There's something magical about the combination of tart lemon and sweet blueberries, especially when it's baked into a comforting dish like this Lemon Zest Blueberry Cobbler. Perfect for a summer dessert or a cozy winter treat, this cobbler is both refreshing and satisfying. Let's dive into creating a dish that's sure to become a family favorite!
Blueberries are the star here, bringing natural sweetness and a burst of juiciness to every bite. Fresh is best, but frozen will work in a pinch. Granulated sugar helps to enhance the natural sweetness of the berries and caramelizes on the top for a delightful crust. All-purpose flour forms the base of our batter, giving structure to the cobbler. Baking powder helps the batter rise, resulting in a fluffy texture. Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor of the other ingredients. Unsalted butter, when melted, adds richness and moisture to the batter. Lemon zest infuses the dish with a bright, citrusy aroma that pairs beautifully with the blueberries. Milk makes the batter smooth and creamy. Vanilla extract adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavor, while ground cinnamon sprinkled on top adds a hint of spice that's just right.
This cobbler is delightful on its own, but if you're feeling indulgent, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a lighter option, a spoonful of Greek yogurt complements the tartness of the lemon beautifully.
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it'll be at the perfect temperature when you're ready to bake. Now, grab a mixing bowl and toss in the blueberries, half a cup of sugar, and the lemon zest. Stir them together until the berries are well-coated and glistening with a sugary lemon glaze.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This dry mix is crucial as it forms the base of your cobbler. To this mixture, add the milk and melted butter. Stir until you have a smooth batter without any lumps. Don't worry; it should be quite fluid.
Pour this batter into a greased 9x9 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Now, it's time for the blueberry mixture. Scatter it evenly across the top of the batter. You want every spoonful to have a good mix of fruit and cake.
Finally, in a small bowl, combine the remaining sugar with the cinnamon. Sprinkle this over the top of the cobbler. This will form a sweet, spicy crust as it bakes. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes. You'll know it's done when the top is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.