Easy Blackberry Cobbler with Brown Butter Topping

A sweet, juicy, bubbling blackberry filling topped with a rich, nutty brown butter cobbler crust — this Blackberry Cobbler with Brown Butter Topping is the dessert of your late-summer dreams. It’s rustic, warm, comforting, and unbelievably easy to make. Perfect for backyard barbecues, cozy weeknight treats, or that moment when you bring home a giant basket of fresh blackberries and need something absolutely magical to do with them.

Ingredients

For the Blackberry Filling:

6 cups fresh blackberries (or frozen, thawed and drained)
½ cup white sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Pinch of salt

For the Brown Butter Cobbler Topping:

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup white sugar
½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
2 teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup whole milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but recommended)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or similar-sized casserole dish.
If you’re using frozen berries, make sure they’re fully thawed and drained to avoid excess liquid in the cobbler.

Step 2: Make the Brown Butter

This is where the magic starts. Brown butter adds a nutty, toasty depth of flavor that takes this cobbler topping from good to unforgettable.

Place the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
Allow it to melt completely, then continue to cook, swirling the pan occasionally.
After 4–6 minutes, the butter will begin to foam, and you’ll notice small brown bits forming at the bottom of the pan — that’s the milk solids caramelizing.
Once it smells nutty and fragrant and turns golden-brown, immediately remove it from the heat and set aside to cool slightly.

Tip: Keep a close eye — brown butter can turn into burnt butter quickly!

Step 3: Prepare the Blackberry Filling

In a large bowl, combine blackberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla (if using), and a pinch of salt.
Toss everything together gently until the berries are well-coated and shiny.
Pour the blackberry mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

Step 4: Make the Cobbler Batter

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, white sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
Add the milk and vanilla extract, and stir just until combined. Do not overmix.
Slowly pour in the slightly cooled brown butter and gently fold it into the batter. You’ll see gorgeous golden swirls — that’s exactly what you want!

Step 5: Assemble the Cobbler

Spoon the batter evenly over the blackberry filling. It’s okay if some berries peek through — the batter will puff up and spread as it bakes.
For a little extra texture and flavor, you can sprinkle a bit of coarse sugar and cinnamon on top.

Step 6: Bake

Place the cobbler in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp on the edges and the berry mixture is bubbling up from underneath.
If the top is browning too quickly before the center is cooked through, loosely cover the pan with foil for the last 10–15 minutes.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the cobbler cool for at least 10–15 minutes before serving — the filling will thicken as it rests.
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for the full effect.

Serving Suggestions

This cobbler is the ultimate dessert for:

Summer picnics and BBQs
Lazy weekend brunches
Family gatherings or potlucks
Or just because you deserve something sweet today

Pair it with:

Ice cream: Vanilla bean, cinnamon, or butter pecan
Whipped cream: Lightly sweetened with a touch of vanilla
Crème fraîche: If you’re feeling fancy

Tips for Success

Fresh vs Frozen Berries: Both work beautifully, but if using frozen, thaw and drain them to avoid extra liquid.
Don’t skip the brown butter: It brings a deep richness and toasty flavor you won’t get from plain melted butter.
Make ahead: You can assemble the berry filling and topping separately, then combine and bake when ready to serve.
Storage: Cover and store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Why You’ll Love It

Super easy to make — no fancy tools, mixers, or techniques
The brown butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that’s irresistible
Can be made with fresh or frozen berries
Perfect balance between tart and sweet
Rustic, comforting, and crowd-pleasing

Final Thoughts

This Easy Blackberry Cobbler with Brown Butter Topping is the kind of dessert that hits all the right notes: tart, sweet, warm, rich, and comforting. Whether you make it in the heat of summer when blackberries are bursting with flavor, or in the colder months using frozen fruit, it never fails to deliver. The brown butter topping adds just the right amount of sophistication to this otherwise humble dish.