There’s something timeless and comforting about a warm, freshly baked cobbler. With its juicy fruit filling and golden, buttery crust, a cobbler is the perfect dessert for any occasion. This Iron Skillet Blackberry Cobbler is a rustic delight that combines the tartness of fresh blackberries with a sweet, crumbly topping. Using a cast iron skillet not only enhances the flavors but also gives the cobbler a beautiful, golden crust. Here’s a detailed guide on how to make this delicious dessert, along with some tips and variations to make it your own.
Ingredients
To make Iron Skillet Blackberry Cobbler, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups white sugar, divided
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons cold butter, cut into pieces
- ¼ cup boiling water
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ cup cold water
- 4 cups fresh blackberries, rinsed and drained
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. This will catch any drips from the skillet and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Prepare the Topping
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, ½ cup of the sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix well. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or two knives until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the boiling water just until the mixture is evenly moist. This dough will form the topping for your cobbler.
Step 3: Prepare the Blackberry Filling
In a separate bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in cold water. This will help thicken the blackberry filling. Mix in the remaining 1 cup of sugar, blackberries, and lemon juice. The lemon juice adds a touch of brightness and balances the sweetness of the berries. Transfer this mixture to a cast iron skillet and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Assemble the Cobbler
Once the blackberry mixture is boiling and has thickened slightly, remove the skillet from the heat. Drop spoonfuls of the dough mixture over the hot blackberry filling. The dough will spread and create a beautiful, rustic topping as it bakes.
Step 5: Bake the Cobbler
Place the skillet onto the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven until the dough is golden brown and cooked through, about 25 minutes. The blackberry filling should be bubbly and thick, and the topping should be crisp and golden.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Allow the cobbler to cool slightly before serving. This dessert is best enjoyed warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast between the warm, juicy blackberries and the cold, creamy topping is simply irresistible.
Tips and Variations
While the basic recipe for Iron Skillet Blackberry Cobbler is delicious on its own, there are several tips and variations you can try to customize it to your taste:
Tips
- Use Fresh or Frozen Berries: While fresh blackberries are ideal, you can also use frozen blackberries if fresh ones are not available. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before using.
- Adjust Sweetness: Depending on the sweetness of your blackberries, you may need to adjust the amount of sugar. Taste the berries before adding the sugar to ensure the perfect balance.
- Thickening the Filling: If you prefer a thicker filling, you can add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch to the blackberry mixture.
- Evenly Distribute the Dough: Drop the dough in small, even spoonfuls over the blackberry filling to ensure even baking and a consistent texture.
Variations
- Mixed Berry Cobbler: Substitute some of the blackberries with other berries such as blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries for a mixed berry cobbler.
- Nutty Topping: Add ¼ cup of chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, to the dough mixture for a crunchy, nutty topping.
- Spiced Cobbler: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the blackberry filling for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Citrus Twist: Substitute the lemon juice with lime or orange juice for a different citrus flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour to make a gluten-free cobbler.
The Charm of Cast Iron Cooking
Using a cast iron skillet for this cobbler not only enhances the flavor but also gives the dessert a rustic charm. Cast iron retains heat well and ensures even baking, resulting in a perfectly cooked cobbler with a crisp, golden crust. Additionally, cooking and serving the cobbler in the skillet adds a touch of nostalgia and makes for a beautiful presentation.
Serving Suggestions
Iron Skillet Blackberry Cobbler is versatile and can be served in various ways:
- A la Mode: Top each serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic, indulgent dessert.
- With Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast to the rich cobbler.
- Yogurt Topping: For a healthier option, serve with a spoonful of Greek yogurt.
- Brunch Treat: This cobbler also makes a delightful addition to a brunch spread, paired with coffee or tea.
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm the cobbler in the oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave for a quicker option.
Conclusion
Iron Skillet Blackberry Cobbler is a delightful and comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Its combination of juicy blackberries and a golden, buttery topping makes it a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress. By following this simple recipe and incorporating some of the tips and variations, you can create a cobbler that’s uniquely yours and perfect for your family’s taste. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and enjoy the deliciousness of homemade blackberry cobbler
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Iron Skillet Blackberry Cobbler: A Rustic Delight
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Iron Skillet Blackberry Cobbler is a delightful and rustic dessert that features juicy blackberries baked to perfection with a golden, buttery crust. This easy-to-make cobbler is cooked in a cast-iron skillet, giving it a charming presentation and a deliciously crisp edge. Perfect for summer gatherings or a cozy treat any time of year.
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups white sugar, divided
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons cold butter, cut into pieces
¼ cup boiling water
2 tablespoons cornstarch
¼ cup cold water
4 cups fresh blackberries, rinsed and drained
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
Mix flour, 1/2 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt together in a large bowl. Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in boiling water just until the mixture is evenly moist.
Dissolve cornstarch in cold water in a separate bowl. Mix in remaining 1 cup sugar, blackberries, and lemon juice. Transfer to a cast iron skillet and bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Drop in spoonfuls of dough, then place the skillet onto the prepared baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven until dough is golden brown, about 25 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg