Description
Classic Southern Fruit Cobbler is a comforting and timeless dessert featuring a tender, golden biscuit-like topping baked over sweet, juicy fruit. Made with fresh or frozen fruit, a simple batter, and baked until bubbly and golden, this cobbler is perfect served warm with ice cream or whipped cream for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit Mixture
- 4 cups fresh or frozen fruit (such as peaches, berries, or a mix)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
Topping (Optional)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Fruit: In a medium bowl, toss the fruit with ¼ cup of granulated sugar and the lemon juice. Set aside to macerate, allowing the fruit to release some of its juices and become more flavorful while you prepare the batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In another mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining ½ cup sugar, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the milk and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Stir gently just until combined, taking care not to overmix to maintain a tender cobbler topping.
- Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula or spoon.
- Add Fruit on Top: Spoon the macerated fruit and any juices evenly over the batter without stirring. During baking, the batter will rise around the fruit, creating a layered cobbler effect.
- Add Cinnamon: Sprinkle the cinnamon over the top if using, for added warmth and flavor.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the topping comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cobbler to cool slightly before serving. It’s best enjoyed warm and pairs beautifully with ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
- You can use any type of fresh or frozen fruit, such as peaches, blueberries, blackberries, or a combination.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with a plant-based milk and butter with a vegan alternative.
- Do not stir the fruit and batter after assembling; the batter will rise around the fruit as it bakes.
- Allow the cobbler to cool slightly so the filling sets and is easier to serve.
- Sprinkling cinnamon on top is optional but adds a lovely flavor dimension.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a classic Southern dessert experience.
