Peanut Butter & Jelly Cobbler: A Warm, Fruity Hug

This Peanut Butter & Jelly Cobbler is a heartwarming dessert that takes a beloved childhood classic and transforms it into an irresistible baked treat. Imagine a gooey, sweet berry filling bursting with the familiar taste of jelly, topped with a tender, slightly savory peanut butter biscuit-like topping, all served warm with a scoop of melting vanilla ice cream. It’s a comforting, unique dessert that evokes nostalgia while offering a sophisticated twist on the iconic PB&J sandwich. Perfect for a cozy family dessert, a casual potluck, or anytime you crave a taste of comforting sweetness, this cobbler promises to be a delightful surprise and a new favorite.

Detailed Ingredients

For the Berry Jelly Filling:

• Fruit:
  • 4 cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen, such as raspberries, blueberries, blackberries), if using frozen, no need to thaw
• Sweetener:
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar (adjust based on sweetness of berries)
• Thickener & Acid:
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Flavor Enhancer:
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • Pinch of salt

For the Peanut Butter Topping:

• Dry Ingredients:
  • 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
• Fat & Dairy:
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
  • ½ cup (120ml) milk (whole or 2%), cold
• Peanut Butter:
  • ½ cup (128g) creamy peanut butter (smooth)
• Finishing Touch (Optional):
  • 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (for sprinkling on top)

For Serving (Optional):

• Vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream
• Extra berries

Step-by-Step Instructions

Part 1: Prepare the Berry Jelly Filling

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mixed berries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract (if using), and a pinch of salt. Gently toss until the berries are evenly coated.
2. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the berry mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish (or a similar 3-quart oven-safe dish). Spread evenly.

Part 2: Prepare the Peanut Butter Topping

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender, two knives, or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
3. Add Peanut Butter: Add the creamy peanut butter to the mixture. Use the pastry blender or your hands to work it into the mixture until it’s well distributed and resembles a rough, crumbly dough.
4. Add Milk: Pour in the cold milk. Stir with a spoon or your hands just until the dry ingredients are moistened and a shaggy dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the topping tough.

Part 3: Assemble and Bake the Cobbler

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Top the Filling: Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter topping mixture evenly over the berry filling in the baking dish. Don’t worry if it doesn’t cover every inch; it will spread as it bakes.
3. Sprinkle Sugar (Optional): If desired, sprinkle the coarse sugar over the peanut butter topping for a sparkly, crunchy finish.
4. Bake: Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the berry filling is bubbling vigorously around the edges and the peanut butter topping is golden brown and cooked through.
5. Cool: Remove from the oven and let the cobbler cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly and prevents burns from the hot fruit.

Part 4: Serve

1. Serve Warm: Serve the Peanut Butter & Jelly Cobbler warm.
2. Add Toppings: It’s absolutely delicious on its own, but truly shines when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a few extra fresh berries.

Tips, Variations, and Storage

• Berries: Use any combination of berries you love. Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries all work wonderfully. If using fresh, ensure they are ripe. If using frozen, there’s no need to thaw.
• Peanut Butter Type: Creamy peanut butter is recommended for a smoother topping texture. If you use natural peanut butter, make sure it’s well stirred. Crunchy peanut butter could add an interesting texture.
• Don’t Overmix Topping: Overmixing the topping can lead to a tough, less tender crust. Mix just until combined.
• Sugar Adjustment: Adjust the sugar in the berry filling based on the sweetness of your chosen berries. If using very tart berries, you might add a bit more sugar.
• Fruit Variations:
  • Peach PB&J: Use sliced fresh or frozen peaches instead of berries for a different fruit base.
  • Grape Jelly: For a more classic PB&J flavor, you could try using a thick grape jelly for part of the filling, though fresh fruit adds more texture.
• Topping Variations:
  • Nutty Topping: Add a ¼ cup of chopped peanuts or other nuts to the topping mixture for extra crunch.
  • Oatmeal Topping: Replace ¼ cup of the flour with rolled oats for a chewier, more rustic topping.
• Storage: Leftover Peanut Butter & Jelly Cobbler can be stored tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or a warm oven until heated through.

Pairings

• Dairy: A simple glass of cold milk is the ultimate classic pairing with PB&J flavors.
• Dessert Wine: A light, sweet dessert wine like a Moscato d’Asti or a fruit-forward Rosé could be a delightful (and unexpected) adult pairing.
• Beverages: Coffee or a robust black tea could provide a nice counterpoint to the sweetness.
• Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream is the absolute best companion for warm cobbler, but a scoop of strawberry or even chocolate ice cream could also be delicious.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream adds a light, creamy texture.

Quick Info

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
• Cool Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes – 1 hour 25 minutes
• Servings: 6-8
• Cuisine: American / Comfort Food