Brenda Gantt Blackberry Cobbler Recipe
This old-fashioned blackberry cobbler is a Southern classic straight from Brenda Gantt’s beloved kitchen. Made with fresh or frozen blackberries, a buttery golden crust, and just the right touch of sugar, it’s simple, comforting, and bursting with juicy flavor. Perfect served warm with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of cream, this recipe brings nostalgic charm and homemade goodness to every bite. Whether you're baking for family gatherings or just craving something sweet, this cobbler never disappoints.
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!