When I was a little girl, I used to spend my summers at my grandma’s farmhouse in the countryside. The best part of those visits was always the time I got to spend in her cozy kitchen, watching her work her magic with all sorts of delicious homemade treats. One of my absolute favorites was her famous plum cobbler recipe.
The aroma of the juicy plums and sweet, buttery crust would fill the entire house, drawing me in like a delicious siren song. I can still remember the anticipation I’d feel as I’d anxiously wait for the cobbler to finish baking, my mouth already watering in eager anticipation. And when Grandma finally pulled that golden-brown beauty out of the oven, the sight of the bubbling fruit and flaky pastry was enough to send me over the moon.
I’d always beg Grandma to let me be the one to scoop out the first serving, eager to be the first to dive into that plum cobbler recipe. And the first bite was always pure bliss – the perfect balance of tart and sweet, with a heavenly texture that just melted in my mouth. To this day, that memory of sitting at Grandma’s kitchen table, savoring every last morsel of her famous plum cobbler, is one of my most cherished.
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Why This Plum Cobbler Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
Grandma’s plum cobbler recipe is truly a one-of-a-kind treat that’s bound to become a new family favorite. What sets this recipe apart is the perfect harmony of flavors and textures – you get the irresistible sweetness of the juicy plums, the buttery richness of the cobbler topping, and a delightful contrast of soft and crunchy in every bite.
The Secret Behind Perfect plum cobbler recipe
The secret to Grandma’s plum cobbler recipe lies in a few key steps. First, she always used a mix of sweet and tart plums, which gives the filling the perfect balance of flavors. She also had a special technique for preparing the fruit that ensured it would bake up juicy and flavorful, never watery or mushy.
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Plum Cobbler Recipe
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 8
Description
Indulge in the sweet, juicy goodness of this homemade plum cobbler recipe. This classic dessert features a buttery, flaky crust and a filling made with ripe, flavorful plums. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly comforting treat.
Ingredients
– 6 cups sliced fresh plums
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed and chilled
– 1/4 cup cold water
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. 2. In a large bowl, combine the sliced plums, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss to coat the plums evenly.
3. 3. In a separate bowl, mix the flour and chilled butter using a pastry cutter or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. 4. Gradually add the cold water, mixing just until the dough comes together.
5. 5. Transfer the plum mixture to a 9-inch pie dish or baking dish.
6. 6. Roll out the dough and place it over the plum filling, or cut the dough into strips and create a lattice top.
7. 7. Bake the cobbler for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
8. 8. Allow the cobbler to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.
Notes
For a deeper flavor, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the plum filling. You can also experiment with different types of plums, such as red or yellow, to create unique variations of this classic dessert.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
And the cobbler topping? Absolute perfection. Grandma would work the butter into the dry ingredients just right, creating a topping that was simultaneously tender, flaky, and golden-brown. She had a real knack for getting that ideal texture, and I’ve never tasted a cobbler quite like hers.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
– Fresh plums – A mix of sweet and tart plum varieties work best for the perfect flavor balance.
– All-purpose flour – This forms the base of the cobbler topping.
– Granulated sugar – For sweetening the plum filling.
– Butter – Essential for achieving that rich, buttery cobbler texture.
– Milk – Helps bind the cobbler topping and creates a tender crumb.
– Baking powder – Gives the topping a light, fluffy rise.
– Salt – Enhances all the other flavors.
Step-by-Step plum cobbler recipe Instructions
Preparing your plum cobbler recipe couldn’t be easier. This recipe comes together quickly, with just a few simple steps. In under an hour, you’ll have a homemade plum cobbler ready to enjoy.
Preparing Your plum cobbler recipe
First, you’ll need to gather all your ingredients and preheat your oven. This plum cobbler recipe takes about 15 minutes of active prep time and 35-40 minutes of baking. You’ll also want to have a 9×13 baking dish on hand.
1- Start by slicing your plums and tossing them with the sugar in a large bowl. Let the fruit sit for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the juices to release.
2- While the plums are resting, make the cobbler topping. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Then cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Finally, stir in the milk just until combined.
3- Spread the sugary plum mixture into your prepared baking dish. Then drop the cobbler topping in large spoonfuls over the top, leaving some gaps for the fruit to peek through.
4- Bake the plum cobbler for 35-40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the fruit is bubbly around the edges. Keep an eye on it towards the end to make sure the topping doesn’t brown too quickly.
5- Remove the cobbler from the oven and let it cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to thicken up just a bit.
6- Scoop out generous portions of the warm plum cobbler and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired. Dig in and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
– For the best texture, use a mix of sweet and tart plum varieties. This adds depth of flavor.
– Don’t skip the resting step for the fruit – this helps draw out the juices for a nice saucy filling.
– Be careful not to overwork the cobbler topping. The more you handle it, the tougher it will become.
– Keep an eye on the cobbler as it bakes to ensure the topping doesn’t brown too quickly. Tent it with foil if needed.
– Let the cobbler cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to thicken up nicely.
Serving and Storing Your plum cobbler recipe
Perfect Pairings for plum cobbler recipe
This plum cobbler recipe is the ultimate comfort food dessert. It’s delicious on its own, but also pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a cozy fall or winter meal, try serving it alongside a cup of hot coffee or tea.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover plum cobbler can be stored, tightly covered, at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cobbler for up to 5 days.
To reheat, simply place individual servings in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or bake the whole dish in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
This plum cobbler recipe also freezes beautifully. Bake it as directed, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for plum cobbler recipe
Creative plum cobbler recipe Variations
While Grandma’s classic plum cobbler is tough to beat, there are lots of fun ways to put your own spin on this recipe. Try using a mix of stone fruits like peaches, nectarines, and apricots instead of just plums. Or add a dash of cinnamon or cardamom to the filling for a warm, aromatic twist.
You could also experiment with different toppings, like a crumble topping or a biscuit-style crust. And for a decadent treat, you could even swirl in a bit of cream cheese or mascarpone into the fruit filling.
Making plum cobbler recipe Diet-Friendly
To make this plum cobbler recipe a bit more diet-friendly, there are a few simple swaps you can try:
– Use a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia in place of the granulated sugar.
– Opt for a gluten-free flour blend for the cobbler topping.
– Replace the butter with a vegan butter alternative to make it dairy-free.
– Serve smaller portions and top with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt instead of ice cream.
These simple changes can make this delicious plum cobbler recipe work for a variety of dietary needs without sacrificing any of the flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen plums instead of fresh?
A: Absolutely! Frozen plums work great in this recipe. Just thaw them completely before tossing with the sugar and proceeding with the recipe as written.
Q: How can I tell when the cobbler is done baking?
A: The plum cobbler is ready when the topping is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbling up around the edges of the baking dish. You can also do the toothpick test – insert a toothpick into the center and it should come out clean.
Q: Can I make this plum cobbler recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can definitely prepare this cobbler in advance. Assemble the entire dish, then cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be chilled.
Q: How do I scale this recipe up or down?
A: This plum cobbler recipe can be easily scaled to fit different sized baking dishes. For a 9×13 pan, use the recipe as written. For an 8×8 square pan, cut all the ingredients in half. And for a 10-inch pie dish, you can use the full recipe.
Q: Why is my cobbler topping tough or doughy?
A: Overworking the dough is the most common culprit for a tough or dense cobbler topping. Be very gentle when mixing the dough and avoid kneading it. The topping should come together easily with just a light touch.
Conclusion
Grandma’s classic plum cobbler recipe is an absolute must-try. With its perfectly balanced flavors, irresistible texture, and nostalgic charm, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and experience the same joy and comfort that I did growing up.
Be sure to let me know how your plum cobbler turns out in the comments below. I’d love to hear your thoughts and see your photos! And if you enjoyed this recipe, please share it with your friends and loved ones. There’s nothing quite like homemade plum cobbler to bring people together.
