Mixed Berry Cobbler Recipe

The Mixed Berry Cobbler is a delightful dessert that combines a juicy berry filling with a buttery, golden crust. It’s best enjoyed warm, accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This recipe is straightforward, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced bakers.

What is a Cobbler?

A cobbler is a traditional American dessert featuring a fruit base topped with a biscuit-like batter. Unlike pies, cobblers don’t have a bottom crust, simplifying the preparation process. The fruit becomes syrupy during baking, while the topping turns crisp and golden, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Choosing the Fruits

For this Mixed Berry Cobbler, you can use a variety of berries such as blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, cherries, or strawberries. A combination of these fruits offers a balance of sweetness and tartness. Both fresh and frozen berries work well; if using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed and drained to prevent excess moisture.

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 1 kg mixed berries (e.g., blackberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• 100 g granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 4 tablespoons cornstarch
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Batter:

• 70 g unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 70 g granulated sugar
• 60 ml milk
• 80 g all-purpose flour
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For Dusting:

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

For Serving:

• Vanilla ice cream

Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling:
   • In a large bowl, combine the mixed berries, sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, and salt.
   • Transfer the mixture to a 30×20 cm (12×8 inch) baking dish, spreading it evenly.
2. Prepare the Batter:
   • In a medium bowl, cream the unsalted butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Add the baking powder and salt; mix well.
   • Pour in the milk and add the flour; stir until a smooth batter forms.
3. Assemble the Cobbler:
   • Drop generous spoonfuls of the batter over the berry mixture, spacing them evenly. It’s not necessary to cover the berries completely, as the batter will spread during baking.
   • Sprinkle the top with the additional tablespoon of sugar for a crunchy finish.
4. Bake:
   • Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
   • Bake the cobbler for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the berry filling is bubbling.
5. Serve:
   • Allow the cobbler to rest for at least 10 minutes after removing it from the oven.
   • Serve warm, paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Tips and Variations

• Single Berry Option: If preferred, you can make the cobbler with just one type of berry, such as blueberries or strawberries.
• Spice Alternatives: Instead of cinnamon, consider adding lemon zest or nutmeg to complement the berries.
• Texture Enhancement: Sprinkling coarse sugar on top before baking adds an extra crunch to the crust.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat in the oven before serving to retain the crispness of the topping.

This Mixed Berry Cobbler is a versatile and crowd-pleasing dessert, perfect for gatherings or a comforting end to any meal. Its simplicity and rich flavor make it a go-to recipe for berry lovers.