Old-Fashioned Blackberry Cobbler

Nothing says comfort like a warm, bubbling cobbler straight from the oven. This Old-Fashioned Blackberry Cobbler is a timeless dessert that combines juicy blackberries, a tender, buttery topping, and a hint of cinnamon for extra warmth. Best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, it’s the ultimate homemade treat for family gatherings, summer evenings, or cozy nights at home.

Ingredients

For the Blackberry Filling:

4 cups fresh or frozen blackberries
3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust based on the sweetness of your berries)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons cornstarch (or all-purpose flour for a slightly thicker filling)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

For the Cobbler Topping:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup milk (whole or 2% recommended)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Serving (optional):

Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream

Equipment

9×9-inch or 8×8-inch baking dish
Mixing bowls
Whisk or spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Small saucepan (optional, if pre-cooking the filling)
Oven mitts

Prep Time

Active prep: 20 minutes
Baking: 40–45 minutes
Cooling: 10 minutes
Total time: ~1 hour 15 minutes

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Blackberry Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the blackberries, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, cornstarch, and cinnamon.
Gently toss until the berries are coated and the sugar is evenly distributed.
If you prefer a slightly thicker filling, you can cook the mixture in a small saucepan over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until it thickens slightly, then remove from heat.

Tip: Taste the filling before adding sugar—if your berries are very sweet, you can reduce the sugar slightly.

Step 3: Make the Cobbler Topping

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Stir in the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture forms a smooth batter. It should be slightly thick but pourable.

Step 4: Assemble the Cobbler

Pour the blackberry filling evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Spoon the cobbler batter over the berries in dollops. You don’t need to cover every spot perfectly; the batter will spread and bake into a golden topping.

Tip: For a rustic look, leave some of the berries peeking through—it adds charm and helps release steam during baking.

Step 5: Bake the Cobbler

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the blackberry filling is bubbly around the edges.
If the topping browns too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Remove the cobbler from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes. This helps the filling set slightly so it doesn’t run.
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence.

Tips for the Perfect Old-Fashioned Blackberry Cobbler

Use Fresh or Frozen Berries: Frozen blackberries work wonderfully—just thaw slightly and drain excess liquid to prevent a watery filling.
Adjust Sweetness: Taste your berries before adding sugar. Depending on the season and ripeness, blackberries can be tart.
Topping Texture: For a lighter, biscuit-like topping, avoid overmixing the batter. For a denser, cake-like topping, mix a bit longer.
Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of almond extract to the topping for a subtle twist.
Storage: Cover leftovers and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Classic: Warm with vanilla ice cream.
Breakfast Twist: Spoon over yogurt for a fruity morning treat.
Elegant Dessert: Dust with powdered sugar and serve with fresh mint leaves for presentation.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the filling and topping separately, store in the fridge, and assemble just before baking.

Blackberry cobbler is a simple yet elegant dessert that’s both nostalgic and comforting. The sweet, slightly tart blackberries pair perfectly with the buttery, golden topping, creating a dessert that’s soft, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re making it for family, friends, or just a cozy evening alone, this old-fashioned blackberry cobbler is sure to become a favorite recipe in your collection.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 40–45 minutes
Cooling Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6–8