Blackberry Streusel Cobbler

Lena B.

9 months ago

blackberry cobbler with vanilla ice cream

Are you ready to indulge in a delightful summer dessert that perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors? Look no further than the ultimate blackberry cobbler. This classic dish will transport you back in time to Grandma’s house, where the aroma of freshly baked desserts filled the air. With a buttery cake-like batter, juicy blackberries, and a delectably crunchy topping, this blackberry streusel cobbler is a true crowd-pleaser.

Your grocery list

Produce

Fresh, ripe blackberries – I picked these beauties up at the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market last weekend (or blueberries, raspberries, peaches, plums, or a mix of your favorite fruits)

Pantry items

All-purpose flour
Sugar
Baking powder
Kosher salt
Ground cinnamon
Cornstarch

Dairy

Unsalted butter
Milk (whole milk, 2%, coconut, almond milks will all work – I prefer using evaporated milk for the nostalgic flavor it adds)

Equipment/tools you’ll need

Baking pan (8×8″ or 9×9″ will work)
Measuring cups/spoons
Mixing bowls (2 medium-large bowls)
Whisk
Rubber spatula

What’s the difference? Cobbler, Crumble, and Crisp

Before we delve into the recipe, let’s take a moment to clarify the difference between cobbler, crumble, and crisp. These terms are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle distinctions that set them apart.

Cobbler: A cobbler typically features a sweet biscuit or cake-like topping that is dropped onto the fruit filling (or vice versa). This results in a rustic and uneven appearance, with the topping resembling cobblestones.
Crumble: A crumble, on the other hand, is characterized by a streusel-like topping made with a mixture of flour, sugar, and butter. It lacks oats and is crumbly in texture.
Crisp: Finally, a crisp combines a fruit filling with a crumbly topping that contains oats, creating a crispy texture when baked.

This recipe combines elements of a cobbler and a crumble.

The perfect combination of sweet and tart

Now, let’s dive into the recipe for the ultimate blackberry streusel cobbler. This dessert is all about the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. The cake-like batter provides a delicate sweetness that complements the natural tartness of the blackberries. When baked, the batter turns golden brown and crispy at the edges, adding a delightful contrast in texture.

To make this delicious cobbler, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the batter
1 cup flour
1 cup sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/3 cup (or 5.5 tablespoons) of unsalted butter, melted
1 cup milk
2.5 cups blackberries, rinsed and dried, then tossed with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch (discard any extra cornstarch that doesn’t stick to the berries)

For the streusel
5 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
2/3 cup flour
2/3 cup sugar
A dash of cinnamon
1/2 teaspoons (a “pinch”) of salt

How to make a streusel-topped cobbler: step-by-step instructions

Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating this mouthwatering blackberry cobbler:

Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). This ensures that your cobbler bakes evenly and achieves the perfect texture.
Wash your fruit: In a bowl, rinse the berries with cool water. Dry between two layers of paper towels.
Create the batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, melted butter, and milk. Whisk just until the ingredients are combined. Be careful to not overmix.
Prepare the streusel topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of flour and 2/3 cup of granulated sugar. Add melted butter, cinnamon, and salt. Combine until it forms chunks.
Prepare the fruit: Toss 2.5 cups (or around 330 g) of blackberries in cornstarch. Discard any cornstarch that doesn’t stick to the berries. This will help absorb any excess liquid that comes about during the baking process.
Assemble and bake the cobbler: Pour the batter into a greased or buttered baking dish. Top with coated blackberries. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes. The cobbler is ready when the top turns golden brown and berry filling is bubbling.
Add the streusel topping: After the initial 30 minutes of baking, remove the cobbler from the oven and sprinkle the streusel topping over the partially baked batter. Return the cobbler to the oven for an additional 15-25 minutes, or until the streusel topping is golden and crispy.
NOTE: You can add the streusel topping at the beginning, and it will bake up and add some texture to your cobbler, but it will be a less pretty version than if you wait until the cobbler is partly baked to add the streusel.
Cool, serve, and enjoy! : Once the cobbler is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. This will ensure that the flavors meld together perfectly (and no one burns their mouth). Serve the blackberry cobbler warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.

Tips for success when making blackberry streusel cobbler

Choosing the right blackberries: Select ripe, juicy blackberries for the best flavor. Look for berries that are plump and shiny, with a deep purple color. Frozen berries can be used if fresh ones are out of season.
Customize the sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar in the batter and streusel topping according to your preference. If you prefer a sweeter cobbler, increase the amount of sugar slightly. Conversely, if you prefer a more tart dessert, reduce the sugar.
Experiment with different fruits: While this recipe calls for blackberries, feel free to experiment with other fruits as well. Peaches, blueberries, raspberries, or a combination of berries can work wonderfully in this cobbler recipe.
Add lemon zest: Lemon zest adds a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the sweetness of the berries. Grate the zest of one lemon and mix it into the filling.
Use a combination of flours: For the streusel topping, try using a combination of all-purpose flour and almond flour. This adds a nutty flavor and extra texture to the cobbler.
Experiment with spices: While blackberries are delicious on their own, you can enhance their flavor by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste.
Don’t overmix the batter: When making the cobbler batter, be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can develop gluten and result in a tougher texture. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Let it cool slightly before serving: The filling will be very hot straight out of the oven. Allow the cobbler to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving to avoid burning your tongue.
Serve with a twist: While vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing, don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings. Whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar can elevate this dessert even further.
Store leftovers properly: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven before serving.