Name: Lemon Cobbler Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted); 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup milk; 1/2 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed); 3/4 cup granulated sugar

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If you’re searching for a dessert that strikes the perfect balance between bright citrus zing and warm, comforting sweetness, look no further than Lemon Cobbler. This old-fashioned treat features luscious, tangy lemon layered beneath a golden, buttery topping that’s so simple to prepare, you’ll want to whip it up on every occasion. Whether you make it for a weeknight indulgence or a show-stopping finale to a spring brunch, Lemon Cobbler invites everyone to savor spoonful after spoonful of sunny goodness, sure to put a smile on your face.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Lemon Cobbler couldn’t be any easier, thanks to a short and sweet list of ingredients. Each one brings something special, whether it’s that craveable lemony flavor, tender crumb, or gorgeous color.

Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Adds unbeatable richness and a golden, flavorful base for your cobbler.
All-purpose flour (1 cup): Provides the structure for a light, tender topping and balances the bright citrus.
Granulated sugar (1 cup + 3/4 cup for topping): Gives the cobbler its signature sweetness and helps create a caramelized, crisp top.
Lemon zest (1 tablespoon): Packs an aromatic punch, amplifying the lemon flavor with every bite.
Baking powder (1 1/2 teaspoons): Lifts the batter, creating an airy, cake-like texture.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Sharpens all the flavors and brings balance to the dessert.
Milk (1 cup): Ensures the batter is lusciously smooth and helps everything bake up nice and fluffy.
Lemon juice (1/2 cup, freshly squeezed): Delivers the unmistakable tartness that sets Lemon Cobbler apart from the rest.

How to Make Lemon Cobbler

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Kick things off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). As it warms, pour the melted butter straight into your 9×9-inch baking dish, swirling it around to coat the base. This simple move helps develop the rich, gooey bottom layer that’s so iconic in any great Lemon Cobbler.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 cup of sugar, lemon zest, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first ensures even distribution, giving your cobbler its fluffy rise and robust lemon flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Add the Milk

Slowly pour the milk into your dry ingredients, gently stirring just until combined. The batter will be thin, and that’s exactly what you want—it helps create the cobbler’s pillowy, cake-like top.

Step 4: Layer the Batter Over Butter

Pour the batter evenly over the melted butter in your baking dish. The most important rule here: do not stir! Trust the process; as the cobbler bakes, the layers magically rearrange for that signature “pudding-on-the-bottom, cake-on-the-top” effect.

Step 5: Make the Lemon-Sugar Topping

In a separate bowl, stir together the freshly squeezed lemon juice and the remaining 3/4 cup of sugar. Spoon this mixture carefully over the batter. Again, no stirring allowed—the juice will seep down as the sugar melts, creating sweet-tart lemony pockets throughout your Lemon Cobbler.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden and the edges are bubbling. Your kitchen will fill with a mouthwatering citrus aroma that’s impossible to resist. Allow the Lemon Cobbler to cool for a few minutes before serving, letting the layers settle and flavors meld together.

How to Serve Lemon Cobbler

Garnishes

For the perfect finishing touch, dust the top with powdered sugar and scatter a few fresh lemon slices or zest curls. A swoosh of sweet whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melts into those warm pockets, elevating every spoonful.

Side Dishes

Lemon Cobbler stands beautifully on its own, but you can pair it with a fresh berry salad, a drizzle of raspberry coulis, or even a lemon-infused iced tea for a vibrant, citrus-forward dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual portions in small ramekins for a charming dinner party presentation. For a rustic twist, bake and serve straight from a cast iron skillet. You can even layer with fresh berries for a secret fruity surprise just beneath the cobbler top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow manage to have leftovers, cover the baking dish tightly or transfer portions to an airtight container. Lemon Cobbler keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making for an irresistible midnight snack!

Freezing

To freeze, let the cobbler cool completely, then wrap individual portions or the whole dish in plastic and foil. Store in the freezer for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results—this ensures the texture stays soft and moist.

Reheating

For that just-baked taste, gently reheat Lemon Cobbler in a 300°F oven until warmed through, or pop single servings into the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds. Top with fresh garnishes, and it’ll taste like you just made it.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice really shines in this recipe, lending a vibrant, natural flavor, but bottled will work in a pinch if that’s all you have on hand. The taste might be slightly less bright, but your Lemon Cobbler will still turn out beautifully.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour, and your Lemon Cobbler should bake up just as tender and delicious. Always check that your blend contains xanthan gum for best texture.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely! Double all the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch baking dish. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time—just watch for that bubbly, golden top.

Is it possible to reduce the sugar?

While Lemon Cobbler is meant to be a sweet-tart treat, you can safely cut back each portion of sugar by a couple tablespoons. Just know the topping may not get as caramelized or syrupy, but you’ll still get a lovely dessert.

Should Lemon Cobbler be served warm or cold?

This cobbler truly shines warm, right out of the oven or reheated, when the topping is crisp and the center gooey. That being said, leftovers straight out of the fridge are delightfully refreshing, too!

Final Thoughts

Lemon Cobbler is pure sunshine in dessert form—easy enough for a weeknight but special enough for guests. I can’t wait for you to dig in and make it a cherished favorite at your table. Don’t be surprised when everyone asks for seconds and the recipe, too!

Lemon Cobbler Recipe

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4.5 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This delightful Lemon Cobbler is a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors, with a fluffy cake-like topping and a gooey lemon sauce underneath. It’s a refreshing dessert that’s easy to make and sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

Scale

For the cobbler:

1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1/2 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

For the topping:

3/4 cup granulated sugar

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the cobbler: Pour the melted butter into a 9×9-inch baking dish. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 cup sugar, lemon zest, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk until just combined to form a thin batter. Pour the batter evenly over the melted butter in the baking dish—do not stir.
Make the lemon topping: In a separate bowl, mix the lemon juice with the remaining 3/4 cup sugar and carefully spoon it over the batter. Again, do not stir.
Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the cobbler is set with bubbling edges. Let cool slightly before serving.