Description
Want a cozy dessert that’s bursting with fresh berry flavor and topped with a fluffy, golden crust? Berry Cobbler is the perfect recipe! This oven-baked treat combines sweet-tart cranberries, blueberries, and blackberries in a thickened, spiced sauce, crowned with a light, biscuit-like topping
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, thawed
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 cup fresh blackberries
- For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup fat-free milk
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Sugar: Sweetens the filling and topping, balancing the tart berries.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the filling into a glossy, syrupy sauce.
- Cinnamon: Adds warm, spicy depth to the filling.
- Water: Combines with cornstarch to create the sauce base.
- Cranberries, Blueberries, Blackberries: Provide a mix of tart, sweet, and juicy flavors.
- Butter: Adds richness to the topping with minimal fat.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the topping’s flavor.
- Fat-Free Milk: Keeps the topping light and tender.
- Flour, Baking Powder, Salt: Form a fluffy, biscuit-like topping that bakes golden.
Substitutions and Variations
- Berries: Swap with raspberries, strawberries, or mixed frozen berries (thaw and drain first).
- Sugar: Use brown sugar or honey in the filling; reduce to 1/3 cup for less sweetness.
- Cornstarch: Replace with 3 tablespoons flour or 1-1/2 tablespoons arrowroot.
- Cinnamon: Swap with nutmeg or add 1/8 teaspoon ginger for extra spice.
- Butter: Use margarine, coconut oil, or vegan butter for dairy-free.
- Milk: Substitute with almond, soy, or whole milk.
- Flour: Use whole wheat flour (for denser texture) or gluten-free all-purpose flour.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and ensure baking powder is gluten-free.
- Lower Fat: Omit butter and use 2 tablespoons applesauce in the topping.
- Add-Ins: Mix 1/4 cup chopped pecans or oats into the topping for crunch.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
- Measure 1/2 cup sugar, 3 tablespoons cornstarch, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 cup water for the filling.
- Measure 1 cup each of cranberries, blueberries, and blackberries (thaw if frozen).
- For the topping, measure 1/4 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons softened butter, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla, 1/3 cup fat-free milk, 2/3 cup all-purpose flour, 3/4 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- Coat an 8-inch square baking dish with cooking spray.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Tip: Rinse fresh berries and pat dry; ensure butter is softened for easy mixing.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- Mix Sauce: In a small heavy saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and water. Stir until smooth.
- Cook Sauce: Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook and stir for about 2 minutes, until thickened and glossy.
- Add Berries: Remove from heat and gently stir in cranberries, blueberries, and blackberries until coated.
- Transfer: Pour the berry mixture into the prepared 8-inch square baking dish, spreading evenly.
Tip: Stir gently to avoid crushing berries; the sauce will look thick but will loosen as berries release juice during baking.
Step 3: Make the Topping
- Beat Sugar and Butter: In a medium bowl, beat 1/4 cup sugar and softened butter with a spoon or hand mixer until crumbly, about 1 minute.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in vanilla extract and fat-free milk until combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine: Add dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring just until moistened. The batter will be thick and slightly lumpy.
Tip: Don’t overmix the topping; a few lumps are okay for a tender, biscuit-like texture.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
- Add Topping: Drop the topping by tablespoonfuls over the berry filling, spacing evenly. It’s okay if some filling shows through.
- Bake: Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, until the filling is bubbly and a toothpick inserted in the topping comes out clean.
- Cool Slightly: Let cool for 5-10 minutes to set the filling.
Tip: Place a baking sheet under the dish to catch any drips if the filling bubbles over.
Step 5: Serve
- Scoop and Serve: Spoon warm cobbler into bowls, ensuring each serving has berries and topping.
- Optional Additions: Serve with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of honey for extra indulgence.
Tip: Serve warm for the best texture; the filling thickens as it cools.