Description: A comforting and irresistibly delicious blackberry cobbler featuring a sweet, biscuit-like topping baked to golden perfection over juicy, bursting blackberries. This recipe is incredibly easy to make, perfect for a quick dessert or a crowd-pleasing centerpiece for any gathering.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup self-rising flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar, divided (reserve ½ cup for the blackberries)
- 1 cup milk (whole milk recommended for richness)
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups fresh or frozen blackberries (if using frozen, do not thaw)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is preheating, melt the butter in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Make sure the baking dish is oven-safe. You can place the butter in the baking dish directly into the oven as it preheats, or melt it in a microwave-safe bowl and then pour it into the baking dish. Be cautious when removing the hot baking dish from the oven.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-rising flour and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly to ensure the sugar and flour are evenly distributed. This will help create a uniform and tender cobbler topping.
Step 3: Gradually add the milk to the dry ingredients while whisking continuously. Be sure to whisk out any lumps to get a smooth batter consistency, The batter should be thin and pourable.
Step 4: Stir in the vanilla extract into the batter. Vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic note that enhances the overall flavor profile of the cobbler.
Step 5: Gently toss the blackberries with the remaining ½ cup of granulated sugar in a separate bowl. This helps to macerate the blackberries, drawing out their juices and creating a delicious syrupy sauce as they bake. If using frozen blackberries, this step is particularly important as it helps them release their moisture during baking. Be gentle to avoid crushing the berries.
Instructions:
- Pour the batter over the melted butter in the baking dish. Do not stir. The butter will rise to the surface as the cobbler bakes, creating a deliciously crisp crust on the bottom.
- Evenly distribute the sugared blackberries over the batter. The blackberries should be spread in a single layer to ensure even baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the blackberry juices are bubbling. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the topping; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. This allows the cobbler to set a bit and prevents the juices from being too runny.
Why you will love this recipe:
This Blackberry Cobbler recipe is a surefire winner for several reasons. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring only a handful of readily available ingredients and minimal effort. The simple preparation makes it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dessert cravings.
The combination of sweet, juicy blackberries and a tender, biscuit-like topping creates a delightful textural contrast that is simply irresistible. The melted butter in the bottom of the baking dish forms a golden, crispy crust, while the topping remains soft and fluffy.
The flavor profile is perfectly balanced, with the sweetness of the sugar complementing the tartness of the blackberries. The addition of vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic note that elevates the overall taste. The fresh blackberry flavor really stands out.
This cobbler is also incredibly versatile. You can use fresh or frozen blackberries, depending on the season and your preference. It can be served warm or at room temperature, making it a great option for any occasion. Plus, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, loved by both kids and adults alike. It’s the perfect dessert to share with family and friends, bringing comfort and joy with every bite.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cold ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm cobbler.
- Dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
- Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy and comforting dessert experience.
- Serve with a side of fresh berries for an even more vibrant and flavorful dessert.
- Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for added sweetness, if desired.
- This cobbler is also delicious served slightly chilled the next day.
Tips:
- Do not overmix the batter. Overmixing can result in a tough topping. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- If using frozen blackberries, do not thaw them before adding them to the cobbler. Thawing can make the berries mushy and release too much liquid.
- Adjust the amount of sugar to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet cobbler, reduce the amount of sugar in the topping.
- For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar in the topping.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the topping for added warmth and spice.
- To prevent the topping from browning too quickly, cover the baking dish with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
- If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can make your own by combining 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder and ¼ teaspoon of salt.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 50-60 minutes Total Time: 60-70 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Estimates based on 1/8th of the cobbler)
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 3-4 grams
- Sodium: Varies depending on the self-rising flour used, approximately 200-300mg
Conclusion:
This Warm & Sweet Blackberry Cobbler is a timeless classic that is sure to become a favorite in your household. Its simplicity, delicious flavor, and comforting nature make it the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight treat or a show-stopping dessert for a special gathering, this recipe is guaranteed to deliver. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and bake up a batch of this irresistible blackberry cobbler. You won’t be disappointed! Enjoy the sweet taste of summer, no matter the season.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: Can I use other types of berries besides blackberries?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile and can be adapted to use other berries such as blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, or a combination of berries. Adjust the sugar amount based on the sweetness of the berries you choose. For tart berries like raspberries, you might want to add a bit more sugar, while for sweeter berries like strawberries, you can reduce the sugar slightly.
Q2: Can I make this cobbler ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the cobbler a few hours in advance and store it at room temperature. However, for the best texture, it’s best to bake it just before serving. You can also assemble the cobbler (topping and berries) ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator, then bake it when you’re ready to serve. Just add a few minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Q3: What is self-rising flour, and can I substitute it?
A: Self-rising flour is all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt already added. If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can make your own by combining 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Make sure to whisk the ingredients together thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the baking powder and salt.
Q4: Can I use a different size baking dish?
A: While a 9×13 inch baking dish is recommended, you can use a slightly smaller or larger dish. A smaller dish will result in a thicker cobbler, while a larger dish will result in a thinner cobbler. Adjust the baking time accordingly. You can also use an 8×8 inch dish, but you may need to increase the baking time slightly and keep an eye on the topping to prevent it from browning too quickly.
Q5: How do I prevent the cobbler from getting soggy?
A: To prevent the cobbler from getting soggy, avoid overmixing the batter and be sure to use the correct amount of liquid. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough and soggy topping. Also, if using frozen berries, do not thaw them before adding them to the cobbler, as this can release too much moisture. Allowing the cobbler to cool slightly after baking also helps the juices to set and prevents sogginess.