Old Fashioned Gooseberry Cobbler Recipe

This old-fashioned gooseberry cobbler recipe is a delightful and easy-to-make summer dessert that perfectly balances sour gooseberries with a fluffy, sweet topping.

Gooseberry cobbler is a timeless dessert that reminds us of simpler times. With its tart and tangy notes, gooseberries bring a refreshing twist to the classic cobbler. If you haven’t tried this delightful treat yet, you’re in for a real treat!

One of the reasons gooseberry cobbler has stood the test of time is its versatility. This dessert can be enjoyed in different ways depending on your personal preference. Some prefer a sweeter cobbler with a generous amount of sugar to balance the tartness of the gooseberries, while others appreciate a more pronounced tang. The beauty of making gooseberry cobbler at home is that you have full control over the sweetness level. You can adjust the amount of sugar in the filling to suit your taste buds and create a dessert that is perfectly tailored to your liking.

Aside from its flavor, gooseberry cobbler also boasts a delightful texture contrast. The juicy, cooked gooseberries burst with every bite, while the cobbler topping provides a fluffy and slightly crisp layer that complements the fruit filling. It’s the perfect combination of textures that adds an extra dimension of enjoyment to each spoonful.

When it comes to making gooseberry cobbler, sourcing the freshest gooseberries is key. Look for plump, firm berries with a vibrant green or reddish color, depending on the variety. The peak season for gooseberries is usually in the summer, so keep an eye out for them at your local farmers’ market or specialty grocery stores. If you’re lucky enough to have access to a gooseberry bush, you can even harvest your own berries and experience the joy of using homegrown ingredients in your cobbler.

Gooseberry Cobbler Ingredients

Gooseberry Filling:

• 4 cups gooseberries, stemmed and rinsed
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sugar

Topping:

• Oil for greasing the baking dish
• 1 1/2 cup flour
• 1/3 cup oil
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 2/3 cup buttermilk*
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Ice cream or fresh whipped cream for topping, if desired

*Note: If you don’t have buttermilk available, mix milk with white vinegar OR lemon juice. Use one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice for every one cup of milk, so for this recipe, you would mix 2/3 cup milk with 2 teaspoons of vinegar OR lemon juice. Voila! Homemade buttermilk!

How to Make Gooseberry Cobbler

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine gooseberries with sugar and water. Over medium heat, bring mixture to a boil, stirring constantly, then cook another 3 minutes, stirring the whole time.

3. Pour the gooseberries into a greased 9X12-inch pan.

4. To prepare the topping, in a medium bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

5. In a separate mixing bowl, mix together the oil, buttermilk, and sugar.
6. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.

7. Drop the topping by spoon onto the top of the gooseberries.

8. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden.

9. Cool slightly before serving. Serve with ice cream or fresh whipped cream, if desired. For an awesome and super simple fresh whipped cream recipe, our Lemon Pie recipe includes the step-by-step instructions for making whipped cream.

10. Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I make buttermilk if I don’t have it on hand? You can easily make a buttermilk substitute by using milk and white vinegar OR lemon juice. Use one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice for every one cup of milk, so for this recipe, you would mix 2/3 cup milk with 2 teaspoons of vinegar OR lemon juice. Voila! Homemade buttermilk!
• Where can I find fresh gooseberries? Gooseberries are typically available in the summer months at farmers’ markets, specialty grocery stores, or you can even grow them in your own backyard if you have a green thumb. Check your local area for availability or consider planting a gooseberry bush.
• Can I use frozen gooseberries instead of fresh? Yes, you can use frozen gooseberries if fresh ones aren’t available. Just be sure to thaw them before using and drain any excess liquid.
• Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative? Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free flour blend as a 1:1 substitute for all-purpose flour in this recipe. However, keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly.
• How should I store leftover gooseberry cobbler? If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
• Can I use other fruits instead of gooseberries? Gooseberries are the star of traditional gooseberry cobbler, but you can certainly experiment with other fruits like raspberries, blackberries, or a combination of berries for a delicious twist.

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Old-Fashioned Gooseberry Cobbler

A delightful and easy-to-make summer dessert that perfectly balances sour gooseberries with a fluffy, sweet topping.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Bake Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Servings 12

Ingredients

  

Gooseberry Filling

• 4 cups gooseberries stemmed and rinsed
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sugar

Topping

• Oil for greasing the baking dish
• 1 1/2 cup flour
• 1/3 cup oil
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 2/3 cup buttermilk*
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
• In a medium saucepan, combine gooseberries with sugar and water. Over medium heat, bring mixture to a boil, stirring constantly, then cook another 3 minutes, stirring the whole time.
• Pour the gooseberries into a greased 9X12-inch pan.
• To prepare the topping, in a medium bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• In a separate mixing bowl, mix together the oil, buttermilk, and sugar.
• Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
• Drop the topping by spoon onto the top of the gooseberries.
• Bake for 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden.
• Cool slightly before serving. Serve with ice cream, if desired.
• Enjoy!

Notes

*Note: If you don’t have buttermilk available, mix milk with white vinegar OR lemon juice. Use one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice for every one cup of milk, so for this recipe, you would mix 2/3 cup milk with 2 teaspoons of vinegar OR lemon juice. Voila! 

Keyword cobbler, Dessert, fall recipes, fresh fruit, gooseberry, Summer, summer dessert, sweet