This luscious, homey dessert features juicy frozen blueberries nestled beneath a golden, moist biscuit topping. The frozen berries create perfectly sweet-tart filling while the tender biscuit topping bakes to golden perfection. Ready in just 55 minutes with only 15 minutes of prep time, this easy dessert serves six and tastes exceptional when served warm with vanilla ice cream.
The winter my heating went out, I discovered frozen blueberries make the most incredible cobbler. Something about how they break down and release all those concentrated juices while baking creates this syrup that you just cannot get with fresh fruit. My neighbor brought over a container of vanilla ice cream, and we ate this cobbler straight from the baking dish while watching the snow fall outside.
Now I make this cobbler year round, keeping bags of frozen blueberries in my freezer specifically for those nights when something warm and sweet feels necessary. Last week my niece asked if I could teach her how to make the topping, noting that mine somehow tastes better than any she has had elsewhere. The secret is definitely not overworking the batter.
Ingredients
- 5 cups frozen blueberries: Do not thaw them first as they release the perfect amount of moisture while baking
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the tart berries and helps create that luscious syrup
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Essential for thickening all those berry juices into a spoonable consistency
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the flavors and balances the sweetness
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Optional but adds warmth that pairs beautifully with blueberries
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the filling
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the tender biscuit topping
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the topping and helps it brown nicely
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Gives the topping lift as it bakes
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the acidic ingredients for extra rise
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness in the topping
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Creates a moist, tender crumb in the biscuit
- 2/3 cup whole milk: Adds richness and helps bind the dough together
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with warm notes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- Set your oven to 375°F and grease a 9x9-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Prepare the berry filling:
- In a large bowl, toss the frozen blueberries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, cinnamon if using, and a pinch of salt. Spread everything evenly in your prepared baking dish.
- Mix the dry topping ingredients:
- Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in another bowl until well combined.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients:
- Stir in the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract just until combined. The batter will be thick and slightly lumpy.
- Top the berries:
- Drop spoonfuls of batter over the blueberry mixture, leaving some gaps for the bubbling fruit to show through.
- Bake until golden:
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the topping is golden brown and set, with berry juices bubbling up around the edges.
- Rest before serving:
- Let the cobbler cool for at least 15 minutes so the filling sets slightly. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
This recipe has become my go-to for potlucks because it travels well and reheats beautifully. Something about a bubbling fruit dessert makes people feel instantly at home, no matter where they are.
Making It Your Own
Try mixing half blueberries with frozen blackberries or raspberries for a mixed berry version that tastes like summer. The different berries create little pockets of distinct flavors throughout the cobbler.
The Perfect Texture
I learned the hard way that leaving too many gaps in the topping results in a soggy biscuit. Aim for about 70 percent coverage so the fruit bubbles through in just the right spots.
Serving Suggestions
While vanilla ice cream is classic, a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or a drizzle of heavy cream transforms this into something restaurant worthy.
- Sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking for extra crunch
- Let it cool longer if you prefer cleaner slices
- Reheat leftovers in the oven, not the microwave
There is something deeply comforting about a dessert that turns simple pantry ingredients into something this special.
Recipe FAQs
- → Do I need to thaw frozen blueberries before making cobbler?
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No, you should not thaw the frozen blueberries. Adding them directly from the freezer helps create the perfect thick, juicy filling as they bake and release their natural juices.
- → Can I use fresh blueberries instead of frozen?
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Yes, fresh blueberries work wonderfully. You may need to reduce the baking time slightly since fresh berries release liquid faster than frozen ones.
- → How do I know when the cobbler is done baking?
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The cobbler is ready when the topping is golden brown and cooked through, and you see the berry filling bubbling up around the edges, typically after 40-45 minutes at 375°F.
- → Can I make this cobbler dairy-free?
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Absolutely. Substitute the whole milk with your favorite plant-based milk and replace the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil. The texture remains just as delicious.
- → What's the best way to serve blueberry cobbler?
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Serve warm after letting it cool for at least 15 minutes. It pairs perfectly with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. The contrast between warm cobbler and cold cream creates an irresistible dessert experience.
- → Can I mix different frozen berries?
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Yes, you can substitute part of the blueberries with other frozen berries like raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries. Mixed berry cobbler creates lovely flavor variations.