Enjoy this Mixed Berry Buckle, a cozy, rustic cake bursting with juicy summer blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries—the perfect dessert for any warm day!
Berry Buckle
If you’re not familiar with a buckle, let me share one of my favorite old-fashioned desserts! It gets its name from how the batter beautifully buckles around the fruit while it bakes. Picture it as a lovely combination of cake and fruit cobbler—what’s not to love? As it bakes, the berries release their juices, creating delightful pockets of moist, fruity goodness that add just the right amount of sweetness and tartness. I’ve had so much fun tweaking this berry buckle recipe over the years to keep it light while ensuring it stays moist and delicious, and I’m genuinely excited about how it turned out!
Why You’ll Love This Berry Buckle Recipe
I lightened up this berry buckle by using less butter and swapping in applesauce for extra moisture. A splash of buttermilk keeps the cake tender, and fresh, in-season berries add natural sweetness, so there’s no need for much sugar. While many buckles call for a crumbly streusel topping, I left it out to keep things light.
What You’ll Need
How to Make
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9-inch round baking pan with nonstick cooking spray, line the bottom with parchment paper, and spray the parchment as well.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a medium bowl, mix the buttermilk, melted butter, 1/2 cup of light brown sugar, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined—don’t worry about a few lumps, and be careful not to overmix.
5. Carefully fold in the fresh berries until just incorporated, leaving a few lumps in the batter.
6. Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Sprinkle the remaining tablespoon of brown sugar over the top.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Serve warm and enjoy!
Delicious Variations to Try for Your Berry Buckle
One of the best parts of a mixed berry buckle is its incredible versatility! While a classic blueberry buckle is always a favorite, this recipe can easily be adapted with different berries or flavors depending on what you have on hand or what’s in season. Here are some fun options to make this dessert your own:
- Single Berry Swap: Prefer one type of berry? Replace the mixed berries with 1 ½ cups of your favorite berry, like just blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries.
- Frozen Berries: If fresh berries aren’t in season, frozen berries work just as well! Just fold them in straight from the freezer.
- Add Extra Fruit: Want a twist? Add in some sliced peaches, strawberries, or even chunks of apple for a unique flavor.
- Citrus Twist: Add a burst of freshness by zesting a lemon or orange into the wet ingredients.
- Sugar-Free Option: Keep it light by swapping brown sugar for monk fruit sweetener—great for a low-sugar treat.
How to Serve Your Berry Buckle Cake for a Crowd-Pleasing Treat
Berry Bucket Cake is absolutely delicious served warm right out of the oven, but there are a few ways to make it even more irresistible! Here are some fun serving ideas to take your buckle to the next level:
- Classic Scoop: Top a warm slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—this creamy, cold contrast makes each bite extra dreamy!
- Yogurt Pairing: For a lighter option, add a dollop of vanilla or Greek yogurt on the side. It adds a slight tang that perfectly balances the sweetness of the cake.
- Whipped Cream: A fluffy swirl of whipped cream gives it a luxurious finish and brings out the juicy berry flavors.
- Drizzle of Honey or Maple Syrup: For a touch of extra sweetness, drizzle honey or maple syrup over each slice.
- Fresh Berries on Top: Add a handful of fresh berries on top for a pop of color and added freshness.
Whether it’s warm from the oven or served with a special topping, this berry buckle is the perfect cozy dessert!
How to Store and Reheat Your Berry Buckle for Fresh Flavor
Mixed berry buckle is at its best when enjoyed warm and fresh out of the oven, but if you have leftovers, no worries—it stores well! Here’s how to keep it tasting delicious:
- Refrigerate: Cover any leftover cake and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This keeps it moist and preserves the berry flavors.
- Reheat: To enjoy that fresh-baked warmth, microwave a slice for 15-20 seconds or pop it in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes to gently warm it up.
- Room Temperature Option: If you prefer, let the cake sit on the counter until it reaches room temperature before enjoying.
- Freeze for Later: Want to save some for later? Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature or give it a quick reheat in the microwave.
These easy storage tips ensure you can savor every bite of this cozy, fruity treat, whether it’s fresh or saved for later!
More Dessert Recipes
Berry Buckle Mixed Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 1 1/2 cups fresh mixed berries blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries in equal amounts
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar plus 1 tablespoon for sprinkling (3.5 oz)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup low-fat buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9-inch round baking pan with nonstick cooking spray, line the bottom with parchment paper, and spray the parchment as well.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, mix the buttermilk, melted butter, 1/2 cup of light brown sugar, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined—don’t worry about a few lumps, and be careful not to overmix.
- Carefully fold in the fresh berries until just incorporated, leaving a few lumps in the batter.
- Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Sprinkle the remaining tablespoon of brown sugar over the top.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Serve warm and enjoy!
