Fruit Cobbler

This classic fruit cobbler is a tried and true crowd-pleaser that has been enjoyed in our household for years. Whether baked in a regular kitchen oven or a wood-fired oven, this delightful cobbler never fails to impress. The recipe is flexible, allowing you to use either fresh or frozen fruits, making it a versatile treat for any season. The combination of a tender, buttery batter and sweet, juicy fruits creates a comforting and irresistible dessert that will quickly become a favorite. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you have a dessert that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

YIELD: Makes 6 to 8 servings

INGREDIENTS:

• ½ cup butter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ cup milk
• 4 cups fresh or frozen fruit (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, peaches, or plums in any combination)
• ½ cup sugar

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Melt the Butter: Melt the butter and pour it into a baking dish. An oval ceramic dish is preferable if available.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, ¾ cup sugar, and baking powder. Stir well to blend the dry ingredients.
4. Add Milk and Stir: Pour in the milk and stir gently to combine all the ingredients. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are fine.
5. Place Batter in the Baking Dish: Using a large spoon, place spoonfuls of the batter on top of the melted butter in the baking dish. Do not stir or mix. The butter will peek out between the spoonfuls of batter.
6. Prepare the Fruit: Depending on the sweetness of the fruit, toss it with ⅛ to ¼ cup of sugar. Spread the prepared fruit over the batter in the dish without stirring. You’ll have a layer of butter, then batter, and finally, fruit on top.
7. Bake the Cobbler: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes. The batter will puff up, and the cobbler will turn golden brown. Depending on the juiciness of the fruit, the cobbler may require a slightly longer baking time. The dough should be set and spring back when touched. Be cautious when testing for doneness, as the sugar and fruit juices will be very hot.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Allow the cobbler to cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve it warm and pair each serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful combination of flavors and textures.

TIPS:

• Experiment with various fruit combinations to find your favorite flavor profile. Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, peaches, and plums work beautifully together, but feel free to use any combination of fruits you enjoy.
• If using frozen fruits, there’s no need to thaw them before adding them to the batter.
• For fresh peaches and plums, slice them into ½-inch slices to ensure even cooking and distribution throughout the cobbler.
• To make individual servings, divide the batter and fruit among individual ramekins or small baking dishes and adjust the baking time accordingly.
• Consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the fruit for an extra layer of warm, comforting flavor.
• Leftover cobbler can be covered and stored in the refrigerator for a day or two. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven before serving.

This classic fruit cobbler is a timeless dessert that brings together the best of tender cake-like batter and luscious fruit. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cozy evening at home or serving it at a gathering with friends and family, this cobbler is sure to evoke smiles and fond memories. Embrace the versatility of this recipe by using your favorite fruits and savor the comfort and satisfaction it brings with every spoonful.