Easy Strawberry Cobbler Recipe
Some desserts just feel like home, and strawberry cobbler is one of them. It’s the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with warmth, both from the oven and from the nostalgia it brings. Whether you grew up enjoying cobblers at family gatherings or are discovering them for the first time, this easy strawberry cobbler is one of those fuss-free desserts that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
I first made this cobbler on a whim when I found myself with too many ripe strawberries and no real plan. It was one of those afternoons where I wanted something sweet but didn’t feel like rolling out a pie crust or dealing with layers of cake. I remembered an old-fashioned cobbler my grandmother used to make and decided to wing it. The result? A golden, buttery crust that bakes up around juicy strawberries, creating a dessert that’s somewhere between a cake and a crisp. Top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you’ve got pure magic.
A little history: Why cobblers are so beloved
Cobblers have been around for centuries, originating as a simple dessert made by early American settlers. Without access to traditional pie ingredients, they created makeshift fruit desserts by baking sweetened fruit with a biscuit-like or cake-like topping. Over time, regional variations developed, from deep-dish cobblers to crumbles and crisps. This strawberry cobbler leans toward the cake-like variety, with a batter that rises beautifully around the fruit as it bakes.
🍓 Let’s talk ingredients
Every ingredient in this cobbler plays a key role, but there’s plenty of room for flexibility.
Strawberries – The star of the show! Fresh, ripe strawberries work best, but frozen ones can be used in a pinch. If using frozen, don’t thaw them first—just toss them in straight from the freezer. Want to mix it up? Try adding blueberries or raspberries for a mixed-berry version.
Granulated sugar – Sweetens both the batter and the strawberries. If your berries are extra sweet, you can reduce the sugar slightly. I’ve also made this with brown sugar for a deeper caramel-like flavor.
Flour – Provides structure to the batter. I use all-purpose, but a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well, too.
Milk – Adds moisture and helps create that soft, cake-like texture. Whole milk gives the richest flavor, but any milk (even almond or oat) will do.
Vanilla extract – Enhances the sweetness and warmth of the cobbler. Don’t skip it!
Baking powder – Gives the batter its lift, making the crust rise up around the strawberries.
Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
Unsalted butter – Creates a rich, buttery base for the cobbler. If using salted butter, reduce the added salt slightly.

🛠️ Kitchen tools: What you’ll need
This is a simple recipe that doesn’t require any fancy equipment, but a few key tools make the process easier.
- 9×13 baking dish – A glass dish is ideal because it distributes heat evenly and lets you see the cobbler as it bakes.
- Mixing bowls – One for the dry ingredients and another for the wet.
- Whisk – Helps mix the batter smoothly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Precision matters, especially with baking powder and flour.
- Oven mitts – Because that baking dish gets hot!
Step-by-step: How to make strawberry cobbler
1. Preheat and melt the butter
Preheat your oven to 350°F. While it heats, place the butter in your baking dish and let it melt in the oven. This not only coats the bottom of the pan but also adds richness to the cobbler.
2. Mix the dry ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar (reserve a little for the strawberries), baking powder, and salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed before adding the wet ingredients.
3. Add the wet ingredients
Pour in the milk and vanilla extract, stirring until just combined. The batter will be slightly thin—this is what helps it spread evenly in the baking dish.
4. Pour and layer
Remove the baking dish from the oven once the butter is fully melted. Pour the batter directly over the butter—don’t stir! The butter will naturally rise to the top in some places, giving the cobbler a crispy, buttery edge.
5. Add the strawberries
Toss the strawberries with the reserved sugar, then scatter them over the batter. Again, don’t stir! The berries will sink slightly and be enveloped by the rising crust as it bakes.
6. Bake to perfection
Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are crisp. The batter will puff up around the fruit, creating that signature cobbler texture.
7. Let it cool (if you can wait!)
Once out of the oven, let the cobbler rest for at least 15 minutes. This helps the juices settle and makes for easier scooping.

Variations to try
Make it gluten-free – Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend.
Go dairy-free – Use almond or oat milk and replace the butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free alternative.
Try different fruits – This base works with peaches, blackberries, or even a mix of fruits.
Add a hint of spice – A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg in the batter adds warmth and depth.
Make it extra crispy – Sprinkle a little coarse sugar over the top before baking for a crunchy finish.
Serving and presentation ideas
This cobbler is best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven. Serve it in bowls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. If you want to get fancy, drizzle a little honey or caramel sauce on top. For a brunch-worthy treat, pair it with Greek yogurt and a handful of granola.
🍷 What to drink with strawberry cobbler?
A light, slightly sweet drink pairs beautifully with this dessert. Try a glass of Moscato, Riesling, or even a sparkling rosé. If you prefer something non-alcoholic, a homemade lemonade or a vanilla bean iced coffee complements the cobbler’s sweetness perfectly.
Storing and reheating tips
Leftover cobbler? No problem! Cover and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop a serving in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or warm it in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. If you’re making it ahead, note that the crust will soften slightly over time, but the flavor remains delicious.
Adjusting for different serving sizes
Want to make a smaller batch? Halve all the ingredients and bake in an 8×8 dish for about 30-35 minutes. If doubling the recipe for a crowd, use two 9×13 pans and rotate them halfway through baking for even cooking.

Common questions
1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes! Just use them straight from the freezer—no need to thaw.
2. Why didn’t my crust rise properly?
Make sure your baking powder is fresh and that you didn’t overmix the batter.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but the crust is crispiest when fresh. Reheat in the oven to bring back some texture.
4. What’s the best way to serve this?
Warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
5. Can I use a different sweetener?
You can swap granulated sugar for coconut sugar or a sugar substitute, but it may slightly alter the texture.
This easy strawberry cobbler is a go-to dessert for any occasion, from weeknight cravings to summer gatherings. Try it out, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different fruits and flavors—you might just discover your new favorite version!
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Easy Strawberry Cobbler Recipe
This easy strawberry cobbler recipe is sweet, buttery, and simple to make. Perfect with ice cream! Ready in 40 minutes.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh ripe strawberries hulled & diced
- 1 cup granulated sugar divided
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter cubes
Instructions
1. Preheat and melt the butter
Preheat your oven to 350°F. While it heats, place the butter in your baking dish and let it melt in the oven. This not only coats the bottom of the pan but also adds richness to the cobbler.
2. Mix the dry ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar (reserve a little for the strawberries), baking powder, and salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed before adding the wet ingredients.
3. Add the wet ingredients
Pour in the milk and vanilla extract, stirring until just combined. The batter will be slightly thin—this is what helps it spread evenly in the baking dish.
4. Pour and layer
Remove the baking dish from the oven once the butter is fully melted. Pour the batter directly over the butter—don’t stir! The butter will naturally rise to the top in some places, giving the cobbler a crispy, buttery edge.
5. Add the strawberries
Toss the strawberries with the reserved sugar, then scatter them over the batter. Again, don’t stir! The berries will sink slightly and be enveloped by the rising crust as it bakes.
6. Bake to perfection
Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are crisp. The batter will puff up around the fruit, creating that signature cobbler texture.
7. Let it cool (if you can wait!)
Once out of the oven, let the cobbler rest for at least 15 minutes. This helps the juices settle and makes for easier scooping.
Notes
Serving and presentation ideas
This cobbler is best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven. Serve it in bowls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. If you want to get fancy, drizzle a little honey or caramel sauce on top. For a brunch-worthy treat, pair it with Greek yogurt and a handful of granola.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert