There’s something irresistibly charming about a freshly baked dessert, and nothing quite captures that warmth like a Crispy Cranberry Cobbler. This delightful treat features a luscious cranberry filling that’s perfectly complemented by a golden, crispy topping. It’s a dessert that not only delights the taste buds but also fills the kitchen with a wonderful aroma, making it impossible to resist. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a sweet indulgence, this cobbler is your go-to recipe.
The beauty of this Crispy Cranberry Cobbler lies in its simplicity. Made with just a handful of ingredients, it requires minimal prep time while delivering maximum flavor. The tartness of the cranberries contrasts brilliantly with the sweetness of the sugar, creating a balance that delights without being overwhelming. Plus, it’s a vegetarian-friendly option that can easily be adapted to suit different dietary preferences.
One of the best things about this cobbler is its versatility. You can serve it warm as a stand-alone dessert, or dress it up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra decadent experience. Ideal for any occasion, you can enjoy this cobbler during the holidays, at summer barbecues, or as a comforting end to a cozy family dinner. Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious dessert in your own kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Cranberry Cobbler
- Delicious Flavor: The tart cranberries combined with the sweet topping create a mouth-watering flavor profile.
- Simple Ingredients: Made from everyday ingredients that you likely have on hand, making it easy to whip up anytime.
- Quick Preparation: With a total time of just 55 minutes, this dessert is a quick solution for sudden cravings.
- Versatile Serving: Perfect for any season and pairs well with many accompaniments like ice cream or whipped cream.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: A delightful dessert option for vegetarians and can be adapted to suit various dietary needs.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you jump into baking your Crispy Cranberry Cobbler, it’s important to prepare your kitchen for success. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F, ensuring it’s at the perfect temperature for baking. Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking. This small step is crucial for achieving that flawless cobbler release once it’s baked.
Gather your ingredients: fresh or frozen cranberries, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, orange zest, vanilla extract, unsalted butter, an egg, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Have measuring cups, mixing bowls, a whisk, and a spatula ready. If you plan on adding coarse sugar on top for that extra crunch, ensure you have that handy as well.
As you prepare your workspace, take a moment to read through the instructions to familiarize yourself with each step. This will make the process smoother and more enjoyable, allowing you to focus on creating your delicious dessert. Also, be ready to manage the time as you’ll want to savor the delightful aromas that will soon fill your kitchen!
Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons coarse sugar, optional
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cranberry Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cranberries, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, orange zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Using your hands or a spatula, toss the ingredients together until the cranberries are evenly coated with the mixture. This step is vital as the flour helps to absorb some of the juices released by the cranberries during baking, preventing a soggy cobbler.
Step 2: Assemble the Cranberry Layer
Once your cranberry mixture is ready, pour it into your prepared 9-inch square baking dish. Spread the cranberries evenly across the dish, ensuring they lay flat. This layer is crucial as it becomes the star of the show, providing that tangy flavor that perfectly complements the topping.
Step 3: Make the Cobbler Topping
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. This dry mix creates a tender crumb. In another bowl, whisk together the egg and melted butter until smooth. Once combined, pour this mixture into the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can lead to a dense topping.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Using a spoon, drop dollops of the topping over the cranberry layer. It’s okay if some cranberries peek through, as this adds to the rustic charm of the cobbler. If you desire extra crunch, sprinkle the coarse sugar on top of the topping. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the topping turns a beautiful golden brown and the filling bubbles at the edges. If the topping seems to be browning too quickly, simply cover the dish with aluminum foil for the last ten minutes of baking.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the cobbler from the oven and allow it to cool for 10 to 15 minutes. This brief cooling period lets the filling set slightly, making it easier to cut when serving. For the best experience, serve warm, garnished with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent touch.
Variations
- Protein: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for an added crunch.
- Vegetables: Incorporate other fruits such as apples or pears for a mixed fruit cobbler.
- Spices: Enhance flavor with a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg mixed into the cranberry filling.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure that the cranberries are well-coated with the sugar and flour mixture to maximize flavor.
- Adjust the sugar content based on the tartness of the cranberries used.
- Leave the topping slightly chunky; this will create a nice texture after baking.
- For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of almond extract to the filling.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair the cobbler with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert experience.
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh mint for a refreshing garnish.
Tips
- Use fresh cranberries when in season for the best flavor.
- For an elegant presentation, serve in individual ramekins instead of a single baking dish.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- Reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven for a few minutes before serving to restore its warm, bubbly goodness.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work perfectly in this cobbler. Just ensure you don’t thaw them before mixing.
What can I substitute for all-purpose flour?
You could use a gluten-free flour blend if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, but the texture may vary slightly.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cobbler in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm in the microwave or oven.
Can I add other fruits to this recipe?
Yes! Apples, blueberries, or pears can be added for a delicious twist on the traditional recipe.
Conclusion
The Crispy Cranberry Cobbler is truly a delightful dessert that promises to please. Its simplicity and great flavor make it a favorite time and time again. Whether you enjoy it alone or share it with loved ones, this cobbler is a reminder of the comforts of home baking. Don’t hesitate to get creative by trying different fruits or serving it with your favorite toppings. We encourage you to make this recipe your own, and we would love to hear your experiences and variations in the comments below. Happy baking!
Print
Crispy Cranberry Cobbler
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
There’s something irresistibly charming about a freshly baked dessert, and nothing quite captures that warmth like a Crispy Cranberry Cobbler.
Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons coarse sugar, optional
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cranberries, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, orange zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Toss until the cranberries are evenly coated.
- Pour the cranberry mixture into your prepared 9-inch square baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. In another bowl, whisk together the egg and melted butter. Combine with the dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Spoon dollops of the topping over the cranberries. Sprinkle coarse sugar on top if desired. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Protein: 3 g