Ingredients
- Fresh strawberries – 4 cups, hulled and sliced
- Granulated sugar – 1 cup, divided
- All-purpose flour – 1 cup
- Baking powder – 2 teaspoons
- Salt – 1/4 teaspoon
- Milk – 1/2 cup
- Unsalted butter – 1/2 cup, melted
- Cinnamon – 1 teaspoon (optional)
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or a light coating of oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Strawberries
In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Let them sit for 10 to 15 minutes to macerate, which allows the natural juices to release and enhances the overall sweetness of the dish.
3. Assemble the Filling
Pour the macerated strawberries into the prepared baking dish, spreading them evenly. The juices will help create a delicious syrup as the cobbler bakes.
4. Make the Topping
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon if using. Pour in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense topping instead of a light, fluffy crust.
5. Add the Topping to the Strawberries
Spoon the batter over the strawberries, spreading it evenly. The batter may not completely cover the fruit, but as it bakes, it will expand and create a golden, slightly crispy crust over the juicy filling.
6. Bake the Cobbler
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the top is golden brown. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the crust—if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cobbler is ready. The fruit filling should be bubbling around the edges.
7. Cool and Serve
Remove the cobbler from the oven and allow it to cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This cooling time helps the fruit filling thicken slightly, making it easier to scoop and serve.
Notes
Avoid Overmixing the Batter
When combining the dry and wet ingredients for the topping, stir just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can develop too much gluten in the flour, making the topping tough instead of light and tender.
Achieving the Perfect Crust
For a slightly crispier topping, sprinkle a small amount of sugar over the batter before baking. This creates a lightly caramelized effect that adds both texture and extra sweetness.
What to Do If the Cobbler Browns Too Quickly
If the top starts browning too fast before the cobbler is fully baked, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time. This prevents over-browning while allowing the fruit filling to continue cooking.
How to Tell If the Cobbler Is Done
A fully baked cobbler should have a golden crust with bubbling fruit around the edges. If the center of the crust looks too soft or wet, bake for an additional 5 minutes, checking frequently to prevent burning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes