Plum Cobbler is a delightful dessert that perfectly marries the sweet-tart flavor of ripe plums with a buttery, crumbly topping. This comforting dish is not only a seasonal favorite but also an easy-to-make treat that will have your family and friends asking for seconds. With the juicy plums bubbling underneath a golden crust, this cobbler is an irresistible addition to any meal or gathering.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will love this plum cobbler recipe for its incredible flavor and simplicity. The juicy plums provide a luscious sweetness balanced with a slight tartness, while the cobbler topping is light and fluffy, creating a lovely contrast in texture. This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. Additionally, it fits well into a variety of diets, as it can be easily adapted to accommodate gluten-free or dairy-free preferences, allowing everyone to enjoy a slice of this delightful dessert.
Tips and Tricks
- Select the Right Plums: Choose ripe, slightly soft plums for the best flavor. If you can find a mix of purple and yellow plums, the color contrast will be visually stunning.
- Preheat Your Oven: Make sure your oven is preheated to ensure even cooking. A hot oven helps the topping rise properly and creates that beautiful golden crust.
- Use Cold Ingredients: For a fluffier topping, use cold butter and chilled milk or buttermilk. This helps create steam during baking, making the topping light and airy.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the topping ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cobbler.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the plum filling a day in advance. Simply wash, slice, and toss the plums with sugar and spices, then store them in the refrigerator. For the topping, mix the dry ingredients and keep them in an airtight container until you’re ready to bake. Combine the wet ingredients just before baking to ensure freshness. Assembled cobbler can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Recipe Variations
- Fruit Mix: Feel free to mix plums with other fruits, such as peaches or cherries, for a delicious cobbler medley.
- Flavored Topping: Add vanilla extract or almond extract to the topping for an extra layer of flavor.
- Alternative Sweeteners: Swap out granulated sugar for brown sugar or coconut sugar for a different sweetness profile.
How to Serve
Serve your warm plum cobbler straight from the oven, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top. For a touch of elegance, sprinkle with powdered sugar or add a few mint leaves for garnish. Plating in a rustic cast-iron skillet adds charm and warmth to the presentation.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair this delicious cobbler with a chilled glass of Moscato or a light-bodied red wine such as Pinot Noir. For a non-alcoholic option, serve with freshly brewed iced tea or sparkling water flavored with lemon. Complement it with a simple green salad or cheese platter to balance the sweetness of the dessert.
How to Store
Leftover cobbler can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To freeze, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag; they can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Equipment Needed
- A 9-inch square baking dish or a cast-iron skillet works best for this recipe. If you don’t have either, a round pie dish can also suffice.
- Mixing bowls, a whisk, and a spatula are essential for combining ingredients.
- A sharp knife for slicing the plums.
Dietary Adaptations
To make this recipe vegan, substitute the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, and use almond or soy milk in place of dairy milk. For a gluten-free option, replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Always double-check ingredient labels to ensure they are allergen-friendly.
Seasonal Adaptations
While plums are best in late summer, consider using frozen plums in the off-season. You can also experiment with other seasonal fruits, like apples in the fall or berries in the spring, to keep the cobbler relevant throughout the year.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I substitute other fruits for plums? Yes! You can use peaches, cherries, or even a mix of berries.
- How long does it take to bake? The cobbler typically takes about 30-35 minutes, but always check for bubbling juices and a golden crust.
- Can I use canned plums? Fresh plums are best for flavor, but if using canned, make sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
Plum Cobbler
Plum Cobbler is a delightful dessert that perfectly marries the sweet-tart flavor of ripe plums with a buttery, crumbly topping.
Ingredients
- 5 cups ripe plums (pitted and sliced)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (divided)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- 1/2 cup milk (or non-dairy alternative)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced plums, 1/2 cup of sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Toss well to coat and then pour into a greased 9-inch baking dish.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and remaining sugar.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the milk until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the cobbler topping over the plum mixture, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the juices are bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 314Total Fat 12gSaturated Fat 7gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 4gCholesterol 32mgSodium 198mgCarbohydrates 50gFiber 2gSugar 36gProtein 3g
TastyFitnessRecipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although tastyfitnessrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Making this plum cobbler recipe is a delightful way to celebrate the flavors of summer. The combination of sweet plums with a tender topping creates a nostalgic dessert that is sure to bring joy to any gathering. Whether you’re sharing it with family after dinner or enjoying it as a sweet treat on your own, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your home. Happy baking!