Description of this recipe: This citrus cobbler is a vibrant dessert that captures the essence of sunshine in every bite. With a base of tangy lemon pie filling, a buttery-crisp crust, and the subtle sweetness of buttermilk, it’s a symphony of flavors and textures. Perfect for a spring brunch, a summer picnic, or a cozy autumn evening, this cobbler is sure to become a family favorite.
Why you will love this recipe: This cobbler is incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor payoff. It’s a one-bowl wonder, making cleanup a breeze. The combination of tart lemon and sweet buttermilk creates a delightful balance that’s both refreshing and comforting. Plus, it’s customizable! You can easily add other fruits or spices to tailor it to your liking. Its “magic” lies in the way the batter transforms during baking, creating a luscious, self-saucing filling beneath a golden-brown topping.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup buttermilk (or substitute: 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice, let sit for 5 minutes)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract (or zest from 1 lemon)
- 1 (21 ounce) can lemon pie filling
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the butter in a 9×9-inch baking dish (or a similar-sized oven-safe dish). Place the dish in the oven while it preheats, allowing the butter to melt completely. Once melted, carefully remove the dish from the oven and set it aside.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until well combined. This ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed, resulting in a uniformly risen and textured cobbler.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients: To the dry ingredients, add the buttermilk, vanilla extract, and lemon extract (or lemon zest). Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tougher cobbler. A few lumps are okay!
Step 4: Assemble the Cobbler: Pour the batter evenly over the melted butter in the baking dish. Do not stir. The batter will float on top of the melted butter. Next, spoon the lemon pie filling evenly over the batter. Again, do not stir. The filling will sink slightly into the batter during baking.
Step 5: Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs). The baking time may vary depending on your oven. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
- Garnish with fresh berries or lemon slices.
- Pairs perfectly with a cup of hot coffee or tea.
- Refrigerate leftovers and enjoy cold or reheated.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use browned butter. To do this, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat and continue to cook until it turns a nutty brown color. Be careful not to burn it!
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with a mixture of milk and lemon juice or white vinegar. Combine 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.
- For extra texture, sprinkle the top of the cobbler with chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) before baking.
- Feel free to substitute the lemon pie filling with other fruit fillings, such as apple, peach, or cherry.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45-55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour – 1 hour 10 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Estimated, will vary depending on specific ingredients)
Calories: 350-450 per serving
Protein: 4-6 grams per serving
Sodium: 200-300 milligrams per serving
Conclusion:
This Sparkling Citrus Cobbler Delight is a dessert that’s sure to impress with its bright flavors and easy preparation. The combination of tangy lemon and buttery goodness creates a comforting and satisfying treat that’s perfect for any occasion. From the simple ingredients to the magical transformation in the oven, this cobbler is a delightful experience from start to finish. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of sunshine!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use a different type of flour?
A: While all-purpose flour is recommended for the best texture, you can experiment with other types of flour. Cake flour will result in a more tender cobbler, while whole wheat flour will give it a slightly denser texture and a nuttier flavor. Keep in mind that different flours may absorb liquid differently, so you may need to adjust the amount of buttermilk accordingly.
Q2: Can I make this cobbler ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the cobbler ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. However, it’s best to bake it fresh for the best flavor and texture. If you do bake it ahead of time, you can reheat it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.
Q3: Can I freeze this cobbler?
A: While it’s not ideal, you can freeze baked cobbler. Allow the cobbler to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, transfer the cobbler to the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through. Note that the texture of the crust may be slightly different after freezing and thawing.
Q4: What if I don’t have a 9×9-inch baking dish?
A: You can use a similar-sized oven-safe dish, such as an 8×8-inch dish or a round pie dish. Keep in mind that the baking time may need to be adjusted depending on the size and shape of the dish. The cobbler is done when the topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Q5: Can I add other fruits to this cobbler?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and add other fruits to this cobbler. Berries, peaches, or apples would all be delicious additions. If using fresh fruit, you may need to add a little extra sugar and cornstarch to the filling to thicken it. You can also use canned or frozen fruit, but be sure to drain any excess liquid before adding it to the cobbler.
