Strawberry Cobbler

Introduction & Inspiration

I adore fruit cobblers – they’re the epitome of comfort food, showcasing seasonal fruits in a warm, bubbly, and utterly delicious dessert. This Strawberry Cobbler recipe, with its simple ingredients and promise of a sweet, juicy strawberry filling topped with a golden-brown crust, immediately caught my eye! It seemed like the perfect dessert for a summer gathering, a weeknight treat, or any time I craved a taste of homemade goodness.

My inspiration came from a love of strawberries and a desire to create a cobbler that was both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. I envisioned a dessert that would highlight the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries, complemented by a buttery, slightly crisp crust.

My goal was to find a recipe that delivered that classic cobbler experience – warm, bubbly fruit and a golden-brown topping – while using readily available ingredients and straightforward instructions. This Strawberry Cobbler seemed to fit the bill perfectly: a simple batter, a fresh strawberry filling, and a one-pan baking method that minimizes cleanup.

This is a perfect family dessert.

Nostalgic Appeal

Cobblers, in general, hold a strong nostalgic appeal. They’re often associated with home baking, summer fruit harvests, and simple, comforting desserts. The combination of warm, cooked fruit and a buttery crust is a timeless classic, evoking memories of family gatherings and home-cooked meals.

This particular cobbler, with its use of fresh strawberries, taps into the nostalgia of summertime and the abundance of seasonal fruit. Strawberries are often associated with picnics, shortcakes, jams, and other beloved summer treats.

The use of a cast iron skillet adds another layer of nostalgia, connecting the cobbler to traditional baking methods and rustic charm. Cast iron skillets are often passed down through generations, adding a sense of history and heritage to the recipe.

And the overall simplicity of the recipe, with its straightforward ingredients and one-pan baking method, evokes a sense of home-style cooking and the comforting flavors of homemade desserts.

Homemade Focus

This Strawberry Cobbler recipe is a celebration of homemade goodness, emphasizing the fresh flavors and simple techniques of home baking. You’re taking basic ingredients – butter, sugar, flour, milk, cornstarch, strawberries, and lemon juice – and transforming them into a warm, bubbly, and delicious dessert.

I appreciate recipes that prioritize whole, unprocessed ingredients and straightforward methods, and this one certainly does. You’re using fresh strawberries, making a simple batter from scratch, and baking the cobbler in a single skillet, minimizing both effort and cleanup.

The use of self-rising flour simplifies the batter-making process, eliminating the need for separate leavening agents like baking powder or baking soda.

And the one-pan baking method, using a cast iron skillet, not only adds a rustic charm but also ensures even heat distribution and a beautifully browned crust.

Flavor Goal

The primary flavor goal of this Strawberry Cobbler is a delightful balance of sweet and slightly tart flavors, with a juicy, tender strawberry filling and a golden-brown, buttery crust. It’s a dessert that’s designed to be both comforting and refreshing, showcasing the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries.

The strawberries, of course, are the star of the show, providing the dominant flavor and a beautiful red color.

The sugar enhances the sweetness of the strawberries and contributes to the caramelization of the crust.

The cornstarch helps to thicken the strawberry juices, creating a luscious, syrupy filling.

The lemon juice adds a touch of brightness and acidity, balancing the sweetness of the strawberries and enhancing their flavor.

The self-rising flour, milk, and melted butter create a simple batter that bakes into a golden-brown, slightly crisp crust that complements the juicy fruit filling.

And the optional serving suggestion of vanilla ice cream adds a cool, creamy element that perfectly complements the warm cobbler.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s break down the ingredient list:

Salted butter:

Granulated sugar, divided: This is used both in the batter and in the strawberry filling.

Self-rising flour: This eliminates the need for separate leavening agents.

Whole milk:

Cornstarch:

Strawberries, halved:

Fresh lemon juice:

Vanilla ice cream, for serving:

These are simple ingredients.

Essential Equipment

Here is the equipment needed.

A 10-inch cast iron skillet: This is ideal for achieving a beautifully browned crust and even heat distribution. If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, you can use a 9×13-inch baking dish, but the baking time may need to be adjusted.

Medium bowls (at least two): One for the batter, and one for the strawberry filling.

A whisk:

A foil-lined baking sheet: This is important to catch any potential spills from the cobbler as it bakes.

Measuring cups and spoons.

This is a very basic list.

List of Ingredients with Measurements

Here’s the complete list of ingredients, with precise measurements:

• 1 stick salted butter (1/2 cup)
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar, divided
• 1 cup self-rising flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 Tbsp. cornstarch
• 2 lb. strawberries, halved (about 6 1/2 cups)
• 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
• Vanilla ice cream, for serving

These quantities are perfect.

Gather all ingredients.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s break down the process into easy-to-follow steps.

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Melt Butter. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Add the butter to a 10-inch cast iron skillet; place in the oven for 5 minutes or until the butter is completely melted, swirling the pan occasionally. Remove from the oven and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare Batter and Strawberry Filling. Whisk together 1 cup of the sugar with the self-rising flour and milk in a medium bowl. Whisk together the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar and the cornstarch in another medium bowl. Add the halved strawberries and lemon juice to the cornstarch mixture, stirring to combine.

Step 3: Assemble Cobbler. Pour the batter into the melted butter in the cast iron skillet; do not stir. Spoon the strawberry mixture and any juices left in the bowl evenly over the batter, without stirring.

Step 4: Bake. Place the skillet on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake on the middle oven rack until golden brown and bubbly, 60 to 75 minutes.

Step 5: Cool and Serve. Let cool on a wire rack at least 15 minutes before serving with vanilla ice cream, if you like.

These steps are easy to follow.

Troubleshooting

Let’s address some potential problems, and how to solve them:

Problem: My cobbler crust is too soggy. Solution: Make sure you baked it long enough. The crust should be golden brown and the filling should be bubbly. Also, make sure you didn’t add too much liquid to the batter.

Problem: My cobbler filling is too runny. Solution: Make sure you used enough cornstarch to thicken the strawberry juices. You can also try adding a tablespoon of flour to the strawberry mixture.

Problem: My cobbler is burning on the bottom. Solution: Make sure you’re using a cast iron skillet or a baking dish that distributes heat evenly. You can also try placing a baking sheet on the rack below the cobbler to deflect some of the heat.

Problem: My strawberries are not cooked. Solution: Increase cooking time.

These are very helpful tips.

Tips and Variations

Tip: For the best flavor, use fresh, ripe strawberries.

Variation: Substitute other fruits, such as peaches, blueberries, or blackberries, for the strawberries.

Tip: If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can make your own by whisking together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.

Variation: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter for extra flavor.

Tip: For a more rustic look, you can sprinkle the top of the cobbler with coarse sugar before baking.

Variation: Add a layer of streusel topping to the cobbler before baking for extra crunch and sweetness.

This recipe could be changed.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This Strawberry Cobbler is a delicious and versatile dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

Serving: Serve the cobbler warm, straight from the oven or slightly cooled.

Pairing: * With vanilla ice cream: A classic and delicious combination. * With whipped cream: Another excellent topping choice. * With a cup of coffee or tea: A perfect pairing for a cozy dessert. * On its own: The cobbler is delicious all by itself!

This is a great family dessert.

Nutritional Information

Nutritional information is approximate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size. A serving (assuming the cobbler is cut into 8-10 servings) may contain:

• Calories: 300-400 (depending on serving size and ice cream)
• Fat: 15-20 grams
• Saturated Fat: 8-12 grams
• Cholesterol: 40-60mg
• Sodium: 150-250 mg
• Total Carbs.: 40-50 grams
• Dietary Fiber: 2-3 grams
• Sugars: 25-35 grams
• Protein: 3-5 grams

This Strawberry Cobbler is a dessert and should be enjoyed in moderation.

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Recipe Summary and Q&A

Let’s conclude with a summary of the recipe and answers to some Q&A:

Recipe Summary:

Strawberry Cobbler features a simple batter made with melted butter, sugar, self-rising flour, and milk, topped with a mixture of fresh strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. It’s baked in a cast iron skillet until golden brown and bubbly, and served warm, often with vanilla ice cream.

Q&A:

Q: Can I make this cobbler ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the cobbler (but don’t bake it) and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. You can also bake the cobbler and store it, covered, at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Q: How long will leftovers keep in the refrigerator? A: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Q: Can I freeze this cobbler? A: Yes, you can freeze the baked cobbler. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently before serving.

Q: I don’t have a cast iron skillet. What else can I use? A: You can use a 9×13-inch baking dish, but the baking time may need to be adjusted.

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries? A: Yes.