Blackberry Cobbler

Although you can get blackberries at the grocery store or farmers market, fresh blackberries also grow in abundance in the wild all over the globe. Here in Oregon, I’ve certainly been known to pick a bucket of blackberries on the side of the road for a spontaneous summer treat. These juicy berries straddle the line between sweet and tart, making them perfect for including in a cobbler recipe with a touch of sugar. Just don’t forget to pair servings of blackberry cobbler with scoops of vanilla ice cream!

What’s the difference between blackberry pie and blackberry cobbler?

There are a few key differences between cobblers, crumbles, crisps and pies. When it comes to blackberry recipes in particular, a blackberry pie is made with a flaky pastry crust base and is sometimes topped with a crumble topping or another crust, such as a double pie crust or a lattice pie crust. Blackberry cobbler is a bit simpler to make and results in more of a cakelike texture with the berries baked in.

Ingredients for Blackberry Cobbler

• Blackberries: Of course, blackberries are the star of the show for this quick and easy cobbler recipe. Use fresh blackberries if possible, especially during the summer when they’re in season. You can also use frozen blackberries for this recipe. Although it is possible to make this blackberry cobbler with canned berries, it may change the texture and result in a dessert with more liquid.
• Melted butter: Melted butter helps bind the dry ingredients together while also adding flavor to the recipe. It’s best to choose unsalted butter.
• Self-rising flour: This recipe calls for self-rising flour, which adds structure and helps the cakelike topping rise. While you can purchase self-rising flour, you could also make your own since it’s made with all-purpose flour, baking powder and salt. Just add 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a 1-cup measuring cup. Then, add all-purpose flour to fill up the cup to the top.
• Sugar: While in-season blackberries can be wonderfully sweet, some might need a bit of help to balance out their tart flavor. Granulated sugar is added to the cobbler for sweetness and to cut down on acidity.

Directions

Step 1: Make the batter

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Preheat the oven to 350°F. Pour 1/2 cup melted butter into an 8-inch square baking dish.

In a small bowl, combine the flour, 1 cup sugar, milk and vanilla until blended. Pour the mixture into the prepared dish.

Step 2: Add the berries

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In another bowl, combine the blackberries, the remaining 1/2 cup sugar and the remaining 2 tablespoons melted butter. Toss until combined.

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Spoon the berries over the batter in the baking dish.

Step 3: Bake the blackberry cobbler

Bake the cobbler for 45 to 50 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is tender. Serve warm.

SARAH TRAMONTE FOR TASTE OF HOME

Blackberry Cobbler Variations

• Use additional fruit: Have raspberries or even diced strawberries to use up? Make a mixed berry cobbler! Use 3 cups fresh fruit total, decreasing the amount of blackberries by however much other fresh fruit you add.
• Add warm spices: This easy blackberry cobbler is pretty simple with just six ingredients. It uses vanilla extract for wonderful flavor, but you could add warm baking spices to enhance the flavor profile further. Consider mixing 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon in with the flour.
• Try lemon zest: The addition of lemon zest or lemon juice is a great way to brighten the flavor of the berries in this dish. Lime zest could also be incorporated as a fun, less conventional flavor pairing.
• Bake mini cobblers: This blackberry cobbler recipe is made in a large baking dish to serve six people. Instead of dishing up individual servings, you could certainly divide the berries and batter ahead of time by baking mini cobblers in little ramekins. Just be sure to keep an eye on your bake time—mini cobblers likely require less time in the oven.

How to Store Blackberry Cobbler

Blackberry cobbler stores very well, making it the ideal way to use up fresh berries that would otherwise go bad. Once the cobbler has fully cooled, cover the baking dish with food-safe wrap. Store the cobbler in the fridge for up to three days and reheat before serving again.

Can you freeze blackberry cobbler?

Prefer to keep your cobbler for longer? Use a spoon to transfer the cobbler to an airtight container. Store the cobbler in the freezer for up to three months. Once it’s time to enjoy it again, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Heat it up in the oven or microwave before digging in.

Blackberry Cobbler Tips

SARAH TRAMONTE FOR TASTE OF HOME

What fruits other than blackberries can you use in this cobbler?

Cobblers are incredibly versatile and forgiving desserts. You can add blueberries, raspberries and strawberries to this cobbler for even more berry flavor. You could also add in sliced peaches or apples, along with fresh cherries. Pull inspiration from other recipes for crisps and cobblers.

What other size baking pans can you use for blackberry cobbler?

This recipe uses an 8-inch square baking dish to bake a tall dessert, but you can choose another size or shape of pan. Other baking pan options include a 9-inch cast-iron skillet or an oval baking dish.

What do you serve with blackberry cobbler?

Blackberry cobbler is best served warm. Dish it up by the spoonful onto a plate or into a bowl. Top the cobbler with homemade whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for the perfect pairing.