Marionberry Cobbler
A quintessential Pacific Northwest dessert, this Marionberry Cobbler features a jammy, tart berry filling bubbling beneath a golden, tender biscuit topping. It's the perfect celebration of summer, best served warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream to melt into the sweet-tart juices.
For 8 servings
7 steps. 40 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)
- a.Lightly butter a 9x9-inch baking dish or a similar 2-quart casserole dish.
- 2
In a large bowl, prepare the berry filling
- a.Combine the marionberries, 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Toss gently until the berries are evenly coated. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- 3
In a separate medium bowl, prepare the dry ingredients for the topping
- a.Whisk together the all-purpose flour, the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, baking powder, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
- 4
Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture
- a.Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter still visible.
- 5
Pour the cold buttermilk into the flour and butter mixture
- a.Use a fork to stir just until a shaggy, soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; a few dry spots are perfectly fine.
- 6
Assemble and bake the cobbler
- a.Drop large spoonfuls of the biscuit dough over the berry filling, leaving some space between them for the filling to bubble up. Sprinkle the coarse sugar evenly over the dough. Place the dish on a foil-lined baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- 7
Step 7
- a.Remove the cobbler from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before serving. This crucial step allows the filling to set and thicken. Serve warm, topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use very cold butter and buttermilk for the flakiest, most tender biscuit topping.
- 2Avoid overworking the biscuit dough. Mix just until combined to prevent a tough, dense topping.
- 3If using frozen berries, do not thaw them first. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
- 4Placing the baking dish on a baking sheet is a must! It will catch any bubbly filling that might spill over and save you from cleaning your oven.
- 5Letting the cobbler rest for at least 30 minutes after baking is essential. This allows the cornstarch to fully thicken the berry juices.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spiced Berry
Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg to the berry filling for a warm, spiced flavor.
Mixed BerryMixed Berry
Substitute half of the marionberries with other berries like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries.
Citrus Zest ToppingCitrus Zest Topping
Add 1 tablespoon of lemon or orange zest to the dry ingredients for the biscuit topping for a brighter flavor.
Gluten FreeGluten-Free
Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidants
Marionberries are packed with anthocyanins and other antioxidants, which help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Good Source of Fiber
The berries provide dietary fiber, which is essential for digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and promotes a feeling of fullness.
Vitamin C Boost
Marionberries are an excellent source of Vitamin C, a crucial nutrient for a healthy immune system, skin health, and collagen production.
Frequently asked questions
Marionberries are a specific type of blackberry native to Oregon. If you can't find them, you can substitute them with regular blackberries or a mix of blackberries and raspberries for a similar sweet-tart flavor profile.