**Ingredients:**
For the Filling:
– 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
For the Topping:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
– 1/4 cup boiling water
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking dish or any similar sized baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, brown sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon (if using). Toss the mixture gently until the strawberries are evenly coated. Set aside while you prepare the topping.
3. In another mixing bowl, prepare the cobbler topping. Combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the dry mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. You want the butter to be well incorporated but still in pea-sized pieces.
5. Once the butter is incorporated, pour the boiling water over the mixture and stir until just combined. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
6. Transfer the strawberry filling to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
7. Drop spoonfuls of the cobbler topping over the strawberries, covering them as evenly as possible.
8. Bake the cobbler in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the topping is golden brown and cooked through.
9. Once baked, remove the cobbler from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
10. Serve the brown sugar strawberry cobbler warm, preferably with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra indulgent treat.
**Additional Tips:**
– You can adjust the sweetness of the cobbler by increasing or decreasing the amount of brown sugar in both the filling and the topping according to your taste preference and the sweetness of the strawberries.
– Feel free to substitute fresh strawberries with other fresh berries such as raspberries, blueberries, or a mix of berries for a variation on this cobbler recipe.
– If you don’t have fresh berries on hand, you can also use frozen berries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using in the recipe.
– Leftover cobbler can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
1. **Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?**
– Yes, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are not available. However, be sure to thaw and drain them before using in the recipe. Frozen strawberries may release more liquid during baking, so you might need to adjust the amount of cornstarch used in the filling accordingly.
2. **Can I substitute the brown sugar with white sugar?**
– While brown sugar adds a delicious caramel-like flavor to the cobbler, you can substitute it with white sugar if needed. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the cobbler may be slightly different.
3. **What if I don’t have a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the dry ingredients?**
– If you don’t have a pastry cutter, you can use a fork or even your hands to cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients. Simply pinch the butter and flour mixture together until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. **Can I make this cobbler gluten-free?**
– Yes, you can make this cobbler gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Additionally, ensure that all other ingredients used are gluten-free, including the baking powder.
5. **How should I store leftovers?**
– Leftover cobbler can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual servings or warm the entire cobbler in the oven until heated through.
These FAQs should help address common queries that arise when making a brown sugar strawberry cobbler. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask!