Photo: Peach and Berry Cobbler Recipe
Chef's Note: Like crisps, a cobbler needs no embellishments because the taste of fresh, ripe fruit is the point of this dessert. Use whatever fruit is in the height of its season. On the cusp of fall, for instance, I mix peaches with quince and will often add red bananas for their richness and subtle tropical flavor. Cut the extra dough into strips, roll up into spirals, and sprinkle or roll in cinnamon sugar as a treat for the kids.
Ingredients
For the fruit mixture:
- 6 large, ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and cut into 1/4-inch slices (about 5 cups)
- 3 tablespoons quick-cooking tapioca
- 5 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Pinch salt
- 1 1/2 cups boysenberries or raspberries
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
For the pastry and toppings:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting work surface
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons firmly packed light or dark brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 stick (6 tablespoons) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 3/4 cups plus 1 tablespoon heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a large bowl, combine peaches, tapioca, sugar, and salt. Gently mix in berries and vinegar. Taste for balance and add more vinegar, if desired. Spoon mixture into an 8 by 8-inch baking dish.
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, 3 tablespoons brown sugar, and baking powder. Work in the butter using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture forms large pea sized lumps. This can also be done with the paddle attachment of a stand mixer, or with brief pulses in a food processor. Slowly mix in 3/4 cup heavy cream until just combined.
Gather dough together into a ball and knead gently on a lightly floured board until it holds together. Roll out to 1/2-inch thickness. Using a 3-inch round or star cutter, cut dough into shapes. Place them decoratively on the fruit mixture. Brush pastry with 1 tablespoon of cream and then sprinkle with remaining 1 tablespoon brown sugar. Bake until pastry is golden brown and the fruit is bubbly, about 40 minutes. Put cobbler under broiler for a few seconds to brown pastry, if necessary.
Beat remaining 1 cup of cream in a medium bowl with a whisk or electric mixer on high. Gradually beat in 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Beat until it holds soft peaks, and then add the vanilla. Serve with cobbler.
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By jessica_8038413
San Francisco, CA
on July 23, 2007
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I found the dough to be a bit 'doughy'. It took a long time to cook, and by the time it was done, the fruit was too far reduced. The ratio makes too much dough for my taste. I prefer lighter, flakier, biscuity drop dough recipes. I wish I had just made a fruit salad with whipped cream instead.
By schumaca_5322067
Needham, MA
on July 22, 2007
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This simple dish has great flavor. The berries, crust, and homemade whipped cream (which is so easy and SO delicious! complement each other so well. This was wonderful, although I thought 1/2 inch was too thick for the crust cut-outs. Maybe 1/4 would be better? It looked somewhat awkward with thick chunks of cooked dough on top of the berries...
By cbernacet_1487882
New York, NY
on September 02, 2006
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I've never really has cobbler before and this was a great dessert. I followed the recipe exactly except when substituting the tapioca with cornstarch and it still came out perfect. The topping was so good almost like a biscuit. There was some extra dough left for those who really like a lot of the crust topping. I used raspberries with the peaches and it was delicious, not too sweet and can be even better the next day.
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