Mixed Berry Buckle – Your New Favorite Coffee Cake Dessert

A buckle is a classic dessert that combines a moist cake-like base with juicy fruit and a crumbly topping. This Mixed Berry Buckle puts a healthier spin on the traditional treat, featuring a medley of fresh berries like blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries, all tucked into a lightly spiced cake batter. Topped with a buttery streusel, it’s the perfect dessert to serve for a family gathering, a cozy afternoon snack, or any time you’re craving something fruity and indulgent, yet not overly heavy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bursting with Berries – Fresh mixed berries give the buckle a pop of flavor and color.
Cake-Like Texture – Soft and moist, with a light crumb that’s perfect for any occasion.
Balanced Sweetness – A moderate amount of sugar ensures the berries’ natural sweetness shines through.
Versatile and Customizable – Can easily be made with your favorite berries or other fruits.
Great for Sharing – A dessert that’s sure to please a crowd without overindulging.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
• ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup mixed fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, etc.)

For the Topping:

• ½ cup rolled oats
• 3 tbsp whole wheat flour
• 2 tbsp brown sugar substitute
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

Prepare the Cake Batter:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, combine the egg, applesauce, honey, and vanilla extract. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.

Add the Berries:

Fold in the mixed berries gently, ensuring they are evenly distributed in the batter.

Make the Topping:

In a small bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar substitute, melted butter, and cinnamon. Stir until the mixture becomes crumbly.

Assemble the Buckle:

Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the crumbly topping mixture over the batter.

Bake:

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.

Cool and Serve:

Allow the buckle to cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with a dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 160
• Carbs: 30g
• Fat: 4g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 13g (naturally occurring from fruit and honey)

Tips for Success

• Fresh or Frozen Berries: Fresh berries work best, but frozen berries can also be used—just make sure to thaw and drain them first.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter until it’s just combined for a lighter texture.
• Crumbly Topping: The streusel topping adds a perfect crunch, so be sure to crumble it evenly over the batter before baking.
• Serve with Yogurt: For an extra treat, top each serving with a dollop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess.

Why This Recipe Works

This Mixed Berry Buckle is a guilt-free indulgence, with just the right amount of sweetness from the fruit and a crumbly, oat-streusel topping that satisfies your cravings. The light cake base is tender, while the berries burst with juicy flavor in every bite. It’s the kind of dessert that feels indulgent but is balanced enough to enjoy without the usual sugar overload.

This Mixed Berry Buckle brings all the joy of a fruit-filled dessert with a lighter twist. It’s perfect for those looking for a delicious, healthier alternative to traditional sugary desserts. Whether served as a sweet breakfast treat, a comforting snack, or a light dessert, this buckle is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the delightful combination of berries, spice, and sweetness with every bite!