Brenda Gantt Blackberry Cobbler is one of those sweet treats that instantly brings back warm memories of family gatherings and lazy summer afternoons. There’s something special about the way juicy blackberries blend with a soft, golden crust that makes this dessert a proper comfort food. Over the years, I’ve learned that making it just right takes a little love and some simple tricks.
If you’ve ever wondered how to bake the perfect cobbler that’s bursting with flavor, you’re in the right place—let’s dive in and make this classic recipe your new favorite! And if you love traditional Southern flavors, be sure to check out Brenda Gantt’s Buttermilk Biscuits to pair perfectly with your cobbler.
What’s So Special about Blackberry Cobbler?
Blackberry cobbler is more than just a dessert—it’s a warm hug in a bowl. Unlike pies, cobblers have a simple, rustic charm with their biscuit-like topping or cake-like crust that soaks up all the juicy berry goodness. The fresh, tart blackberries balance beautifully with a hint of lemon juice and just the right amount of sugar, creating layers of flavor that keep you coming back for more.
Whether you use fresh or frozen Brenda Gantt Blackberry Cobbler, this dish is surprisingly easy to make and perfect for any season. If you enjoy quick and delicious berry desserts, you might also love this Strawberry Cheesecake Cake —another simple, crowd-pleasing treat you can whip up in no time!
Ingredients for Brenda Gantt Blackberry Cobbler Recipe
You’ll need these simple ingredients to make Brenda Gantt Blackberry Cobbler:
- 1 block frozen blackberries (in water)
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 stick butter
- White Lily all-purpose flour (for dumplings)
- Shortening (about a bird’s egg)
- Whole buttermilk
- Extra butter (for topping)
- Sugar (for sprinkling crust)
Equipment and Tools for Brenda Gantt Blackberry Cobbler
To make Brenda Gantt Blackberry Cobbler, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools:
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- 8×8-inch baking dish
- Spoon or whisk
- Spatula
- Oven mitts
Cooking Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Baking time: 40–45 minutes
- Total time: About 1 hour
- Servings: 6 people
How to Make Brenda Gantt Blackberry Cobbler Recipe
Follow these simple steps to make your own comforting Brenda Gantt Blackberry Cobbler:
Step 1: Prepare the Blackberries: Place the frozen block of blackberries (with water) in a pot over low heat. Let it melt slowly. Once thawed, stir in 2 cups of sugar. Let it simmer gently until the berries are tender and the mixture has become syrupy.
Step 2: Make the Dumpling Dough: In a mixing bowl, add White Lily all-purpose flour. Cut in a scoop of shortening (about the size of a bird’s egg). Pour in buttermilk slowly and mix until you get a soft dough, just sticky enough to drop by spoonfuls.
Step 3: Assemble the Cobbler: Pour the hot blackberry mixture into your baking dish, then drop spoonfuls of the dough over the berries. Don’t worry about covering it completely—those gaps let the berry syrup bubble up!
Step 4: Add the Topping: Dot the top with small pieces of butter and sprinkle a little sugar across the dough. This gives the crust a golden, slightly crispy finish.
Step 5: Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cobbler for 40–45 minutes or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbly.
Step 6: Cool Slightly and Serve: Let the Brenda Gantt Blackberry Cobbler rest for 10–15 minutes after baking. This helps the filling set. Serve warm—preferably with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Love classic Southern desserts? Don’t miss this rich and buttery Southern Butter Cake —it’s another crowd-pleaser from the heart of the South!
Serving Ideas for Brenda Gantt Blackberry Cobbler Recipe
Brenda Gantt Blackberry Cobbler is a classic Southern comfort dessert that’s perfect warm or cold. It pairs wonderfully with many toppings and sides to suit every taste.
1. Serve with Ice Cream: This is the classic way Southern grandmas have been doing it for generations. The cold creaminess of vanilla ice cream melts right into the hot, bubbly cobbler, creating a dessert that’s equal parts comfort and indulgence.
2. Add Whipped Cream: Want something lighter than ice cream? A generous spoonful of homemade whipped cream adds airy sweetness, making each bite feel like a cloud. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for a warm finish.
3. Drizzle with Cold Cream: For a traditional old-school twist, pour a bit of cold cream right over the cobbler. It soaks into the crust and berries, lending a silky richness without overpowering the fruit’s flavor.
4. Pair with Sweet Tea or Fresh Coffee: Nothing says Southern kitchen like a warm dessert with a tall glass of sweet iced tea or a strong cup of black coffee. It’s the perfect balance of bold and sweet—ideal for front porch sittin’ or family gatherings.
5. Mini Mason jar Servings: Hosting a party or potluck? Spoon the cobbler into small mason jars, top with whipped cream, and you’ve got an adorable, easy-to-serve treat that’s guaranteed to impress.
6. Try with Butter Pecan Ice Cream: Add a nutty, buttery twist by pairing your cobbler with butter pecan ice cream. The richness of the pecans complements the tart blackberries beautifully, especially when paired with Butter Pie Jeff Ruby on the side.
7. Pair with Salad: After enjoying a simple lunch like Calvin’s Bocage Chicken Salad, this cobbler makes a cozy and satisfying dessert. It’s a great way to add a homemade touch without going overboard.
8. Crunch with Pecans: Sprinkle toasted pecans, crushed graham crackers, or vanilla wafer crumbs on top for a delightful crunch. It adds texture and makes each bite feel even more special.
9. Enjoy as a Breakfast Treat: Leftovers? Don’t let them go to waste! Warm a serving of cobbler and enjoy it with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a splash of warm milk in the morning. It’s like fruit-filled breakfast heaven.
10. Pineapple Juice Cake Dessert Table: Hosting a get-together? Set up a Southern dessert table with your Brenda Gantt Blackberry Cobbler and this moist, golden Pineapple Juice Cake. The mix of sweet-tart blackberry and tropical pineapple flavors offers something for everyone.
Cookupp Tips on Brenda Gantt Blackberry Cobbler Recipe
The Cookupp community loves sharing simple, practical tips to help you make the best Brenda Gantt Blackberry Cobbler every time. Here are five top tips from experienced home cooks to improve your baking and flavor:
1. Choose Fresh or Properly Thawed Blackberries
Fresh blackberries offer the best texture and flavor, especially during peak season. If you’re using frozen berries, let them thaw completely and drain any excess liquid. This step helps prevent a watery filling that can make your cobbler soggy.
2. Tailor the Sugar to Your Taste
The amount of sugar can be adjusted depending on your preference and the sweetness of your berries. Many home cooks suggest starting with less sugar mixed into the filling, then sprinkling some sugar on top of the dough before baking to create a crispy, sweet crust without overpowering the fruit.
3. Use Cornstarch or Flour to Thicken the Filling
Tossing the blackberries with a small amount of cornstarch or flour before baking helps thicken the juices as the cobbler bakes. This keeps the filling syrupy and luscious but prevents it from being too runny or watery.
4. Mix the Dough Gently and Just Enough
Overmixing the dumpling dough can result in a tough, dense topping. Mix the ingredients until just combined for a tender, light crust that melts in your mouth with each bite.
5. Watch for the Perfect Bake
Baking your Brenda Gantt Blackberry Cobbler until the crust turns golden brown and the filling bubbles at the edges is the best indicator that it’s done. Keep an eye on it towards the end of baking to prevent overcooking or drying out.
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Brenda Gantt Blackberry Cobbler
Brenda Gantt’s Blackberry Cobbler is just as delicious the next day, and knowing how to store and reheat it correctly can help keep that fresh-baked flavor and texture intact.
Storing
- Allow the cobbler to cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For extended storage, freeze the cobbler in individual portions, wrapped well with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or in freezer-safe containers, for up to 2 months.
Reheating
- To reheat refrigerated Brenda Gantt Blackberry Cobbler, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish loosely with foil to prevent it from drying out, and warm for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
- If reheating frozen cobbler, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight first, then warm it as above.
- For a quick option, microwave individual servings for 30-60 seconds, but be careful not to overheat, which can dry out the topping.
- Serve warm, ideally with your favorite ice cream or whipped cream, to enjoy it just like fresh.
Recommended
Brenda Gantt Blackberry Cobbler Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring cups
- 8×8-inch baking dish
- Spoon or whisk
- Spatula
- Oven mitts
Ingredients
- 1 block frozen blackberries in water
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 stick butter
- White Lily all-purpose flour for dumplings
- Shortening about a bird’s egg
- Whole buttermilk
- Extra butter for topping
- Sugar (for sprinkling crust
Instructions
- Prepare the Blackberries: Place the frozen block of blackberries (with water) in a pot over low heat. Let it melt slowly. Once thawed, stir in 2 cups of sugar. Let it simmer gently until the berries are tender and the mixture has become syrupy.
- Make the Dumpling Dough: In a mixing bowl, add White Lily all-purpose flour. Cut in a scoop of shortening (about the size of a bird’s egg). Pour in buttermilk slowly and mix until you get a soft dough, just sticky enough to drop by spoonfuls.
- Assemble the Cobbler: Pour the hot blackberry mixture into your baking dish, then drop spoonfuls of the dough over the berries. Don’t worry about covering it completely—those gaps let the berry syrup bubble up!
- Add the Topping: Dot the top with small pieces of butter and sprinkle a little sugar across the dough. This gives the crust a golden, slightly crispy finish.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cobbler for 40–45 minutes or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool Slightly and Serve: Let the Brenda Gantt Blackberry Cobbler rest for 10–15 minutes after baking. This helps the filling set. Serve warm—preferably with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Video
FAQs on Brenda Gantt Blackberry Cobbler Recipe
Do you have questions about making the perfect Brenda Gantt Blackberry Cobbler? Here are some of the most common queries answered to help you bake with confidence and enjoy every bite of this classic Southern dessert.
Why is my blackberry cobbler watery?
Watery cobbler often happens when berries release too much juice or the filling isn’t thickened properly. To fix this, toss berries with cornstarch or flour before baking and drain thawed frozen berries to reduce excess liquid for a thicker, more luscious filling.
What is a blackberry cobbler?
A Brenda Gantt Blackberry Cobbler is a classic Southern dessert made by baking sweetened blackberries topped with a biscuit-like or dumpling crust. The warm, juicy fruit pairs with a soft, golden topping, creating a comforting and rustic dish that is loved for its simplicity and rich flavors.
Can you use frozen blackberries for a cobbler?
Yes, frozen Brenda Gantt Blackberry Cobbler is a great substitute when fresh berries aren’t available. It’s important to thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before use to prevent a watery filling. This ensures the cobbler’s texture remains thick and the flavors stay concentrated.
How many blackberries do you need for a cobbler?
For an 8×8-inch baking dish, about 4 to 5 cups of fresh or thawed blackberries are ideal. This amount balances the filling perfectly with the dough topping, resulting in a juicy yet not overly wet cobbler with plenty of berry flavor in every bite.
Why put lemon juice in blackberry cobbler?
Lemon juice adds brightness and a subtle tartness that enhances the natural flavour of the blackberries. It also balances the sweetness of the sugar and helps maintain the vibrant color of the fruit during baking, making the cobbler taste fresher and livelier.
How do you thicken cobbler filling?
To thicken the filling, toss blackberries with cornstarch, all-purpose flour, or tapioca starch before baking. These thickeners absorb excess juice as the cobbler cooks, resulting in a rich, syrupy filling that holds together nicely, rather than being runny or watery.
How much sugar is needed for blackberry pie?
Typically, recipes call for about ¾ to 1 cup of sugar for every 4 cups of blackberries. You can adjust this amount depending on the natural sweetness of your berries and personal preference, ensuring the filling is sweet but not overpowering.
How do you prepare blackberries for baking?
Rinse fresh blackberries gently under cold water and pat them dry to avoid extra moisture. For frozen berries, fully thaw and drain any excess liquid before use. Proper preparation prevents a watery filling and helps achieve the perfect cobbler texture.
What is the old name of cobbler?
The name cobbler comes from early American cooking and refers to a simple dessert made by cobbling or roughly placing biscuit-like dough over stewed fruit. The name likely comes from the resemblance to cobblestone streets, where uneven stones are laid closely together.
Do I need to thaw blackberries before baking?
Yes, thawing frozen blackberries before baking is important to remove excess moisture and ensure even cooking. Thawed berries allow you to drain extra juice, preventing a soggy cobbler and helping the dough topping bake properly with a golden, tender crust.
Conclusion
Brenda Gantt Blackberry Cobbler is a timeless Southern dessert that combines the tartness of fresh blackberries with a warm, buttery crust. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and yields a comforting treat that’s perfect for any occasion. For another delightful dessert to try, consider the Kentucky Butter Cake. This moist, flavorful cake is complemented by a rich caramel glaze, offering a sweet finish to any meal.
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So easy and delicious! Tastes just like Grandma’s.
Thanks, Sarah! So glad it brought back sweet memories!
Used frozen berries—still amazing. My family loved it!
Frozen works great! Thanks for trying it, Linda!
Best cobbler ever. My kids devoured it!
Yay! Happy your family enjoyed it, Jessica!