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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.