Brown Butter Topped Fruit Cobbler

Introduction: Elevate your classic cobbler with a rich and nutty brown butter topping! This delicious dessert combines a juicy fruit filling with a buttery, caramel-like topping, giving the cobbler a depth of flavor that’s perfect for cozy gatherings or any time you want a comforting treat. Use your favorite seasonal fruits, or go with a classic mix of peaches, berries, or apples.

Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 4 cups fruit of choice (peaches, berries, apples, or a mix), sliced or diced
• 1/3 cup sugar (adjust based on fruit sweetness)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening)
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional, for warm spices)

For the Brown Butter Topping:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized oven-safe dish.
2. Make the Filling:

• In a large bowl, combine the fruit, sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and cinnamon (if using). Toss until the fruit is evenly coated.
• Pour the fruit mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out in an even layer.

1. Brown the Butter:

• In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Continue cooking, swirling occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and smells nutty. Be careful not to burn it.
• Once browned, remove the butter from the heat and set aside to cool slightly.

1. Prepare the Topping:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
• Add the milk and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
• Pour in the brown butter and gently stir until the batter is smooth.

1. Assemble the Cobbler:

• Pour the brown butter batter over the fruit filling, spreading it gently with a spatula to cover most of the fruit (it will spread as it bakes).

1. Bake:

• Place the cobbler in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbly.

1. Serve:

• Let the cobbler cool for a few minutes, then serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired.

Tip: You can use frozen fruit if fresh is unavailable; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the fruit is cold.