Old Fashioned Blackberry Cobbler – A Sweet Slice of Southern Nostalgia

If summer had a taste, it would be the deep, jammy sweetness of Old Fashioned Blackberry Cobbler. Bursting with plump, juicy blackberries tucked beneath a buttery golden crust, this dessert brings back the warmth of family gatherings, Sunday dinners, and porch-side evenings with a spoon in hand. There’s something timeless about it — the simplicity of flour, sugar, butter, and berries baked into a bubbling masterpiece that perfumes the whole house.

This recipe captures that old-fashioned charm but keeps things approachable for modern home bakers. You don’t need fancy tools or pastry skills — just a handful of pantry ingredients and a few fresh (or frozen) blackberries. The result? A cobbler that’s crisp on top, tender in the middle, and jammy underneath — a perfect harmony of textures that’s comforting and nostalgic all at once.

Whether you’re serving it warm with vanilla ice cream, enjoying it cold from the fridge, or sneaking a spoonful straight from the pan, this blackberry cobbler never disappoints. Let’s dive into how to make it just like Grandma used to.

Why You’ll Love This Blackberry Cobbler

• True Southern Classic: A time-honored dessert that feels like a hug in every bite.
• Foolproof and Forgiving: No pie crusts or complicated folding — just layer, pour, and bake.
• Versatile: Works beautifully with fresh or frozen berries.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From backyard barbecues to Sunday suppers, it fits every table.
• That Old-Fashioned Flavor: Buttery crust meets tangy-sweet blackberries for the perfect balance.

Ingredients for Old Fashioned Blackberry Cobbler

For the Blackberry Filling

• 5 cups fresh or frozen blackberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening)

For the Cobbler Batter

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)

Optional Garnish

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream
• Extra fresh blackberries for serving

Instructions: How to Make Old Fashioned Blackberry Cobbler

1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place your baking dish (a 9×9-inch pan works perfectly) in the oven with the ½ cup of butter to melt as the oven heats. This step infuses the pan with buttery richness.

2. Mix the Blackberry Filling
In a large bowl, combine blackberries, sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and cornstarch. Toss gently until all berries are coated. Let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes while the butter melts — the sugar will start to draw out the berries’ natural juices.

3. Make the Batter
In another bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk until smooth — the batter will be pourable, almost like pancake batter.

4. Assemble the Cobbler
Once the butter is melted, carefully remove the pan from the oven. Pour the batter directly over the melted butter — do not stir. Then spoon the blackberry mixture evenly over the batter. As it bakes, the batter rises up around the berries, creating that signature cobbler look and texture.

5. Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and the berry filling is bubbling up around the edges. If using frozen berries, add an extra 5 minutes of baking time.

6. Cool and Serve
Allow the cobbler to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving — the filling will thicken as it rests. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for that classic Southern touch.

Old Fashioned Blackberry Cobbler

A classic Southern dessert featuring juicy blackberries baked under a golden buttery crust — simple, nostalgic, and utterly delicious.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 8 slices

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American, Southern

Calories: 280

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Blackberry Filling

• 5 cups blackberries fresh or frozen
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp cornstarch for thickening

Cobbler Batter

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 0.25 tsp salt
• 1 cup milk whole or 2%
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• 9×9-inch baking dish
• Whisk
• Wooden spoon

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Add butter to baking dish and place in oven to melt.
2. Combine blackberries, sugar, lemon juice, vanilla, and cornstarch in a bowl. Toss to coat.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add milk and mix until smooth.
4. Pour batter over melted butter without stirring. Spoon blackberry mixture evenly on top.
5. Bake 45–50 minutes until golden and bubbly. Cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream. Leftovers can be stored covered for 2–3 days.

Tips for the Best Blackberry Cobbler

1. Use ripe berries. The sweeter your blackberries, the better the cobbler. If they’re a bit tart, simply add another tablespoon of sugar.
2. Don’t stir the layers. The beauty of cobbler comes from the batter rising around the fruit, not mixing with it.
3. Add a pinch of spice. For a cozy twist, stir a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter.
4. For extra crisp edges: Sprinkle a teaspoon of sugar on top before baking.
5. Let it rest. This cobbler thickens as it cools, so resist the temptation to dig in right away (if you can!).

Variations to Try

• Mixed Berry Cobbler: Combine blackberries with blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries.
• Peach & Blackberry Cobbler: The juicy sweetness of peaches pairs perfectly with the tart blackberries.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour.
• Buttermilk Batter: Swap the milk for buttermilk for a tangy, richer crust.
• Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the batter before baking for an extra golden crust.

Serving Suggestions

Old Fashioned Blackberry Cobbler is delightful on its own, but here are some ways to elevate it:

• With Vanilla Ice Cream: The contrast between warm cobbler and cold, creamy ice cream is irresistible.
• With Whipped Cream: Light and airy — perfect if you want something less rich.
• With Lemon Curd: Adds a tangy brightness that complements the blackberries beautifully.
• For Breakfast (yes, really!): Enjoy it chilled with Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of granola.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Make-Ahead: Prepare the blackberry mixture up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, just mix the batter and assemble.
• Storage: Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5.
• Reheating: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 20–30 seconds, or reheat the whole cobbler in the oven at 300°F for 10–15 minutes.
• Freezing: Cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Fun Fact: Why It’s Called “Cobbler”

The term “cobbler” comes from the old English practice of “cobbling together” leftover ingredients to create a dessert. Unlike pies, cobblers use a simple batter or biscuit topping poured over fruit, resulting in a rustic, uneven surface that looks “cobbled” — hence the name! Early American settlers often made them in cast-iron skillets over open fires, making cobblers one of the most enduring and beloved desserts in the South.

Final Thoughts

This Old Fashioned Blackberry Cobbler is more than just a dessert — it’s a piece of heritage baked into every golden spoonful. With its bubbling blackberry filling, buttery crust, and nostalgic aroma, it’s everything you love about homemade comfort food. Whether you serve it at a summer picnic, a Sunday family dinner, or a cozy winter night by the fire, this cobbler never fails to delight.

So go ahead — grab your berries, your favorite baking dish, and your sweet tooth. There’s an old-fashioned dessert waiting to make your kitchen smell like home.