Best Strawberry Cobbler Recipe | Simple Homemade Dessert

If you’re looking for the best easy strawberry cobbler recipe, you’ve found it! This classic homemade dessert is made with fresh strawberries and a soft, buttery topping that bakes to golden perfection. Whether it’s spring, summer, or anytime you’re craving a fruity treat, this strawberry cobbler is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s simple to make with everyday ingredients and tastes amazing served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Cobbler

• Simple, Everyday Ingredients – You don’t need anything fancy to make this strawberry cobbler, just basic pantry staples and fresh strawberries. It’s a great way to use up ripe berries during strawberry season. The ingredients come together quickly with no complicated steps. It’s the perfect dessert for beginner bakers!

• Sweet, Juicy Strawberry Filling – The cooked strawberry filling is thick, jammy, and bursting with natural sweetness. As it bakes, the strawberries release their juices and blend beautifully with the sugar and cornstarch. Every bite is filled with warm, fruity goodness. It tastes like a scoop of summer in every spoonful.

• Golden Biscuit-Style Topping – The soft, buttery topping bakes to a golden brown and adds the perfect contrast to the sweet filling. It’s tender on the inside with a slightly crisp edge on top. This biscuit-like topping is so easy to mix and drop over the fruit, no rolling or shaping required. It makes the cobbler feel rustic and homemade in the best way.

• Perfect for Serving a Crowd – This cobbler makes 8 servings, so it’s ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or backyard barbecues. You can even double the recipe for a larger baking dish if needed. Serve it right out of the oven for that cozy, comforting feel. Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable finish.

• Great Use for Fresh or Frozen Strawberries – While fresh strawberries are ideal, you can use frozen ones if that’s what you have on hand. Just thaw and drain before using, and the result will still be delicious. It’s a flexible recipe that adapts to what’s in your kitchen. No need to wait for the perfect batch of berries to enjoy this dessert!

Ingredients For Strawberry Cobbler

• White Sugar – Sweetens both the filling and the topping, bringing out the natural flavor of the strawberries.

• Cornstarch – Thickens the strawberry filling so it’s rich and jammy.

• Water – Helps cook and soften the strawberries into a luscious sauce (use less for a thicker filling).

• Fresh Strawberries – The star of the recipe! Choose ripe, juicy berries for the best flavor.

• Butter – Adds richness and helps the topping bake into a golden, tender crust.

• All-Purpose Flour – Forms the base of the biscuit-style topping.

• Baking Powder – Helps the topping rise and become fluffy.

• Salt – Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

• Heavy Whipping Cream – Binds the topping ingredients together and adds a soft, creamy texture.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Strawberry Cobbler

• Measuring Cups and Spoons – For accurate measurements of all ingredients.

• Medium Saucepan – Used to cook the strawberry filling until thick and bubbly.

• Mixing Bowls – Great for mixing the dry ingredients and preparing the topping dough.

• Silicone Spatula – Ideal for stirring the filling and spreading the topping.

• Pastry Blender or Forks – Used to cut butter into the flour mixture for a crumbly texture.

• 2-Quart Baking Dish – The perfect size for baking the cobbler evenly.

• Oven Mitts – Always important for safely handling the hot baking dish.

How To Make Strawberry Cobbler

• Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and greasing your baking dish so nothing sticks.

• In a saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch, and water, then stir until it thickens into a glossy sauce.

• Add in your sliced strawberries, give it a gentle stir, and pour the mixture into your baking dish.

• Drop small pieces of butter over the strawberry filling to give it extra richness as it bakes.

• In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients, then use a fork or pastry cutter to blend in the butter until crumbly.

• Pour in the cream and stir until you get a soft, sticky dough that holds together.

• Spoon the dough over the strawberry layer, spreading slightly with a spatula for an even top.

• Bake until the cobbler topping is beautifully golden and the berry filling is bubbling around the edges.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a scoop of chocolate banana ice cream for the ultimate dessert combo, cold and creamy meets warm and fruity.

• Top with fluffy vanilla whipped cream and a few extra sliced strawberries for a pretty presentation.

• For a brunch twist, serve it alongside creamy Greek yogurt or a dollop of mascarpone cheese.

• Sprinkle with powdered sugar right before serving for a simple, elegant finish.

• Enjoy it cold the next day as a sweet breakfast treat with your morning black coffee or lemon tea.

Tips For Success

• One of the most important tips is to use ripe, juicy strawberries. The sweetness and natural flavor of fresh berries really shine in this dessert. If your strawberries aren’t very sweet, you can add an extra tablespoon of sugar to the filling. On the other hand, if they’re super sweet, you can slightly reduce the sugar for balance.
• When making the filling, be sure to stir constantly while cooking the sugar, cornstarch, and water mixture. This helps prevent lumps and ensures the sauce thickens evenly. Once it’s thick and hot, adding the strawberries right away helps them soften without turning mushy. Don’t overcook the strawberries, they’ll continue to cook in the oven.
• The biscuit-style topping is best when it’s just mixed. Don’t overwork the dough, stir until everything is just combined. Overmixing can make the topping tough instead of soft and tender. Use a spatula to gently spread the dough over the filling without pressing too hard.
• To check for doneness, look for a golden brown topping and bubbling fruit around the edges of the baking dish. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil during the last 5 minutes. Let the cobbler cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. This helps the filling set up and keeps it from being too runny.
• Finally, don’t skip greasing your baking dish! It keeps cleanup easy and prevents the delicious filling from sticking to the sides. And remember, this dessert is very forgiving. Even if it looks rustic, it will still taste amazing!

Variations And Substitutions

• If you’re out of fresh strawberries or want to make this recipe when they’re not in season, frozen strawberries work just fine. Just thaw them first and drain any extra liquid to avoid a watery filling. You could also mix in other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a delicious mixed berry cobbler. Peaches or rhubarb are great options too, just make sure to adjust the sugar depending on the tartness of the fruit.
• Want to make this dessert a little lighter? You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream in the topping. It will still be soft and tasty, but just a little less rich. For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based butter and dairy-free milk or cream alternative. Almond milk or oat milk with a splash of lemon juice makes a great option for replacing heavy cream.
• If you’re following a gluten-free diet, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the baking powder you’re using is also gluten-free. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still be absolutely delicious. You can also experiment with almond flour or oat flour, but those might require a few extra tweaks.
• Prefer individual servings? Divide the strawberry mixture and topping into ramekins for personal cobblers. They bake a little faster and are super cute for serving guests. You can even make the topping ahead of time and freeze it for a quick dessert later on.
• To add more flavor to the topping, mix in a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract. Or stir in a few chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for crunch. You can also add lemon zest to the filling for a bright, citrusy twist that complements the berries beautifully.
• No matter how you change it, this cobbler is super versatile and always turns out delicious!

Storage and Reheating

• Let the cobbler cool completely before storing. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil, or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
• To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave for about 30–45 seconds, or until warmed through. For larger portions, reheat the cobbler in the oven at 350°F for approximately 10–15 minutes. This helps the topping stay crisp while warming the filling.
• If you’d like to freeze the cobbler, let it cool fully and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or use a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven for the best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, frozen strawberries work great in this recipe! Just make sure to thaw them first and drain off any excess liquid to prevent the filling from becoming too runny. Frozen berries may release more juice than fresh ones, so you might also want to use a little less water when making the filling. The taste will still be delicious, and it’s a great option when fresh strawberries aren’t in season.

What’s the difference between a cobbler and a crisp?

A cobbler typically has a biscuit-style or cake-like topping, while a crisp has a crumbly topping made with oats, butter, and sugar. This strawberry cobbler has a soft, buttery biscuit topping that bakes golden brown over the juicy fruit. Cobblers tend to be more rustic in appearance and heartier in texture. Both are delicious, but cobbler has a cozier, old-fashioned feel.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! You can easily make this cobbler gluten-free by using a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. Be sure to check that your baking powder is also gluten-free. The topping may have a slightly different texture, but it will still bake up nicely. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy swap.

Can I prepare strawberry cobbler ahead of time?

You can make the filling and topping ahead, but it’s best to keep them separate until you’re ready to bake. Store the filling in the baking dish covered in the fridge, and keep the topping dough in a bowl or container. When you’re ready to bake, simply spoon the topping over the chilled filling and bake as usual. This makes it super easy to serve freshly baked cobbler without rushing at the last minute.

How do I know when the cobbler is done baking?

Look for a golden brown top and bubbling filling around the edges. If you gently tap the topping with a spoon, it should feel firm and baked through, not doughy. Baking usually takes 25–30 minutes, but ovens can vary. If needed, cover the top loosely with foil to prevent over-browning during the last few minutes.

Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

Yes, you can reduce the sugar slightly if your strawberries are very sweet or if you prefer a less sweet dessert. Just keep in mind that sugar also helps with the texture and moisture of both the filling and the topping. A good place to start is cutting 1–2 tablespoons of sugar from the filling or topping. Taste your strawberries before baking to help decide what works best for you.

What can I serve with strawberry cobbler?

Vanilla ice cream is a classic topping that pairs perfectly with the warm fruit and soft topping. You can also use whipped cream, a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk, or even Greek yogurt for a lighter touch. A sprinkle of powdered sugar or some fresh mint leaves also adds a pretty presentation. No matter how you serve it, this cobbler is always a hit!

Other Easy Strawberry Recipes

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie – This classic pie combines sweet strawberries and tart rhubarb in a buttery, flaky crust for the perfect summer dessert.

Strawberry Pineapple Smoothie Drink – A refreshing tropical smoothie made with juicy strawberries and pineapple for a naturally sweet and creamy drink.

Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies – These soft and chewy cookies come together fast with a box of strawberry cake mix and taste like strawberry shortcake in cookie form.

Strawberry Santas – These adorable no-bake treats use fresh strawberries and whipped cream to create festive mini Santas perfect for holiday snacking.

Spinach Salad with Strawberries and Feta – A light and flavorful salad with fresh spinach, sweet strawberries, creamy feta, and a simple vinaigrette.

Keto Strawberry Popsicles – These low-carb, sugar-free strawberry popsicles are fruity, refreshing, and perfect for a healthy frozen treat.

Fluffy Strawberry Pancakes – These soft, fluffy pancakes are bursting with fresh strawberries and make the perfect sweet breakfast or brunch.

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