Cobbler, as a dish, traces its roots back to the American Colonial period, when early settlers were forced to adjust European recipes due to a lack of familiar ingredients. Colonists used locally available fruits and berries, combining them with biscuit dough and cooking the mixture over open fires in Dutch ovens.

Originally, cobbler was a versatile dish enjoyed for breakfast, dinner, or dessert by early American settlers. It wasn't until the late 1800s that it became firmly associated with dessert. By that time, cobblers had spread westward with pioneers, becoming a popular dish on chuckwagons and inspiring numerous regional variations.

Cobbler is one of those timeless dishes that nearly every family has their own version of. Whether it's passed down through generations or shared at gatherings, cobbler is a go-to for any occasion. This version is a little different from the typical, with a slightly drier, spongier texture that holds up better when reheated—no sogginess here! The reduced moisture helps keep the fruit's texture intact and ensures the topping stays crisp.

Serves: 6-8 | Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 45 minutes

What You'll Need:

• 1 12-inch seasoned cast iron skillet
• Oven temp: 350°F

Ingredients for the Cobbler Batter

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch (this gives the batter its spongy texture)
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 4 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 ¼ cups heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Mexican vanilla bean paste
• 2 tablespoons orange juice

Ingredients for the Topping

• 2 cups fresh fruit of your choice (berries, peaches, or a mix work great!)
• 1 stick butter, sliced into thin pats
• ½ cup brown sugar mixed with 1 tsp of cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (for sprinkling on top)

Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by heating your oven to 350°F and set your 12-inch seasoned cast iron skillet aside.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, cornstarch, salt, and cinnamon. Stir well to make sure everything is evenly distributed.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the orange juice, heavy cream, vanilla paste, and melted butter. Mix until everything is well combined. The batter should be thick but spreadable, similar to brownie batter. If it feels too dry, add a splash more heavy cream to loosen it up.
4. Prepare the Skillet: Pour the batter into the center of your prepared skillet and spread it out, but don’t worry about it being perfect—the topping will settle as it cooks.
5. Add the Topping: Scatter the fresh fruit over the batter, then dot the surface with the sliced butter pats. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon evenly over the top. Finish with a generous sprinkle of coarse sugar for a nice, sweet crunch.
6. Bake to Perfection: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
7. Serve & Enjoy: Let the cobbler cool for about 10 minutes before serving. It’s great on its own, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Why this Recipe Works

This cobbler’s unique spongy texture comes from the cornstarch, which gives the batter a soft, airy feel without getting too soggy. Plus, keeping the sauce light means the fruit retains its shape, even after reheating! Whether you’re serving it fresh or reheating leftovers, this cobbler remains delicious and easy to enjoy.

Perfect for family gatherings, special occasions, or just a cozy night in, this Cast Iron Co. Cobbler recipe is sure to be a hit every time. Happy baking!