Easy Sourdough Blackberry Cobbler (From Scratch!)
Make the most of summer’s sweet bounty with this sourdough blackberry cobbler! It’s quick to prep, perfect for beginners, and uses active sourdough starter for a delicious tangy twist.
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Why You’ll Love This Sourdough Blackberry Cobbler
- A great way to use sourdough starter (not discard!)
- Simple ingredients and one bowl makes for minimal cleanup
- Naturally tangy and sweet flavor pairing
- Works with fresh, frozen, or canned blackberries
- Can be made dairy-free or gluten-free with simple swaps
- Perfect summer dessert (or even a sweet breakfast!)
What Is Sourdough Starter?
A sourdough starter is a fermented mixture of flour and water used to naturally leaven baked goods. An active starter is bubbly, doubled in size, and recently fed, usually within the last 4–12 hours. For this cobbler, we use active starter for the best rise and subtle tang.
No active starter? You can substitute with equal parts flour and milk or flour and water to get the right consistency.
Can I Use Sourdough Discard Instead?
You can, but you’ll need to add baking powder for rise, since discard isn’t active. This recipe includes 2 teaspoons of baking powder so it works either way!
If you love discard recipes, check out these next:
Why Use Sourdough Starter in Cobbler?
Sourdough starter doesn’t just leaven bread, it adds flavor and tenderness to baked goods like cobbler. The natural acidity in the starter helps break down gluten, creating a soft, moist texture.
Plus, the tangy notes from the fermented dough perfectly balance the sweet blackberries. It’s a subtle but delicious difference you’ll taste in every bite.
If you’ve never baked with sourdough outside of bread, this cobbler is the perfect place to start.
How to Pick the Best Blackberries
Whether you’re foraging wild berries or buying them at a market, here are a few tips:
- Look for plump, dark purple-black berries with no red or green tones.
- Ripe blackberries should be slightly soft, not firm or mushy.
- If using frozen blackberries, thaw them first and drain off excess juice.
Pro Tip: If your berries are a little tart, you can toss them with a tablespoon of sugar before adding to the dish.
Equipment Needed
- 9×13 baking dish (or large cast iron skillet)
- Mixing bowl or saucepan
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Optional: parchment paper for easy cleanup
Ingredients
- 3 cups blackberries – fresh, frozen, or canned
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter – melted
- 4 cups sourdough starter – active or discard
- 2 tsp baking powder – especially helpful with discard
How to Make Sourdough Blackberry Cobbler
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
Wash and dry your berries if needed. Lightly grease or line your 9×13 dish. Spread berries evenly in the bottom.
2. Melt the butter.
Use a small pot on low heat or microwave-safe bowl.
3. Mix the cobbler batter.
In the bowl with melted butter, whisk in sugar, sourdough starter, and baking powder until smooth.
4. Assemble.
Pour the cobbler batter over the blackberries. Do not stir.
5. Bake.
Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 60 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbly. Let cool at least 15 minutes before serving.
How to Store Blackberry Cobbler
- Store leftover cobbler in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5–7 days.
- Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- This recipe is not recommended for freezing once baked, but you can freeze the prepared (unbaked) batter and bake from frozen.
Serving Suggestions
- Top with vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream
- Add a drizzle of warm caramel sauce
- Sprinkle with fresh lemon zest for brightness
- Serve with extra fresh berries or mint for a fancy finish
FAQs
Can I cut this recipe in half?
Yes! Halve all ingredients and bake in an 8×8 dish. Check for doneness around 45–50 minutes.
Why is my cobbler runny?
It likely needs more time to bake. The filling should be bubbly, and the topping golden and firm, not liquidy.
How do I know when it’s done?
The top will be lightly browned, and the edges bubbly. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.
Does blackberry cobbler need to be refrigerated?
Yes. Keep leftovers refrigerated to maintain freshness and food safety.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Use peaches, cherries, or blueberries if blackberries aren’t in season.
- Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or cinnamon to the batter.
- Want a gluten-free version? Use a gluten-free sourdough starter and flour blend.
- Make individual cobblers in ramekins for easy serving and freezing.
Can I Make This Cobbler with Other Fruit?
Yes! This sourdough cobbler base is incredibly versatile. You can swap the blackberries for:
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Peaches
- Cherries
Or go wild and mix two together, like blackberry peach cobbler or cherry blackberry. The batter stays the same; just adjust the sweetness slightly if your fruit is especially tart or sweet.
If you’re loving the idea of sourdough cobblers and want to try a different flavor, check out this delicious Sourdough Peach Cobbler from Farmhouse on Boone. It’s perfect for late summer when peaches are at their peak!
Other Recipes You’ll Love
If this sourdough blackberry cobbler made your tastebuds happy, here are a few more from-scratch favorites to try next:
- Einkorn Peach Crisp – A sweet and buttery crisp made with fresh peaches and wholesome einkorn flour. Perfect for summer!
- Triple Chocolate Sourdough Bread – A rich and indulgent chocolate sourdough loaf that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
- The Best Fresh Milled Wheat Bread – Our go-to sandwich bread made with 100% fresh milled flour.
- Sourdough Discard Monkey Bread – Soft, sweet, and gooey pull-apart bread that’s a hit for brunch or dessert.
- Sourdough Oatmeal Cookies – Chewy, spiced, and packed with that sourdough goodness. A great way to use up extra starter.
If you try this sourdough blackberry cobbler, I’d love to hear what you think! Please consider leaving a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ star rating or a written review below, it really helps more people find my recipes.
And if you snap a photo, be sure to tag me on Instagram @lewisacreshomestead so I can see your delicious cobbler creations. I always love seeing what you’re baking in your kitchen!
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