Blackberry Cobbler is a classic dessert that combines sweet, juicy blackberries with a tender, buttery crust. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of fresh blackberries, whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or as a comforting weeknight treat. This easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through making a delicious blackberry cobbler that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
1x (Standard Recipe):
For the Crust:
- 8 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp rounded baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 ¼ cups whole milk
For the Filling:
- 3 ½ cups fresh blackberries
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
2x (Double Recipe):
For the Crust:
- 16 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp rounded baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 ½ cups whole milk
For the Filling:
- 7 cups fresh blackberries
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
3x (Triple Recipe):
For the Crust:
- 24 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¾ cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp rounded baking powder
- ¾ tsp salt
- 3 ¾ cups whole milk
For the Filling:
- 10 ½ cups fresh blackberries
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 6 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dish
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the unsalted butter in a 9×13-inch baking dish (for 1x recipe) and place the dish in the oven. Allow the butter to melt as the oven preheats. Once melted, remove the dish from the oven and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
- In a mixing bowl, combine the dark brown sugar, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the whole milk to the dry ingredients, whisking until the batter is smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Prepare the Blackberry Filling
- In a large bowl, gently toss the fresh blackberries with the ground cinnamon, pure vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, and granulated sugar until the berries are evenly coated.
Step 4: Assemble the Cobbler
- Pour the batter over the melted butter in the baking dish. Do not stir; the butter will rise to the top as the cobbler bakes, creating a buttery, crispy crust.
- Spoon the blackberry filling evenly over the batter. The berries will sink slightly into the batter as it bakes.
Step 5: Bake the Cobbler
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If baking a double or triple batch, you may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the crust; it should come out clean, and the crust should be golden and set.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Remove the cobbler from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm, either on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Cook’s Notes
- Butter: For best results, use unsalted butter, but if you only have salted butter, you can reduce the added salt to 1/8 teaspoon.
- Blackberries: Fresh blackberries work best in this recipe, but you can use frozen blackberries if fresh are not available. If using frozen, do not thaw them before adding to the filling.
- Batter: The batter will rise around the blackberries as it bakes, creating a beautiful, golden crust.
Variations
Mixed Berry Cobbler
Use a combination of blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries for a mixed berry cobbler. Adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the berries.
Peach and Blackberry Cobbler
Add 1 ½ cups of sliced fresh peaches to the blackberry filling for a fruity twist. Peaches add a sweet, juicy contrast to the tart blackberries.
Lemon Blackberry Cobbler
Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon zest to the batter and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to the blackberry filling for a bright, citrusy flavor.
Spiced Blackberry Cobbler
Add ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg or allspice to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor that complements the blackberries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this cobbler ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cobbler a few hours ahead of time. Cover it and store it at room temperature. Reheat in a warm oven before serving if desired.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cobbler in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven before enjoying.
3. Can I freeze the cobbler?
Yes, you can freeze the baked cobbler. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven before serving.
4. Can I use other types of fruit?
Yes, this cobbler recipe is versatile and can be made with other fruits such as blueberries, peaches, or a combination of your favorite berries.
5. What can I serve with blackberry cobbler?
Blackberry cobbler pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of sweet cream. It’s also delicious on its own as a warm, comforting dessert.
Blackberry Cobbler is a timeless dessert that’s perfect for showcasing the sweet and tart flavor of fresh blackberries. With its buttery crust and juicy filling, this cobbler is sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a special treat for your family. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, this recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy it warm with a scoop of ice cream or on its own for a delicious taste of homemade goodness!
