Description
Classic Southern Fruit Cobbler is a warm, comforting dessert featuring a luscious baking dish of fruit topped with a tender, golden biscuit-like batter. Perfect for any occasion, this cobbler combines fresh or frozen fruit with a simple, sweet batter that bakes to perfection, creating a delightful balance of juicy fruit and soft, slightly crisp topping.
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 and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Macerate the Fruit: In a medium bowl, combine the fruit with ¼ cup of granulated sugar and the lemon juice. Toss gently to coat and set aside to allow the fruit to macerate, drawing out its juices.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, the remaining ½ cup of sugar, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
- Add Wet Ingredients: To the dry mixture, add the milk and melted butter. Stir gently just until the batter is combined—avoid overmixing to keep the cobbler tender.
- Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly to form the base layer.
- Add Fruit: Spoon the macerated fruit and all of its juices evenly over the batter. Do not stir as the batter will rise around the fruit during baking.
- Add Cinnamon: Sprinkle the optional ground cinnamon over the top to add a warm spice note and enhance flavor.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes until the topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the batter comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cobbler to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, optionally topped with ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Use fresh fruit when in season for the best flavor; frozen fruit works well year-round.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense texture; mix just until combined.
- You can customize the fruit mixture with your favorite berries, peaches, or a combination.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use a plant-based butter alternative.
- To enhance flavor, add a splash of vanilla extract to the batter or sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking for added crunch.
- Best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
