Simple Summer Blackberry Cobbler Recipe
Written by MasterClass
Last updated: Aug 17, 2024 • 2 min read
Blackberry cobbler features a blackberry base and a biscuit topping.
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What Is a Blackberry Cobbler?
Blackberry cobbler is a baked summer dessert that pairs tart, baked blackberries with a fluffy biscuit topping. Like blackberry pie without the fuss of pie crust, blackberry cobbler offers a flexible format with reliably stunning results. Variations include stone fruits like plum or peach cobbler and other berry cobblers, like strawberry or blueberry cobbler.
Using Frozen vs. Fresh Blackberries in Blackberry Cobbler
You can make blackberry cobbler with fresh berries or frozen berries. Unlike other baked fruit desserts, like a pound cake or quick bread, the excess liquid from frozen blackberries won’t affect the final texture. The juices will thicken (thanks to a bit of cornstarch) as the topping bakes. If they’re in season, use fresh blackberries: The flavors will be brighter and bolder. Taste and adjust to control the sugar content.
4 Tips for Making Blackberry Cobbler
The best blackberry cobbler features a fruit filling that’s juicy but not too runny, and a balanced blend of sweet and tart, crowned with a golden-brown top layer that soaks up the juice without turning to mush. Consider these tips before making your own take on this easy dessert:
- 1. Adjust the amount of sugar. Taste the berries before you bake. Depending on the tartness of the blackberries you’re using, include anywhere from a quarter cup to a half cup of sugar.
- 2. Season the blackberries with herbs and spices. Get creative with add-ins: Add lemon zest directly to the biscuit batter or blackberry mixture for brightness, thyme or lavender for breezy aromatics, or ground cardamom for warmth.
- 3. Mix and match fruit. Some of the best cobblers feature an assortment of summer fruits. Tart blackberries pair especially well with sweet peaches. Or try a mixed-berry cobbler with blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries.
- 4. Make individual portions in ramekins. If you’re serving a crowd, make the blackberry dessert in one big baking dish, or portion it into personal ramekins before baking.
Easy Blackberry Cobbler Recipe
makes
1 9x13 baking dishprep time
10 mintotal time
55 mincook time
45 minIngredients
For the filling:
For the topping:
- 1
Preheat the oven to 380 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 2
Combine the berries, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and cornstarch in a medium bowl.
- 3
Stir to incorporate, and set the berry mixture aside.
- 4
In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients.
- 5
Whisk together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- 6
Add the cubed butter, and work it into the flour mixture with your hands until it resembles coarse bread crumbs.
- 7
Whisk a ½ cup of buttermilk, egg, and vanilla together in a glass measuring cup or small bowl; add it to the flour and butter mixture and stir together with your hands or a rubber spatula, just until combined.
- 8
Transfer the berries to a large baking dish.
- 9
Use your hands to tear off a ½ cup of pieces of dough, and place it over the surface.
- 10
Brush the dough with the remaining tablespoons of buttermilk, and then sprinkle with Demerara sugar.
- 11
Bake until the tops are golden brown and juices are thick and bubbling, about 45 minutes.
- 12
Remove the pan from the oven.
- 13
Let the cobbler cool slightly before serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
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