Fire-Grilled Pennsylvania Blueberry Buckle Cake

Introduction

This Fire-Grilled Blueberry Buckle is a rustic Pennsylvania classic made better with the unique caramelization from the Arteflame Grill. Elevated by the solid steel flat cooktop, this wild blueberry cake develops a buttery crust with a rich smoky finish that you just can't achieve in a regular oven. This recipe lets the sweet, tart flavor of Pennsylvania wild blueberries shine through while keeping things simple, efficient, and delicious — all on the Arteflame.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature) plus 2 tbsp for grilling
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups Pennsylvania wild blueberries (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• Butter for coating skillet or cast iron baking vessel

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the napkins in the center of the Arteflame Grill basin.
3. Stack firewood over the napkins.
4. Ignite the paper and let the grill come up to cooking temperature in about 20 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the batter

1. In a mixing bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
2. Add the egg and vanilla, then mix until fluffy.
3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture alternating with milk until combined into a thick batter.

Step 3: Add blueberries

1. Gently fold in the Pennsylvania wild blueberries into the batter using a spatula. Be careful not to crush them.

Step 4: Prepare the grill skillet

1. Generously butter the bottom and sides of a cast iron skillet or grill-friendly baking pan.
2. Pour the batter evenly into the skillet.

Step 5: Grill the buckle

1. Place the skillet closer to the center of the flat top cooktop for a hot, even cook (but not directly over the open grate).
2. Cover loosely with a foil tent if blueberries begin to pop too quickly. Rotate skillet occasionally to avoid over-browning one side.
3. Grill for 30–40 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean and the edges develop a caramelized crust.
4. Let rest for 5 minutes on the cooktop's outer edge to retain structure.

Tips

• Using butter instead of oil gives the buckle a delicious crust.
• Keep the skillet rotating to prevent uneven cooking.
• If your Arteflame is extra hot, place the skillet farther from the center.
• Frozen blueberries work fine — just don’t thaw before folding in.
• Use a cast iron pan for best heat distribution and crust texture.

Variations

1. Lemon Zest Buckle: Add 1 tbsp fresh lemon zest to the batter to brighten the blueberry flavor.
2. Almond Crunch Buckle: Mix 1/4 cup sliced almonds into the top before grilling for a nutty tang and crunch.
3. Maple Blueberry Buckle: Replace brown sugar with maple syrup for deeper, earthy flavor.
4. Peach-Blueberry Buckle: Substitute 1/4 of the blueberries with diced ripe peaches for a summery twist.
5. Cinnamon Streusel Buckle: Top with crumbled mixture of butter, flour, and cinnamon sugar before grilling.

Conclusion

Fire-grilling a Pennsylvania Blueberry Buckle on the Arteflame creates a golden crust and smoky sweetness that is totally addictive. With no need for an oven and very little cleanup, it’s a dessert that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat.

Best pairings

• A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream
• Hot coffee or espresso
• Fresh mint garnish and whipped cream
• Glass of chilled dessert wine like Moscato