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There is nothing that says summer quite like the first bite of a warm berry cobbler topped with cool melting ice cream. This cobbler is bursting with tart and sweet berries beneath a buttery biscuit topping and it is the one dessert I rely on for any relaxed family gathering or potluck. Even better you can use either fresh or frozen berries so this treat is never out of season at my house.
What Makes It Special
- Uses simple ingredients so you can make it any time the craving hits
- Works with fresh or frozen berries for year-round enjoyment
- Cobbler topping is easy to mix by hand and always turns out tender
- Ideal for sharing with friends or family as a cozy dessert
- You can prep it ahead or freeze it for later making it extra convenient
Berry-Picking Memories
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I remember one summer making this cobbler with berries picked right off the bush in our backyard with my kids gathering them in little buckets. We could not even wait for it to cool before digging in straight from the pan.
What You’ll Need
- Mixed berries: fresh or frozen provide sweet juicy flavor and all those pretty colors choose the ripest you can find or a mix like blueberries blackberries and raspberries
- Granulated sugar: balances the tartness and helps those berries turn extra juicy in the oven superfine sugar will also work in a pinch
- Cornstarch: thickens the berry juices so your cobbler is perfectly spoonable and not too runny go for a fresh box if yours has been in the cupboard a while
- Lemon zest and juice: add citrus brightness that wakes up the berries use a fresh lemon for the best fragrance and flavor
- All-purpose flour: makes the topping sturdy but still tender sift it if you want an even lighter crumb
- Baking powder: gives the biscuits lift and fluff make sure yours is active check the date on the tin
- Salted butter: brings rich flavor and helps the topping brown freeze the stick for easy grating and extra flakiness
- Heavy cream or buttermilk: create a rich tender biscuit choose full-fat for the most indulgent result
- Vanilla extract: gives warm aromatic notes use real vanilla if possible
- Sanding sugar or turbinado sugar: adds sparkle and crunch on top plain granulated works too for a subtle finish
Let’s Cook This Together
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- Preheat and Prepare:
- Begin by setting your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly spraying a nine by thirteen inch baking dish. This prevents sticking and sets the stage for a perfect cobbler.
- Mix the Berry Filling:
- In a large bowl stir together your berries sugar cornstarch lemon zest and lemon juice. Mix carefully so the berries are fully coated and glossy before spreading evenly into your prepared baking dish.
- Make the Biscuit Topping:
- In a separate large bowl whisk the flour sugar baking powder and salt until well combined. Take your frozen butter and grate it into the flour mixture then use your hands or a fork to toss and break it up for a uniform crumbly texture.
- Bring the Dough Together:
- Pour heavy cream and vanilla extract together then drizzle this over the flour mixture. Stir gently so the dough just comes together but do not overmix which keeps the biscuits soft.
- Add the Topping:
- Scoop the dough by heaping spoonfuls and drop over the berries pressing down lightly with your hands or the back of a spoon. It is perfectly fine for some of the berries to peek through the gaps.
- Finish and Bake:
- Brush each biscuit with cream and sprinkle with sanding sugar for a crisp golden finish. Place the dish in the oven and bake for about forty to fifty minutes or until the berries are bubbling and the topping is golden. If the top browns too fast lay a piece of foil on top and continue baking.
- Cool Before Serving:
- Remove the cobbler from the oven and set on a wire rack. Let it cool for at least ten minutes so the juices have a chance to thicken before serving with your favorite garnish.

Good to Know
- High in fiber from loads of berries
- Fantastic make-ahead dessert for parties
- Freezes and reheats beautifully
- Always a crowd-pleaser especially with vanilla ice cream on top
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Cobbler Tradition
My favorite part of this cobbler is the topping which bakes up crisp at the edges and soft in the center. Every birthday in my family seems to end with a big scoop of this cobbler plus a candle and we never tire of the sweet berry filling.
Keeping It Fresh
Store leftover cobbler covered in the fridge for up to four days. To enjoy again simply microwave individual servings for a quick treat or reheat the whole dish in a low oven. I find the flavors deepen overnight making the leftovers just as delicious.
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Easy Ingredient Swaps
You can use any blend of berries depending on the season. No fresh berries on hand? Frozen work just as well and you do not even need to thaw them first. Out of heavy cream? Buttermilk or whole milk will also yield a tender biscuit.
How to Serve It Right
Scoop portions while it is still warm into shallow bowls. Top with cold vanilla ice cream for classic contrast or fresh whipped cream. If you want a lighter finish a handful of extra fresh berries and a mint leaf make the presentation pop.
Behind the Dish
Cobblers are a beloved American classic dating back to colonial settlers who made use of what they had on hand. This recipe honors that tradition with practical ingredients and approachable baking steps. It is my go-to when the farmers market is overflowing or freezer clean-out reveals a berry bounty.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Both fresh and frozen berries work well. No need to thaw frozen berries before assembling; simply mix with sugar and cornstarch as directed.
- → How can I make the biscuit topping extra tender?
Use cold, grated butter and minimal mixing. This keeps the topping light and fluffy. Chilling the topping before baking also helps.
- → Is it possible to prepare ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the filling and topping separately and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve for best freshness.
- → How do I know when the cobbler is done baking?
The biscuit topping should be golden brown and the berry filling bubbling around the edges. Check halfway and tent with foil if browning too quickly.
- → What are the best serving suggestions?
Enjoy warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, fresh berries, or a sprig of mint for a refreshing touch.