Description
A simple and delicious homemade apricot cobbler featuring juicy, sweet-tart apricots under a tender, golden biscuit-style topping. Perfect easy summer dessert! Learn how to make it with fresh, canned, or frozen apricots.
Ingredients
For the Apricot Filling:
- 6-8 cups fresh apricots (pitted & sliced (approx 1/2-inch thick))
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (up to 3/4 cup, adjust to apricot sweetness)
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch (or 4 tbsp all-purpose flour for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- pinch ground nutmeg (or cardamom, optional)
For the Cobbler Topping:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter (cut into small cubes)
- 2/3 cup milk (whole milk or buttermilk recommended)
- 1-2 tablespoons coarse sugar (turbinado or sanding sugar, for sprinkling – optional)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish (or similar 3-quart capacity).
- Make Filling: In a large bowl, gently toss sliced apricots with sugar, cornstarch (or flour), lemon juice, vanilla, and spices until evenly coated. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Make Topping Dry Mix: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender, forks, or fingertips to cut the butter in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces remaining. Work quickly to keep butter cold.
- Add Milk: Pour in the milk (or buttermilk). Stir just until the dry ingredients are moistened. Do NOT overmix; the dough should be thick and slightly shaggy.
- Assemble Cobbler: Drop spoonfuls of the topping batter evenly over the apricot filling. Leave some gaps for steam to escape.
- Add Sparkle (Optional): Sprinkle the top of the batter evenly with coarse sugar, if using.
- Bake: Place the baking dish on a baking sheet (to catch drips). Bake in the preheated oven for 40-55 minutes. The filling should be bubbling vigorously around the edges, and the topping should be puffed, golden brown, and cooked through (a toothpick inserted into the center of a biscuit should come out clean).
- Cool: Remove from oven and let the cobbler cool on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to thicken.
Notes
Apricot Options: See article for detailed tips on using canned (drain well, may need less sugar) or frozen (use from frozen, may need extra cornstarch & bake time) apricots. Fresh is recommended for best flavour.
Topping Texture: Avoid overmixing the topping batter for the most tender result.
Prevent Soggy Bottom: Ensure adequate thickener (cornstarch/flour), bake until bubbly, and cool sufficiently before serving.
Serving Suggestions: Delicious warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Storage: Cool completely, then cover tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American