Strawberry Cobbler
Strawberry Cobbler
This rustic dessert captures the essence of peak berry season with its golden, batter topping and bubbling fruit beneath. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or simply want to treat your family to something special, this strawberry cobbler recipe delivers comfort in every spoonful.
Unlike traditional cobblers that can be overly sweet or have soggy bottoms, this recipe strikes the perfect balance. The secret lies in macerating the strawberries first to draw out their natural juices, then thickening those juices just enough to prevent a watery filling.
Ingredients
For the Strawberry Filling:
2 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
½ cup pure cane sugar sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
1 teaspoon strawberry extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Batter Topping:
1 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup pure cane sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
8 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
¾ cup cold milk
Instructions
Preparing the Strawberries
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. Add 8 tablespoons of unsalted butter to baking dish. Place baking dish in the oven while preheating to allow butter to melt.
In a large bowl, gently toss the sliced strawberries with sugar, vanilla bean paste, vanilla, strawberry extract and salt. Let this mixture sit for 15 minutes to allow the strawberries to release their juices. This process, called maceration, intensifies the berry flavor and creates the perfect amount of liquid for your cobbler.
While the strawberries macerate, prepare the cobbler topping. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the cold milk, stirring just until the batter comes together.
Remove baking dish from oven once butter is melted.
Pour batter first over melted butter followed by the strawberries.
Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling vigorously around the edges.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cobbler
Choose the Right Berries: Look for strawberries that are bright red all over with fresh green tops. They should smell sweet and fragrant at the stem end.
Don't Skip the Resting Time: Allowing the strawberries to macerate is crucial for proper flavor development and texture.
Serving
Strawberry cobbler is best served warm, about 15 minutes after coming out of the oven. The classic pairing is a scoop of vanilla ice cream, but consider these delicious alternatives:
Fresh whipped cream with a hint of lemon zest
Greek yogurt drizzled with honey
A dollop of mascarpone cheese
Serve alongside strong coffee or sweet tea
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This cobbler can be assembled up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerated before baking. If baking straight from the refrigerator, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time. Leftover cobbler keeps well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be rewarmed in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.
Variations to Try
Mixed Berry Cobbler: Replace half the strawberries with blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries.
Peach-Strawberry: Combine equal parts sliced peaches and strawberries for a summer stone fruit twist.
Lemon-Herb: Add fresh thyme or basil to the fruit filling for an unexpected herbal note.
Whole Wheat: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour for added nuttiness.
This strawberry cobbler recipe proves that the best desserts often come from the simplest ingredients. With its perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors and irresistibly tender topping, it's destined to become a staple in your summer dessert repertoire. The beauty of cobbler lies in its rustic charm – it doesn't need to look perfect to taste absolutely divine.
