This Magic Lemon Cobbler is a sweet, tangy dessert that will wow your taste buds with its combination of zesty lemon pie filling and soft, buttery cobbler batter. As it bakes, something magical happens—the layers flip! The buttery cobbler batter rises to form a fluffy, golden crust while the lemon filling settles below, creating a pudding-like texture. Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a treat that’s nothing short of extraordinary.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dessert is as easy as it is delicious. With minimal ingredients and a simple baking process, you’ll be able to impress your guests or treat yourself to a comforting dessert in no time. The contrast of the vibrant lemon flavor with the rich, buttery cobbler crust creates a perfect balance that will have you coming back for seconds. It's a no-fuss, show-stopping treat that is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a family dinner or a special gathering.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup buttermilk or whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract (optional)
- 1 can (21 ounces) lemon pie filling or lemon curd
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the butter in a 9×9-inch baking dish and melt it in the preheated oven for 3-4 minutes, until fully melted. Remove the dish from the oven.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- Add the buttermilk, vanilla extract, and lemon extract (if using) to the dry ingredients. Whisk until a smooth batter forms.
- Pour the batter evenly over the melted butter in the baking dish. Do not stir.
- Spoon the lemon pie filling or lemon curd evenly over the batter.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the edges are puffed and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cobbler to cool slightly. The lemon filling will settle at the bottom, creating a pudding-like layer.
- Serve warm with a topping of whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, lemon slices, or a dusting of powdered sugar, if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
- Add fruit: You can mix in fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries to the lemon pie filling to create a fruity twist.
- Make it gluten-free: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make this dessert suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Add zest: For a more intense lemon flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter for a fresh citrus punch.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover cobbler in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the cobbler in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
FAQs
1. Can I make Magic Lemon Cobbler ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter and lemon filling and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to a day. When you're ready, pour the batter into the baking dish, add the lemon filling, and bake as directed.
2. Can I use a different fruit filling instead of lemon?
Absolutely! You can substitute the lemon filling with other fruit fillings such as blueberry, peach, or cherry for a different flavor profile.
3. What is the best way to serve Magic Lemon Cobbler?
Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar for the perfect finishing touch.
4. Can I freeze this dessert?
Yes, you can freeze Magic Lemon Cobbler for up to 3 months. After baking, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.
5. How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Ensure you don’t stir the batter and lemon filling together before baking. The magic of the cobbler comes from the layers naturally forming while baking.
6. Can I use fresh lemon juice instead of lemon pie filling or lemon curd?
Yes, you can use fresh lemon juice along with sugar, cornstarch, and butter to make a homemade lemon filling. However, using store-bought lemon pie filling or lemon curd makes this recipe quicker and easier.
7. Can I use skim milk instead of buttermilk?
While buttermilk gives a richer flavor and texture, you can substitute it with whole milk or even skim milk if that’s what you have on hand.
8. How can I make this dessert less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar in both the batter and lemon filling to suit your taste. You could also opt for a sugar substitute.
9. Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe and bake it in a 9x13-inch pan. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, checking for doneness around 55-65 minutes.
10. Is this dessert gluten-free?
This recipe is not gluten-free by default, but you can swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make it gluten-free.
Conclusion
Magic Lemon Cobbler is a wonderful dessert that combines the rich flavors of tangy lemon and buttery cobbler. With a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a delightful treat that will leave everyone coming back for more. Whether you enjoy it as is or with a topping of whipped cream or ice cream, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Magic Lemon Cobbler
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Magic Lemon Cobbler is a delightful, tangy dessert that combines rich lemon pie filling with a soft, buttery cobbler crust. As it bakes, the layers magically flip, forming a golden crust with a pudding-like lemon filling below. Easy to make, this dessert is perfect for any occasion and can be topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup buttermilk or whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract (optional)
- 1 can (21 ounces) lemon pie filling or lemon curd
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place butter in a 9×9-inch baking dish and melt it in the preheated oven for 3-4 minutes, then remove.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- Add buttermilk, vanilla, and lemon extract (if using) to the dry ingredients and whisk until smooth.
- Pour batter evenly over the melted butter, without stirring.
- Spoon lemon pie filling or lemon curd evenly over the batter.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, until the edges are golden brown.
- Let the cobbler cool slightly; the lemon filling will form a pudding-like layer at the bottom.
- Serve warm with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or powdered sugar.
Notes
- This recipe can be customized with fresh fruit like berries, or by making it gluten-free using a flour blend.
- For a stronger lemon flavor, add lemon zest to the batter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
