This blackberry, blueberry, basil and brown butter cobbler is simply divine!
(This is an updated post from 2014.)
Simple, quick, and easy to make is one way to describe this blackberry, blueberry, basil and brown butter, berry cobbler recipe.
Another way to describe this cobbler is blissful. This cobbler, full of flavor from basil and brown butter, certainly brought joy to our neck of the woods!
Most cobblers are straight and to the point, with a layer of fruit on the bottom and a cobbled floury top. Other cobblers have a top and bottom crust.
Did you know that the word cobbler is possibly derived from the archaic word "wooden bowl".
I always thought it was the cobbled top that gave it its name.
One look at the ingredients and one realizes this is not your average Joe cobbler. Not that there is anything wrong with average Joe, but in this house it was time for change.
Change began the morning that I stepped into Trader Joe's (OK, I admit I am becoming a fan) to discover basil plants for $2.99. BIG basil plants. Cheaper than any nursery I've ever bought them from.
So cheap that I'm going back to buy another. And so big that I had plenty of basil leaves to harvest from the get go.
Alex arrived home briefly to deposit some of his belongings and Manservant was arriving the next day, so I thought I better cook/bake something to show them I still could. Bake, that is.
After all, I've been living on leftovers since Zoe left and haven't even stepped foot in the grocery. As I put the basil plant into my basket, I added blueberries, raspberries and blackberries.
Racing home with my purchases, I decided I best not let them go to waste and baking was on my mind.
No sooner did I get started then Alex said he was heading back up to Vail in just a few hours. Are you kidding me?
Well, luckily this cobbler did not go to waste. No sooner had he said that, then I got a call from a friend inviting me to dinner. How nice and how good that I could provide dessert!
Knowing this friend did not like raspberries, I did not incorporate them, but one could if one so desired.
Actually I kind of like the whole "B" thing. Blueberries, blackberries, basil and browned butter. It works, does it not?
And blissful. This cobbler is blissful!
As I mixed up the fruit, I realized that it would also make a perfect fruit salad. Just scoop the fresh fruit over some frozen yogurt.
However if you choose to go the distance, this berry cobbler crust becomes chewy and slightly crunchy with rich buttery goodness.
The basil adds a subtle, but flirtatious taste to the fruit, and keeps one guessing as to the secret ingredient.
This easy cobbler is perfect with ice cream or whipped cream and would be perfect for dad on his day. Manservant certainly appreciated it on his arrival home!
Summer fruit desserts just make me happy. This berry, basil and brown butter cobbler is a great way to make anyone happy. I hope it works for you!
One note: I used lemon in this. To be truthful here, I am not a giant fan of lemon in desserts. Weird, I know!
In this cobbler, the lemon was noticeable when it came out of the oven, however it seemed to become more lemony in the days after, as it was slowly scooped spoonful by spoonful into someone's mouth.
No, I admit, it wasn't mine. It became too lemony for me to really enjoy. So proceed with caution if you aren't a lemon lover.
Lemon lovers...use all I say. And it you expect this to be gone in one day, by all means use it. If you plan on this lasting a few days and you are like me, you may want to cut the lemon by half.
Or leave it out. Or use lime. Or orange juice. Or milk. This will be delicious every which way!
PrintRecipe
Blackberry, Blueberry, Basil and Brown Butter Cobbler
- Prep Time: 20 Minutes
- Cook Time: 45 Minutes
- Total Time: 65 Minutes
- Yield: 6 - 10 Servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This berry cobbler with brown butter is so tasty and easy to make. The family will love it!
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
1 13x9 pan or 1 11x7 pan. I used the smaller baking dish because I like a nice thick fruit and crust layer.
Nancy says
WOW! Lots of basil in my garden so had to try this one for the 4th. Delicious! Thanks, Abbe!
Abbe says
Thanks Nance! Maybe one year we can celebrate together!
Linger says
Oh my goodness, Abbe! This cobbler is so lovely. I am like you, I fully appreciate a summer dessert and this one definitely tops the list. I really love the taste of lemon in desserts so I'm sure I would really enjoy this especially as it sits for a day or two. And what a interesting idea to add basil. I find that very intriguing. I must try it now. Thanks for sharing.
2sistersrecipes says
We love a great cobbler and yours looks delish! Thanks for the recipe!
Abbe says
Thanks girls! It is highly recommended!
David @ Spiced says
What a fun cobbler idea, Abbe! I've only dabbled in using basil in desserts, but I've been pleased in the past. (Usually it's basil + lemon, though.) And the bit of bourbon in this filling? Awesome idea! I'm actually making a peach cobbler today, and I might just have to add a splash of bourbon. Peach Bourbon Cobbler? Sounds pretty yummy, right? Thanks for the inspiration!
Abbe says
Bourbon and peaches go together so well. Total yum, David!
Healthy World Cuisine says
Fantastic cobbler! It has all going on from the delicious berries and basil to that brown butter topping. So good. That is so odd that the lemon flavor intensified as the days went on. We are huge lemon fans so this is A- ok with us.
angiesrecipes says
This looks amazing! I really love the combo of blackberries, brown butter and basil...simply irresistible!
mjskitchen says
What a fabulous twist on a cobbler that's been passed down through my family for generations. Love these cobblers with the batter poured in melted butter than topped with fruit. Your version really takes it over the top. First of all, buttermilk...now that sounds quite intriguing. Secondly, bourbon...why not? Geez...why didn't I think of that? I've made a bourbon sauce to pour over it, so putting the bourbon IN it, sounds wonderful. And last but not least...the basil. I love fresh herbs with fruit so that sounds like a great addition! Thanks so much for sharing this recipe. I will definitely be giving it a try.
Abbe says
Fresh herbs are so amazing which is one reason I love summer food. I do row lots of herbs and am always looking for ways to use them! Thanks so much!
Denise Browning@From Brazil To You says
This should be called combination of deliciousness...A summer must-have for sure that can be crowned with a scoop of one's fave ice cream.
Abbe Odenwalder says
You are so right, Denise! thanks!
shannon weber says
OH this looks so delicous, Abbe! My sister is also not a fan of lemon in desserts (the rest of us can't get enough), but lemon is one of those flavors which "blooms" as the days go on, for sure; i've noticed that when i bake things that the intensity of the lemon gets crazy after a day or two. I would have eaten the rest for you once it got too lemony. 🙂
Abbe Odenwalder says
I never knew that about lemon! Because.. i don't make many desserts with lemon. This was great, but next time i would cut back on the lemon. Thanks, Shannon!
Cheri Savory Spoon says
Wow! love the combination of flavors you have going on here. This cobbler is wonderful Abbe, never thought of combining berries with basil but this sounds really good. I am the biggest fan of Trader Joe's, love their basil plants and plants in general.
Abbe Odenwalder says
Thanks Cheri! I am quickly becoming a fan! Berry cobblers are great!
Liz Berg says
I feel the same way about fruit desserts...perfect summer fare! I'm going to be in Denver in July with Bill and Katie. Not sure of our plans besides visiting my sister and parents, but I may have some time to grab lunch or a cup of tea with you if the stars align 🙂
Abbe Odenwalder says
Let me know what works and I would love it! Thanks, Liz!
Juliana says
Nice cobbler Abbe, I especially love the basil in it...such a beautiful dessert.
Thanks for the inspiration!
Hope you are having a super week 😀
Abbe Odenwalder says
The basil works really well with this, juliana! Enjoy!
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
I love the "B" thing you've got going on here. I've made a blueberry basil pie before but think this sounds great too! Browned butter and bourbon - well yes please!
Abbe Odenwalder says
Tricia, pretty funny about all the b's! It is berrylicious!
Anna and Liz Recipes says
YUM this looks so good, I could eat the entire platter. This would make a nice Father's Day dessert for sure! Have a wonderful weekend Abbe!
Abbe Odenwalder says
You girls are too kind!
Angie Schneider says
Cobblers are a perfect summer dessert. I had only stone fruits cobbler. Yours with summer berries and basil sounds fantastic, Abbe.
Abbe Odenwalder says
Thanks, Angie. This is a great variation!
Nazneen Hamilton says
I saw those $2.99 plants! They are huge and I want to get one myself. A berry cobbler? I'd like to say I gave you that idea that day?? maybe? This looks fantastic Abbe! Love the basil in it and the lemon, I'm a lemon dessert person. Save me a piece next time! Your granola was a hit btw, as was your fudge and your flowers are still thriving, thank you xx
Abbe Odenwalder says
I love that granola! Guess I should write it up! The basil is doing great and thank, Nazneen!
traditionallymodernfood says
Looks yummy..
Abbe Odenwalder says
🙂
Kitchen Riffs says
Love cobblers. Was contemplating a cherry one today, maybe with blueberry sauce. Yours looks better than the one I had in mind. Plus you have that whole alliteration thing going. 😉
Abbe Odenwalder says
Too funny, John! and thanks. This is pretty good!