Fresh Strawberry Cobbler is an exceptional dessert that captures the essence of summer in every bite. With its combination of fresh strawberries and a golden, buttery batter, this cobbler is both comforting and satisfying. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few basic ingredients and a bit of time. Here’s a detailed guide to making this delicious treat, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Batter:
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup whole milk
For the Strawberry Mixture:
- 2 pounds fresh strawberries, washed, dried, hulled, and halved
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
For the Sugar Topping:
- 1 ½ tablespoons turbinado sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare a 10-inch cast-iron skillet by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray. If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, a 9×13-inch baking dish will work just as well.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt.
- Add Milk and Butter: Gradually add the whole milk to the dry ingredients, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Once the milk is fully incorporated, slowly whisk in the melted butter until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Pour Batter into Skillet: Pour the batter into the prepared skillet, spreading it out evenly to cover the bottom.
Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Mixture
- Toss Strawberries: In another medium bowl, combine the halved strawberries with granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Toss the strawberries until they are evenly coated with the sugar mixture.
- Layer Strawberries over Batter: Evenly distribute the strawberry mixture over the batter in the skillet. The strawberries will sink slightly as the cobbler bakes, creating a deliciously gooey filling.
Step 4: Bake the Cobbler
- Initial Baking: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. To prevent any potential overflow from making a mess in your oven, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place it on the bottom rack to catch any drips.
- Add Sugar Topping: After 45 minutes, carefully remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle the turbinado sugar over the top of the cobbler. This will add a delightful crunch and a touch of extra sweetness.
- Final Baking: Return the skillet to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the cobbler is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. This cobbler is best enjoyed warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips for Making the Perfect Strawberry Cobbler
- Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries are key to the best flavor. Make sure to wash, dry, hull, and halve them properly to ensure even cooking and a perfect texture.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Depending on the sweetness of your strawberries, you may need to adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe. Taste a strawberry before adding sugar to get an idea of how much you’ll need.
- Cornstarch for Thickening: The cornstarch in the strawberry mixture helps thicken the juices released by the strawberries as they bake, creating a deliciously gooey filling. Be sure to mix it well with the sugar and lemon juice to avoid clumps.
- Turbinado Sugar Topping: Turbinado sugar, with its large crystals, adds a lovely crunch to the top of the cobbler. If you don’t have turbinado sugar, you can use regular granulated sugar, but the texture will be slightly different.
- Cast-Iron Skillet: Baking the cobbler in a cast-iron skillet gives it a beautiful, rustic presentation and helps achieve a perfectly golden crust. If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, a 9×13-inch baking dish works just as well.
- Serve with Ice Cream: Fresh Strawberry Cobbler is best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The cold creaminess complements the warm, sweet, and slightly tangy cobbler beautifully.
Variations and Additions
- Mixed Berry Cobbler: Swap out some of the strawberries for other berries such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a mixed berry cobbler.
- Peach and Strawberry Cobbler: Add sliced fresh peaches to the strawberry mixture for a delightful peach-strawberry cobbler. This combination is especially delicious during peach season.
- Spiced Cobbler: Add a touch of warmth to your cobbler by mixing in spices like cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter or the strawberry mixture. This adds an extra layer of flavor that’s perfect for cooler evenings.
- Nutty Crust: Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or almonds, to the crust for added texture and flavor. Simply mix the nuts into the batter before pouring it into the skillet.
- Lemon Zest: For an extra burst of citrus flavor, add some lemon zest to the strawberry mixture. This will enhance the fresh, summery taste of the cobbler.
Conclusion
Fresh Strawberry Cobbler is a quintessential summertime dessert that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. With its buttery crust, sweet and tangy strawberry filling, and crunchy sugar topping, it’s a treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, a summer picnic, or just as a special treat for yourself, this cobbler is sure to impress.
The combination of fresh strawberries, a rich batter, and a golden, crunchy topping makes this dessert irresistible. Plus, the ease of preparation means you can whip it up in no time, making it an ideal choice for last-minute gatherings or weeknight desserts.
Remember, the key to a perfect cobbler lies in the quality of the ingredients and the love you put into making it. So, gather your fresh strawberries, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a dessert that’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Enjoy this delightful dessert, and don’t forget to share it with friends and family. They’ll be begging you for the recipe once they’ve had a taste of this heavenly Fresh Strawberry Cobbler!