends tart and sweet, vanilla and butter, perfectly complemented by a scoop of cool, creamy vanilla ice cream melting into the warm dessert. It’s a slice of nostalgia, evoking memories of simpler times and Grandma’s kitchen.
A buckle is a traditional American dessert with a cake-like batter and fruit, usually berries, baked until the batter rises and the fruit “buckles,” or sinks, creating a rustic appearance. The name “buckle” comes from this effect. This delightful buckle brings together the patriotic colors of red, white and blue, making it a perfect dessert for Independence Day.
Indulge in the patriotic colors and summer flavors with Blueberry Cherry Buckle. (www.JasonCoblentz.com)
Historically, buckles were a practical way to use up fresh, seasonal fruit, making them a beloved part of home-baking traditions. They are similar to other fruit desserts like cobblers and crisps, but the key difference is the cake-like batter that envelops the fruit, creating a moist, tender crumb that pairs perfectly with the juicy fruit. This delightful dessert is cherished for its simplicity, versatility and the comforting, homey feel it brings to the table. Here’s how to make this easy yet impressive dessert:
Blueberry Cherry Buckle
Yield: 4 to 6 servings
Total Time: 55 minutes
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
1 cup fresh or frozen cherries
Vanilla ice cream, for serving
Preheat your oven to 375 F and position a rack in the center. Place the butter in a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan and put the pan in the oven. Once the butter has melted, take the pan out of the oven.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Add the milk and vanilla, stirring to combine. It’s OK if the batter is a bit lumpy. Pour the batter into the pan with the melted butter and gently stir with a spoon. Make sure to leave some visible streaks of melted butter, as these will create delicious, buttery, caramelized edges.
Evenly distribute the blueberries and cherries over the batter. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until the top is golden brown. Be sure not to remove it too early, as the buckle may collapse in the center. Wait until it’s golden and set in the middle.
Let the buckle cool on a rack for 10 minutes before serving warm with a scoop of ice cream.
Make It Your Own
The beauty of a buckle lies in its versatility. While blueberries and cherries create a wonderful patriotic theme, you can substitute other fruits as long as they total 2 full cups. Here are some delicious alternatives:
- Peaches and Raspberries: For a juicy, fragrant combination.
- Strawberries and Blackberries: Offering a lovely balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Just Blueberries: The classic buckle, simple and delicious.
- Rhubarb Strawberry Buckle: Mixed chopped rhubarb with sliced strawberries offer another perfect balance of tart and sweet.
- Blackberry Peach Buckle: Pair slightly tart blackberries with juicy sliced peaches to create a lovely summertime flavor combination.
No matter which fruits you choose, this old-fashioned dessert is sure to bring a touch of nostalgia and a whole lot of joy to your Independence Day celebrations. So, gather your loved ones and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of this homemade treat as you watch the fireworks light up the sky. Happy Fourth of July!
Lifestyle expert Patti Diamond is the penny-pinching, party-planning, recipe developer and content creator of the website Divas On A Dime – Where Frugal, Meets Fabulous! Visit Patti at www.divasonadime.com and join the conversation on Facebook at DivasOnADimeDotCom. Email Patti at divapatti@divasonadime.com
© 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.
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