Blueberry Nectarine Buckle

Maybe not my best move, including blueberries in an actual blueberry buckle, what, given that my tater tots are in full protest of the great powered blue. So, you know, I ended up eating the whole thing myself. AND making a second one, sans blueberries.

I love buckles. Cake with fruits baked inside the batter, with a crumb cake topping. These are good with any summer fruit, two cups blueberries, two cups nectarines above. Juicy, bursting, springy deliciousness.

Blueberry + Nectarine Buckle (adapted from Gourmet, 1991)

For the topping:
1/3 cup dark brown sugar
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick or 4 ounces) butter, melted
1 3/4 cups flour

For the batter:
* 1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened
* 3/4 cup sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla
* 1/4 teaspoon double-acting baking powder
* 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 3 large eggs
* 2 cups blueberries, picked over and rinsed
* 2 nectarines, pitted and cut into 1-inch wedges

Preparation: Make the topping: In a small bowl blend together the butter, the sugar, the flour, the cinnamon, and the nutmeg until the mixture resembles coarse meal and chill the topping while making the batter.

Make the batter: In a small bowl with an electric mixer cream together the butter and the sugar and beat in the vanilla. In a small bowl stir together the baking powder, the flour, and the salt, beat the flour mixture into the butter mixture alternately with the eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition, and fold in the blueberries and the nectarines.

Spread the batter in a well-buttered 10-by 2-inch round cake pan or 2-quart baking pan, sprinkle the topping evenly over it and bake the buckle in the middle of a preheated 350°F. oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a tester comes out clean and the topping is crisp and golden. Serve the buckle with whipped cream.