Strawberry rhubarb cobbler is a delicious dessert that perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors. The juicy strawberries and tart rhubarb are combined with a simple, buttery topping, creating a comforting and irresistible treat. This classic cobbler is the perfect dessert for spring and summer when strawberries and rhubarb are in season, but it’s so good you’ll want to make it year-round!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Sweet and Tart Combination: The sweetness of the strawberries pairs beautifully with the tartness of the rhubarb.
- Simple and Quick: With easy-to-find ingredients and minimal prep time, this cobbler is quick to assemble.
- Comforting Dessert: The soft fruit filling and tender, buttery topping create the ultimate cozy dessert.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a summer barbecue, this cobbler is always a crowd-pleaser.
Key Ingredients
- Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries add natural sweetness to the dessert. Frozen strawberries can also be used, but make sure to thaw and drain them before using.
- Rhubarb: Fresh rhubarb adds a tart, tangy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the strawberries.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens both the fruit filling and the cobbler topping. Adjust the amount of sugar to taste, depending on how sweet or tart you prefer the cobbler.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the fruit filling, preventing it from becoming too runny.
- Flour: Used to create the biscuit-like cobbler topping.
- Baking Powder: Helps the cobbler topping rise, making it light and fluffy.
- Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the cobbler topping, making it golden and crispy.
- Milk: Used in the cobbler topping to create a soft dough.
How to Make Strawberry Rhubarb Cobbler
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or an 8-inch square dish for a thicker cobbler.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of sliced strawberries and 2 cups of chopped rhubarb. Toss the fruit with 1/2 cup of sugar and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch until well coated. The sugar helps balance the tartness of the rhubarb, while the cornstarch thickens the juices as they cook.
Step 3: Make the Cobbler Topping
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Cut in 1/4 cup of cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in 1/2 cup of milk until a soft dough forms.
Step 4: Assemble the Cobbler
- Pour the strawberry and rhubarb mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cobbler dough on top of the fruit. It doesn’t have to be perfect – the dough will spread as it bakes.
Step 5: Bake the Cobbler
- Bake the cobbler in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbling around the edges. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, cover the cobbler loosely with aluminum foil.
Step 6: Let Cool and Serve
- Let the cobbler cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the perfect dessert!
Tips for the Best Strawberry Rhubarb Cobbler
- Use Fresh or Frozen Fruit: If using frozen strawberries or rhubarb, thaw and drain them well before using to prevent excess liquid in the cobbler.
- Adjust the Sugar: Rhubarb can be quite tart, so adjust the sugar to taste based on how sweet or tart you like your cobbler. You can add more sugar if you prefer a sweeter dessert.
- Keep the Butter Cold: For the best cobbler topping, make sure your butter is cold when mixing it into the flour. This creates a light, flaky topping as it melts during baking.
- Let It Rest: Allow the cobbler to cool slightly before serving to give the filling time to thicken.
- Serve with Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent dessert, serve your cobbler warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of heavy cream.
Recipe Variations
- Mixed Berry Cobbler: Swap the rhubarb for other berries like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a delicious mixed berry cobbler.
- Cinnamon Topping: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon to the cobbler topping for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Gluten-Free Cobbler: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Oatmeal Cobbler: Add 1/2 cup of rolled oats to the cobbler topping for extra texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this cobbler with just strawberries or rhubarb?
Yes! If you prefer, you can make this cobbler using just strawberries or just rhubarb. If using only rhubarb, you may want to increase the sugar slightly to balance the tartness.
2. Can I freeze strawberry rhubarb cobbler?
Yes, you can freeze the cobbler either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the cobbler, cover it tightly, and freeze. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time. If freezing after baking, let it cool completely before wrapping and freezing.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover cobbler in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
4. Can I make this cobbler in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and topping ahead of time, store them separately in the refrigerator, and assemble the cobbler just before baking.
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