Washday Cobbler

Prep: 10 min Cook: 35 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: American

A warm, fruity cobbler with a sweet biscuit topping, perfect for casual gatherings and family desserts, showcasing the comforting flavors of baked fruit and buttery crust.

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Ingredients

  • 1 stick margarine
  • 2 cups sugar, divided
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • dash of salt
  • 2 to 4 cups fruit (berries, peaches, apples, etc.)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 325° to 350°F.
  2. Melt the margarine in a baking dish.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of sugar, milk, flour, baking powder, and salt; pour this mixture over the melted butter in the dish.
  4. Top with 2 to 4 cups of fruit (berries, peaches, apples, etc.).
  5. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of sugar over the fruit.
  6. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. If you're short on fresh fruit, frozen options work well too—just ensure they are thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture. Experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for additional warmth. This dish is versatile; you can even add a splash of vanilla extract to the batter for an extra flavor boost.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top for a delightful contrast. It pairs beautifully with **Silly Pie** for a dessert spread or can be enjoyed as a breakfast treat alongside coffee. Consider garnishing with fresh mint for a pop of color and flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover cobbler in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 10-15 minutes. This will help maintain the texture of the fruit and crust.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Washday Cobbler contains roughly 480 calories, with 5g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1756mg per serving (76% of the Daily Value).

480 kcal 24% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.9g 10% DV
Total Fat 33g 42% DV
Carbs 44.3g 16% DV
Fiber 4.4g 16% DV
Sugar 0.9g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1755.5mg 76% DV
Potassium 242.7mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 0.1mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 3.2mcg
Vitamin C 29.3mg 33% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 208.8mg 16% DV
Iron 2.4mg 13% DV
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of fruit in this cobbler?

Absolutely! This cobbler is incredibly versatile. You can use virtually any fruit you have on hand, such as berries, peaches, or apples. Just adjust the sugar based on the fruit's sweetness. Experimenting with combinations like berries and peaches can yield delicious results.

What if I don’t have baking powder?

If you're out of baking powder, you can make a substitute using baking soda and cream of tartar. For every teaspoon of baking powder, use 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar. Mix this in with your dry ingredients to ensure it activates properly.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter and fruit layers ahead of time. Keep them separate in the fridge, then assemble and bake when you're ready to serve. This makes it perfect for gatherings or unexpected guests, allowing you to enjoy freshly baked cobbler with minimal effort.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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