Strawberry Cream Cheese Cobbler
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
The Strawberry Cream Cheese Cobbler is a divine dessert featuring a rich blend of juicy strawberries and creamy cream cheese under a golden, flaky crust. This delectable treat combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with the smooth tang of cream cheese, creating a mouthwatering harmony of flavors. Perfect for any occasion, it’s an easy-to-make dessert that’s sure to impress with its comforting warmth and elegant simplicity. Each bite offers a burst of fruity flavor complemented by a creamy texture, making it an irresistible addition to your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 quart whole strawberries, washed, capped, and quartered
- 2 ounces cream cheese, cut into small pieces
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Melt butter and pour into a 10″ cast iron skillet.
- In a small bowl, mix together the egg, milk, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Pour directly over the butter in the skillet, but do not stir.
- Add the strawberries, arranging in a single layer as much as possible. Sprinkle cream cheese pieces over strawberries.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and edges are bubbling. The crust will rise up and around the fruit, though some of the fruit will still peak out of the top.
Notes
- Proper Fruit Preparation is Key: Ensuring your strawberries are properly washed, capped, and quartered before use not only affects the aesthetic appeal of your cobbler but also its flavor and texture. Larger pieces of strawberry might not cook through evenly, while too small pieces can become too mushy during baking. Taking the time to prepare your strawberries correctly will result in a more visually appealing and delicious cobbler.
- Oven Temperature Accuracy: An oven that is not accurately calibrated can greatly affect the outcome of your cobbler. If the oven temperature is too high, the crust might brown too quickly while leaving the interior undercooked. Conversely, if the oven temperature is too low, the cobbler might not achieve the desired golden-brown crust and could be too liquidy. It’s worthwhile to use an oven thermometer to check your oven’s accuracy and ensure it’s preheated to the correct temperature before baking.
- Letting the Cobbler Rest: While it might be tempting to dive into your freshly baked cobbler right out of the oven, allowing it to rest for a short period is crucial. This resting period lets the cobbler set, making it easier to serve and ensuring the flavors have time to meld together. A rest of about 10-15 minutes should suffice, allowing you to serve the cobbler warm with its intended texture and taste fully developed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 servings
- Calories: 320 kcal
Keywords: Strawberry, Cream Cheese, Cobbler,
Indulging in the Strawberry Cream Cheese Cobbler is like taking a delightful journey through layers of taste and texture. The soft, juicy strawberries pair perfectly with the rich cream cheese, all tucked beneath a golden, buttery crust that crisps beautifully in the oven. This cobbler is a celebration of simplicity and flavor, embodying the joy of homemade desserts.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, this recipe promises a rewarding experience. The process is straightforward, yet the outcome is nothing short of spectacular—a testament to the magic that happens when fresh ingredients meet passion and warmth from the oven. It’s an ideal dessert for any occasion, offering a comforting sweetness that brings people together.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Strawberry Cream Cheese Cobbler
Selecting and Preparing Your Ingredients
Choosing Strawberries: Look for ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor. If they’re in season locally, that’s even better. Ripe strawberries will add a natural sweetness and vibrant color to your cobbler.
Butter Tips: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the amount of salt in your recipe better. If you’re using salted butter, you might want to slightly reduce the additional salt called for in the recipe.
Cream Cheese Chunks: Cut your cream cheese into small, evenly sized pieces. This ensures that every bite has a delicious hint of creaminess. If the cream cheese is too soft to cut, place it in the freezer for about 10-15 minutes to firm up before cutting.
Not Stirring the Batter: It might be tempting to stir the batter once you pour it over the butter in the skillet, but resist the urge. The layering of ingredients as directed is what helps create the delightful texture of the cobbler.
Baking and Serving Strawberry Cream Cheese Cobbler
Baking Time: Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking your cobbler at the 40-minute mark to prevent over-baking. The cobbler is done when the top is golden brown, and the edges are bubbling. Using a toothpick, you can check if the center is set.
Serving Suggestions: This cobbler is delicious both warm and at room temperature. For an extra indulgent treat, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Storing Leftovers: If you have any cobbler leftover, it can be covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving to enjoy it as if it’s fresh out of the oven.
Adjusting Sweetness: Depending on your taste and the sweetness of your strawberries, you might want to adjust the amount of sugar. Start with a little less than the recipe calls for, taste your strawberries, and adjust accordingly.
Making It Ahead: You can prepare the batter and the strawberries ahead of time, storing them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake just before you’re ready to serve to enjoy the cobbler at its best.
Adding Flavors: Feel free to experiment with adding a little zest from a lemon or orange to the batter for an extra layer of flavor. A dash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon can also enhance the overall taste of your cobbler.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a Strawberry Cream Cheese Cobbler that’s sure to impress and delight anyone who tries it.
Strawberry Cream Cheese Cobbler: Essential FAQs
Navigating Common Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are not available. There’s no need to thaw them before use; however, you may need to extend the baking time slightly as frozen strawberries will release more moisture.
How do I prevent the bottom from getting too soggy?
The key to preventing a soggy bottom is ensuring your oven is properly preheated before baking. Also, make sure to use a cast iron skillet or a baking dish that conducts heat well. This ensures a more even bake and helps the bottom crust to cook thoroughly.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Look for one that’s meant for a 1:1 replacement to ensure the texture remains as close to the original recipe as possible.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
For a dairy-free version, replace the butter with a plant-based butter alternative and use dairy-free cream cheese. There are several good brands available that mimic the texture and taste of traditional dairy products.
Can I add other fruits to this cobbler?
Yes, feel free to add or substitute other fruits based on your preferences or what’s in season. Blueberries, raspberries, or peaches can complement the strawberries well. Just keep the total quantity of fruit consistent with the recipe to ensure the cobbler sets properly.
Advanced Tips and Tricks
How do I know when the cobbler is perfectly baked?
The cobbler is done when the top is golden brown, and the edges are bubbling. You can insert a toothpick into the center of the cobbler; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs (but no wet batter), it’s ready.
Can I make this cobbler in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the cobbler ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. However, it’s best baked fresh to enjoy the crisp crust. If you do make it ahead, allow it to come to room temperature before baking, or add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it goes into the oven cold.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cobbler covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave until warm throughout.
Can this cobbler be frozen?
It is possible to freeze the baked cobbler for up to a month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven to serve.
What’s the best way to serve this cobbler?
This cobbler tastes great whether served warm or at room temperature. For an extra treat, top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream right before serving.
These FAQs should help you navigate any uncertainties you might have about making the Strawberry Cream Cheese Cobbler, ensuring you end up with a delicious dessert every time.
Mastering the Perfect Cobbler
To wrap up, mastering the Strawberry Cream Cheese Cobbler transforms a simple dessert into an unforgettable experience. Through selecting ripe strawberries, using unsalted butter for better flavor control, cutting cream cheese into small chunks, layering ingredients without stirring, and carefully monitoring the baking time, you ensure a delightful result. Additionally, serving this cobbler warm or at room temperature, possibly accompanied by vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, elevates the dessert to new heights. Proper storage, adjusting sweetness to taste, preparing components in advance, and experimenting with added flavors like citrus zest or vanilla extract all contribute to perfecting this cobbler. Embrace these tips to create a Strawberry Cream Cheese Cobbler that impresses and delights with every bite.
