Description
Mary Berry’s Fruit Cobbler is a traditional British dessert featuring a layer of sweetened fruit baked under a biscuit or scone-like topping. As the cobbler bakes, the fruit softens and releases its juices, creating a deliciously sweet and tangy filling. The topping becomes golden and slightly crisp, making this dessert irresistible.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this delightful fruit cobbler:
For the Fruit Filling
- Mixed Berries or Stone Fruits (4 cups) – Fresh or frozen; use berries, peaches, plums, or a combination.
- Granulated Sugar (½ cup) – Sweetens the fruit.
- Lemon Juice (1 tbsp) – Enhances the fruit flavor and adds balance.
- Cornstarch (1 tbsp) – Thick the fruit filling as it bakes.
For the Cobbler Topping
- Self-Raising Flour (1 cup) – Provides a light, fluffy texture.
- Butter (¼ cup, cold and cubed) – Adds richness and helps create a tender topping.
- Granulated Sugar (2 tbsp) – Lightly sweetens the topping.
- Milk (⅓ cup) – Binds the topping ingredients for a biscuit-like consistency.
- Vanilla Extract (½ tsp) – Adds flavor to the topping.
- Pinch of Salt – Enhances the flavors.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Fruit Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the berries or fruits with the sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Stir well, then pour the mixture into an 8×8-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients for the Topping: In a separate bowl, whisk together the self-raising flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
- Rub in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or fork to rub the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Milk and Vanilla: Stir in the milk and vanilla extract until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the topping tough.
- Spread the Topping Over the Fruit: Drop spoonfuls of the dough over the fruit filling, leaving some gaps for the fruit to bubble through as it bakes.
- Bake the Cobbler: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling.
- Cool Slightly and Serve: Let the cobbler cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.