There’s something magical about Christmas morning. The twinkling lights on the tree, the sound of holiday music playing softly in the background, and that cozy mix of excitement and calm as you sip your coffee in fuzzy socks. In our house, Christmas breakfast has always been a big deal. It’s the fuel that keeps us going through present unwrapping, gift tag searches, and way-too-competitive board games. And for me, no breakfast captures the cozy, nostalgic vibes of Christmas morning quite like Blueberry Buckle.
This isn’t just any Blueberry Buckle; it’s the perfect combination of tender cake, juicy blueberries, and a buttery streusel topping that makes it feel like a warm hug in every bite. It’s simple, special, and bursting with holiday cheer. And the best part? You can prep most of it ahead of time, leaving you more time to soak in the magic of the morning.
The Make-Ahead Magic
Let’s be real: no one wants to spend Christmas morning covered in flour and stressing over timing. That’s why this buckle is such a win. You can prep everything the night before:
The Batter: Mix it up, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. It’ll be ready and waiting for you in the morning.
The Streusel Topping: Combine the sugar, butter, and flour for that crumbly, golden magic. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Come morning, all you have to do is assemble, bake, and enjoy the smell of sweet blueberry goodness filling your home while the coffee brews.
Cozy Christmas Traditions
I can’t help but reminisce about Christmas mornings from my childhood. The sleepy excitement of waking up early, the cozy blankets piled on the couch, and my mom always insisting we eat breakfast before we could dive into the presents. (Which, as a kid, felt like torture. But now? Total genius move.)
Now, as an adult, I love recreating that sense of warmth and tradition for my own family. This buckle has become a centerpiece of our Christmas morning table—a dish that’s just indulgent enough to feel special but easy enough to keep the morning stress-free. Whether we’re pairing it with mimosas or chocolate milk (for the kids), it’s always a hit.
Serving Tips
This buckle is delicious on its own, but if you really want to take it to the next level, serve it with a dollop of soft butter or a drizzle of maple syrup.
Leftovers (if you have any) make an incredible snack later in the day.
A Christmas Morning Must
Whether you’re hosting a full house or keeping it intimate with your closest loved ones, Christmas Morning Blueberry Buckle is the perfect way to start the holiday. It’s a reminder to slow down, savor the moment, and enjoy the simple joys of the season—like buttery streusel, sweet blueberries, and family gathered around the table.
Wishing you the coziest, happiest Christmas morning ever! 🎄
The Recipe:
FOR THE STREUSEL TOPPING
6 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
1.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ cup AP flour
¼ teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold, cut into ½-inch chunks
FOR THE CAKE
1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups AP flour, spooned into measuring cup and leveled off
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup milk
2 cups frozen blueberries (swap fresh if u must)
Make-Ahead Option: To save time on a busy Christmas morning, you can prepare the batter and streusel topping the night before and keep them separate. For the batter, mix everything up through the step of folding in the berries and transfer it to an airtight container. For the streusel, mix the ingredients and store them in another airtight container. Keep both in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, simply grease the pan, pour in the batter and blueberries, top it with the topping, and bake!
Instructions
Make the Streusel Topping
Combine the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl. Use your fingers to break up any lumps of brown sugar. Add the butter and rub it in with your fingertips until the mixture is crumbly. If making ahead, transfer the streusel to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.
Prepare the Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter and granulated sugar until creamy, about 2 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl and beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the flour mixture, alternating with the milk, and beat on low speed until just combined. Gently fold in the berries with a spatula, being careful not to overmix. If making ahead, transfer the batter to an airtight container and refrigerate overnight.
Assemble the Buckle
Preheat the oven to 375°F and set an oven rack in the middle position. Grease a 9-inch square pan with butter or nonstick cooking spray.
Pour the prepared batter into the greased pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter.
Bake the Buckle
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a cake tester or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve
Let the buckle cool in the pan on a rack for about 20 minutes. Serve directly from the pan and enjoy the cozy, festive flavors of Christmas morning!
This version keeps things simple but highlights the convenience of prepping the night before for a relaxed holiday morning. 🎄