Strawberry Cobbler (Old-Fashioned Southern Dessert)

Introduction

Strawberry Cobbler is a timeless Southern dessert that celebrates the natural sweetness of ripe strawberries wrapped in a warm, buttery crust. Simple, comforting, and deeply nostalgic, this classic recipe has been passed down through generations and remains a favorite for family dinners, potlucks, and holidays. Every bite delivers soft, bubbling strawberries balanced by a golden, cake-like topping that soaks up the juices beautifully.

Unlike pies that require rolling dough and precise shaping, strawberry cobbler is wonderfully forgiving. It’s designed to look rustic, taste homemade, and come together with minimal effort. That ease is exactly why it has remained a staple in Southern kitchens for decades. Whether you’re using fresh strawberries in peak season or frozen berries during colder months, this dessert always delivers big flavor.

Strawberry Cobbler is especially loved because it pairs effortlessly with ice cream or whipped cream, turning a humble dish into a truly indulgent dessert. It’s warm, cozy, and familiar—exactly the kind of recipe that makes people feel at home. If you’re craving a dessert that’s simple, crowd-pleasing, and packed with real fruit flavor, this cobbler belongs on your table.

Ingredients
Strawberry Filling

4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

¾ cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 teaspoon lemon juice

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Cobbler Topping

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon salt

1 cup milk

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Toss until the strawberries are evenly coated and set aside to allow the juices to release.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add milk while whisking until a smooth batter forms. The batter should be pourable but not too thin.

Step 3: Assemble the Cobbler

Pour melted butter into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the batter evenly over the butter—do not stir. Spoon the strawberry mixture evenly over the batter, including all the juices. Again, do not stir.

Step 4: Bake

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the strawberries are bubbling around the edges.

Step 5: Cool Slightly

Remove the cobbler from the oven and let it cool for 10–15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to thicken slightly and makes serving easier.

Variations

Old-Fashioned Biscuit Cobbler: Top strawberries with biscuit dough instead of batter.

Strawberry Peach Cobbler: Replace half the strawberries with sliced peaches.

Gluten-Free Cobbler: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Reduced Sugar Version: Cut sugar by ¼ cup and rely on ripe strawberries.

Spiced Cobbler: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling.

Cooking Notes

Do not stir the layers—this is key to the classic cobbler texture.

Use ripe, sweet strawberries for best flavor.

Frozen strawberries can be used but should be thawed and drained first.

Baking dish size affects thickness; avoid overcrowding.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Strawberry Cobbler warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. It’s perfect as a standalone dessert or paired with coffee after dinner. This cobbler also works beautifully for brunch tables, church gatherings, and summer cookouts.

Tips

Taste strawberries before baking and adjust sugar if needed.

Place baking dish on a foil-lined tray to catch bubbling juices.

Let cobbler rest briefly for cleaner servings.

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cooking Time

50 minutes

Total Time

1 hour 5 minutes

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

Calories: 340

Protein: 4g

Sodium: 210mg

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, thaw and drain them well before using to avoid excess liquid.

Is strawberry cobbler the same as strawberry crisp?
No, cobbler has a batter or biscuit topping, while crisp uses a crumb topping.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, bake it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

How do I store leftovers?
Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Conclusion

Strawberry Cobbler is a true Southern classic that proves simple ingredients can create unforgettable flavor. With juicy strawberries, a buttery golden topping, and a warm-from-the-oven charm, this dessert is comfort food at its finest. Easy to make and impossible to resist, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll turn to again and again whenever you need a dessert that feels like home.

Print