Lemon Raspberry Buckle is a delightful and tangy dessert that perfectly balances the bright flavors of lemon with the sweet tartness of raspberries. A “buckle” is similar to a coffee cake, where the juicy raspberries and zesty lemon are baked into a soft, buttery cake, creating a rustic, slightly sunken appearance as the fruit buckles into the batter. With its tender crumb and bursts of fruity goodness, this dessert is perfect for summer gatherings or as a sweet treat any time of the year. It’s especially delicious when served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 ½ cups fresh raspberries (or frozen, thawed and drained)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
For the crumb topping:
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or a 9-inch round pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, sugar, and lemon zest together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the lemon juice and milk, then gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in the raspberries, being careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
To make the crumb topping:
- In a small bowl, combine the flour, sugar, softened butter, and cinnamon. Use your fingers or a fork to mix until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the buckle to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar, if desired.
Serve your Lemon Raspberry Buckle warm or at room temperature for a deliciously fruity and zesty dessert!
