This strawberry cobbler is a warm, comforting dessert that brings together a jammy strawberry filling and soft, tender biscuit topping. It tastes like a cozy cross between strawberry shortcake and a classic fruit cobbler, making it perfect for both casual family dinners and special gatherings. Whether you use fresh or frozen strawberries, the result is rich, fragrant, and irresistibly satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe delivers consistent results thanks to a simple but effective technique: pre-cooking the fruit filling. That step ensures the strawberries become perfectly soft and thick before the biscuit topping is added. The biscuit dough itself is easy to make, requiring no rolling or cutting, and bakes up light and fluffy every time. The flavors are balanced, not overly sweet, and the cobbler pairs beautifully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the strawberry filling
6 cups whole fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
1/4 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the biscuit topping
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup white sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup cold buttermilk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly coat a 9×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and place it on a larger sheet pan to catch any bubbling juices.
In a large bowl, combine the quartered strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch. Stir well to evenly coat the fruit, then spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 15 minutes, until the strawberries begin to soften and release their juices.
While the filling bakes, prepare the biscuit topping. In a mixing bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Melt the butter until hot, either in the microwave or on the stovetop. Immediately stir the cold buttermilk and vanilla extract into the hot butter. The mixture may look slightly curdled, which is expected and helps create tender biscuits.
Pour the butter and buttermilk mixture over the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined, stopping as soon as no dry flour remains.
Remove the partially baked strawberry filling from the oven. Lightly grease a 1/4-cup measuring cup and use it to scoop portions of biscuit dough, dropping them evenly over the hot fruit.
Return the dish to the oven and bake for 28 to 32 minutes, until the filling is thick and bubbling and the biscuits are fully cooked through.
Let the cobbler cool for about 10 minutes before serving so the filling can set slightly.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
Preparation time is about 15 minutes.
Baking time is about 45 minutes total.
Total time from start to finish is approximately 1 hour.
Variations
You can substitute part of the strawberries with blueberries or raspberries for a mixed-berry cobbler. For extra topping, double the biscuit ingredients and add about 5 minutes to the final baking time. If using frozen strawberries, add an extra 5 to 6 minutes to the initial fruit baking step to allow excess moisture to cook off.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover cobbler covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the oven at 325°F until heated through, or microwave briefly until warm. The biscuit topping is best reheated in the oven to maintain its texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen strawberries work well. Use them straight from the freezer and extend the initial baking time slightly.
Do I need to defrost frozen strawberries first?
No, defrosting is not necessary and may make the filling too watery.
Why pre-cook the strawberry filling?
Pre-cooking thickens the fruit and ensures the biscuits bake properly without sinking into raw filling.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can make a substitute by mixing 1/2 cup milk with 2 teaspoons lemon juice or white vinegar and chilling it well.
Can I make this cobbler ahead of time?
It is best enjoyed fresh, but you can bake it a few hours ahead and gently reheat before serving.
What size baking dish should I use?
A 9×9-inch dish works well, but any dish with a similar volume will be fine.
How do I know when the biscuits are done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of a biscuit; it should come out clean.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, you can slightly reduce the sugar, but the balance of sweetness and texture may change.
What should I serve with strawberry cobbler?
It pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or enjoyed on its own.
Why does my biscuit topping look uneven?
Drop biscuits are rustic by nature, and uneven shapes are normal and part of their charm.
Conclusion
Strawberry cobbler is a timeless dessert that celebrates the natural sweetness of strawberries in the simplest, most comforting way. With its jammy fruit base and fluffy biscuit topping, this recipe is easy to make, reliable, and always crowd-pleasing. It’s the kind of dessert that feels familiar yet special, perfect for sharing and savoring any time of year.
