Are you craving a warm, comforting dessert that's bursting with fresh strawberry flavor? Look no further than the classic strawberry cobbler! This recipe delivers a delightful combination of juicy strawberries and a buttery, crispy topping. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this guide will walk you through each step, ensuring a perfect cobbler every time.
Ingredients You'll Need:
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (about 1 pound)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for extra warmth)
For the Cobbler Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup milk
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Strawberry Cobbler Recipe
Preparing the Strawberry Filling:
- Prep the Strawberries: Wash and hull your strawberries. Slice them into roughly 1/2-inch pieces. This ensures even cooking and a nice texture.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently toss the sliced strawberries with granulated sugar, flour, lemon juice, and cinnamon (if using). The lemon juice brightens the strawberry flavor and helps prevent the filling from becoming too watery. Let this mixture sit for about 15 minutes to allow the strawberries to release their juices and the sugar to dissolve slightly.
Making the Cobbler Topping:
- Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps.
- Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This creates the flaky texture in your cobbler topping. Avoid overmixing.
- Add the Milk: Gradually stir in the milk until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Assembling and Baking the Cobbler:
- Pour Filling into Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour the strawberry filling into a greased 8x8 inch or 9-inch square baking dish.
- Top with Dough: Drop spoonfuls of the cobbler topping evenly over the strawberry filling. You can also spread it out if you prefer a more even layer.
- Bake: Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cobbler cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream!
Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Cobbler:
- Fresh Strawberries are Best: Using fresh, ripe strawberries will result in the most flavorful cobbler.
- Don't Overmix the Topping: Overmixing the topping will make it tough.
- Check for Doneness: Start checking for doneness around the 35-minute mark. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs attached, not wet batter.
- Variations: Feel free to experiment! Add a sprinkle of oats to the topping, use a different type of berry, or add a touch of almond extract to the filling.
This recipe is sure to become a family favorite! Enjoy the sweet taste of summer with your homemade strawberry cobbler. Let us know in the comments how yours turns out!
