Ah, there’s something truly magical about the aroma of a warm blackberry cobbler wafting through the air, isn’t there? This recipe has been passed down through generations, and it instantly transports me to my grandmother’s cozy kitchen, where the walls seemed to echo with laughter and the clatter of kitchenware. When I was just a child, I would perch on a stool, peeking over the counter as she whipped up her famous cobbler, reminding us all that the simple things in life can bring the most joy—especially when there’s vanilla ice cream involved.
Why you’ll love this recipe
You’re going to want to keep this recipe close, my friend—trust me! There’s something undeniably heartwarming about Grandma’s Old Fashioned Blackberry Cobbler. It’s the kind of dessert that’s both comforting and nostalgic, perfect for those days when you just want to wrap yourself in a cozy blanket and savor something sweet. Picture this: tart blackberries, sweetened to perfection, nestled under a golden, crumbly topping that’s delightfully buttery and just slightly crisp. Each bite is a perfect harmony of flavors and textures.
Plus, it’s incredibly flexible! Got fresh blackberries from the farmer’s market? Fabulous! Frozen berries cluttering up your freezer? Use those too! The welcoming warmth and delightful aroma it creates make it more than just dessert—it becomes a centerpiece for family gatherings and a treat for your soul. So let’s bring a piece of Grandma’s kitchen into ours tonight.
Gather these ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this masterpiece. Each ingredient plays a vital role, so pay attention!
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1 cup all-purpose flour: This forms the base of your topping. You can substitute it with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor or a gluten-free blend if needed.
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1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness is key! You can use brown sugar here for a richer taste, if you’re feeling adventurous.
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1 teaspoon baking powder: This is what gives your topping rise, creating that lovely texture.
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1/2 teaspoon salt: A little salt balances out the sweetness, enhancing the flavors.
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6 tablespoons cold butter: Cut it into small cubes and keep it chilled. This will add richness and create those perfect flaky layers.
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1/4 cup boiling water: Surprising, right? This helps to bring everything together, making the dough just moist enough.
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2 tablespoons cornstarch: This helps thicken the blackberry filling, ensuring it doesn’t turn into a soupy mess.
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1/4 cup cold water: Used to dissolve the cornstarch and keep things smooth.
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1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: The acidity brings brightness to the dish, cutting through the sweetness.
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4 cups blackberries (fresh or frozen): Whether they’re plump and in-season or frozen from last summer, this is the star of the show.
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1 cup granulated sugar (for the blackberry filling): A necessity to sweeten those tart blackberries.
How this recipe comes together
Ready to tackle this delicious cobbler? Let’s walk through the steps, and I’ll share some little secrets along the way.
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your cobbler has the perfect heat to bake while you’re prepping.
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Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Trust me, this makes cleanup a breeze. You’ll thank yourself later!
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Grease a cast-iron skillet with non-stick spray or vegetable oil. If you don’t have a skillet, an oven-safe dish will work just fine.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Let those dry ingredients mingle for a moment.
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Now, cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Use a pastry cutter or your hands—whichever you prefer. Cold butter is key here!
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Stir in the boiling water until just moistened. Don’t overwork the dough; it should be slightly sticky but manageable.
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In another bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in cold water. Add the sugar, lemon juice, and blackberries. Gently mix, being careful not to crush those vibrant berries.
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Pour the blackberry mixture into the skillet and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat. This step is essential; it kicks off the cooking process and intensifies those flavors.
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Drop spoonfuls of dough evenly across the top of the bubbling berries. Don’t worry about making it perfect—rustic is the name of the game!
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Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the topping is golden brown. Just let your kitchen fill with that heavenly aroma.
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Once it’s out, allow it to cool slightly before serving warm, ideally with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top.
Best way to enjoy it
Oh, the pleasure of enjoying warm blackberry cobbler! Serve it right out of the skillet—it’s rustic and inviting. Pair it with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream that melts into the cobbler, creating a deliciously sweet and creamy contrast to the warm, fruity filling.
You can also sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar over the top for a beautiful finish, or perhaps drizzle with a bit of heavy cream for a richer experience. If you’re feeling fancy, some fresh mint leaves can elevate the presentation. The combination is enough to make anyone weak at the knees!
Storage and reheating tips
Let’s talk about those inevitable leftovers! If you’re lucky enough to have some, let the cobbler cool completely, then cover it with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It can last in the fridge for about 3-4 days—ideal for snacking later on!
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes to reheat, or just microwave it for a quick fix. Just make sure to add a scoop of ice cream again—no one should ever have to eat cobbler alone!
Extra tips and advice
Here’s where I’ll share some of my tried-and-true tips! Always use cold butter; it’s the secret to that flaky topping! If you love a touch of spice, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon to the dough or some nutmeg to the berries for a warm, cozy feel.
And don’t stress over presentation. Cobblers are meant to look as humble as they taste divine. Rustic is beautiful! If you’re watching your sugar, feel free to reduce the sweetness a bit; blackberries can shine even without all the sugar.
Creative Twists
If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous with your cobbler, why not try adding some other fruits into the mix? Peaches or raspberries pair beautifully with blackberries. You could also experiment with flavored extracts—maybe a splash of almond or a hint of vanilla in the dough.
And if you’re gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend; it doesn’t alter the outcome much. The world is your oyster when it comes to cobbler creativity!
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons cold butter
- 1/4 cup boiling water
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 4 cups blackberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Directions to follow
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- Grease a cast-iron skillet or oven-safe dish.
- Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Cut in butter until crumbly; add boiling water until just moist.
- In another bowl, dissolve cornstarch in cold water. Add sugar, lemon juice, and blackberries; mix.
- Pour blackberry mixture into the skillet and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough on top of the fruit mixture evenly.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until topping is golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving warm with vanilla ice cream.
Common questions
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Can I use frozen blackberries? Absolutely! Just toss them in without thawing for the best results.
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How do I know when it’s done? Look for a golden brown topping and bubbling berry filling. The kitchen aroma will also be a telltale sign!
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Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the blackberry mixture ahead, but I recommend adding the dough right before baking for the freshest texture.
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What should I serve with it? Vanilla or almond ice cream is a classic pairing, but whipped cream or even yogurt makes for a lovely addition.
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How long can I store it? In the fridge, it lasts about 3-4 days—if it lasts that long!
This cobbler is more than just a dessert; it’s a slice of love from Grandma’s kitchen to yours. So roll up those sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the baking adventure begin! You’ll be flooding your kitchen with warmth and nostalgia, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Don’t hesitate to throw in your personal twist and share it with the community—we’re all here to learn and savor together!
Grandma’s Old Fashioned Blackberry Cobbler
Description
Indulge in a comforting and nostalgic Blackberry Cobbler, complete with a golden, crumbly topping and served warm with vanilla ice cream.Ingredients for Blackberry Cobbler
For the Topping
For the Filling
Instructions
Baking the Cobbler
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Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). -
Prepare Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.This makes cleanup easier. -
Grease Skillet
Grease a cast-iron skillet or an oven-safe dish. -
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. -
Combine with Butter
Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in boiling water until just moistened.Do not overwork the dough. -
Prepare Filling
In another bowl, dissolve cornstarch in cold water. Add sugar, lemon juice, and blackberries, and gently mix.Be careful not to crush the blackberries. -
Combine Mixture
Pour the blackberry mixture into the skillet and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.This step intensifies the flavors. -
Add Topping
Drop spoonfuls of dough evenly across the top of the bubbling berries.Rustic appearance is fine. -
Bake
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the topping is golden brown.Let the aroma fill the kitchen. -
Serve
Allow to cool slightly before serving warm, ideally with vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 300kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 13g20%
- Saturated Fat 8g40%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 30mg10%
- Sodium 300mg13%
- Potassium 180mg6%
- Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 25g
- Protein 4g8%
- Vitamin A 400 IU
- Vitamin C 10 mg
- Calcium 20 mg
- Iron 1 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 1 IU
- Vitamin K 3 mcg
- Thiamin 0.2 mg
- Riboflavin 0.1 mg
- Niacin 0.6 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.1 mg
- Folate 25 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0 mcg
- Biotin 0 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0.3 mg
- Phosphorus 50 mg
- Iodine 0 mcg
- Magnesium 10 mg
- Zinc 0.5 mg
- Selenium 0 mcg
- Copper 0.1 mg
- Manganese 0.5 mg
- Chromium 0 mcg
- Molybdenum 0 mcg
- Chloride 0 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
