Easy Gooseberry Cobbler Recipe

Introduction

This easy gooseberry cobbler is a delightful mix of tart fruit and a sweet, crumbly topping. Perfect for spring or early summer, it combines fresh gooseberries with a touch of ginger and elderflower cordial for a fragrant twist.

Ingredients

• 750g gooseberries, washed, topped and tailed
• 100g caster sugar
• 1 tsp grated root ginger
• 3 tbsp elderflower cordial
• 140g plain flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 25g butter
• 25g caster sugar
• 150ml buttermilk
• 1 tbsp demerara sugar

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 190°C (170°C fan) or gas mark 5. In a saucepan, combine the gooseberries, 100g caster sugar, grated root ginger, elderflower cordial, and 4 tablespoons of water. Cover and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, until the berries start to pop. Transfer the mixture into a baking dish.
2. Step 2: For the topping, sift the plain flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt into a mixing bowl. Rub in the butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs, then stir in 25g caster sugar. Add the buttermilk and mix to form a soft, sticky dough.
3. Step 3: Spoon dollops of the dough evenly over the cooked gooseberries. Sprinkle the top with demerara sugar to add a crunchy finish.
4. Step 4: Bake the cobbler in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crusty. Allow it to stand for 5 minutes before serving.
5. Step 5: Serve warm with low-fat ice cream, fromage frais, or custard for a comforting dessert.

Tips & Variations

• If you can’t find buttermilk, substitute with low-fat natural yogurt thinned with a little cold water, or add 1 tablespoon lemon juice to 150ml milk and let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle.
• For added texture, toss some chopped nuts like almonds or hazelnuts into the topping mixture.
• Adjust sweetness by adding more or less sugar depending on how tart your gooseberries are.

Storage

Store any leftover cobbler in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving, adding a splash of cream or custard to keep it moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gooseberries for this recipe?

Yes, frozen gooseberries work well. Thaw them slightly and drain any excess liquid before cooking to avoid a watery filling.

What can I use instead of elderflower cordial?

If you don’t have elderflower cordial, a bit of lemon zest or a splash of orange blossom water can add a lovely floral note to the fruit mixture.

Easy Gooseberry Cobbler Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 141 reviews

A delightful and easy-to-make gooseberry cobbler featuring a tangy fruit base infused with ginger and elderflower cordial, topped with a golden, crumbly buttermilk topping. Perfect served warm with low-fat ice cream or custard for a comforting dessert.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 40 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Filling

• 750g gooseberries, washed, topped and tailed
• 100g caster sugar
• 1 tsp grated root ginger
• 3 tbsp elderflower cordial
• 4 tbsp water

Topping

• 140g plain flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• 25g butter
• 25g caster sugar
• 150ml buttermilk
• 1 tbsp demerara sugar

Optional Serving

• Low-fat ice cream, fromage frais, or custard

Instructions

1. Prepare the filling: Heat the oven to 190C/170C fan/gas mark 5. In a saucepan, combine gooseberries, 100g caster sugar, grated root ginger, elderflower cordial, and 4 tablespoons water. Cook covered for 5 minutes until the berries begin to pop and release their juices.
2. Transfer filling: Pour the cooked gooseberry mixture into a suitable baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
3. Make the topping: In a mixing bowl, sift together plain flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Rub in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Stir in caster sugar. Add the buttermilk and mix until a soft, sticky dough forms.
4. Assemble cobbler: Dollop spoonfuls of the topping mixture over the gooseberries evenly. Sprinkle the top with demerara sugar for added crunch and sweetness.
5. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crusty.
6. Serve: Remove the cobbler from the oven and allow it to stand for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with low-fat ice cream, fromage frais, or custard as desired.

Notes

• If you can’t find buttermilk, substitute with low-fat natural yogurt thinned with a little cold water, or add 1 tbsp lemon juice to 150ml milk and let it stand for 5 minutes to curdle.
• Ensure the gooseberries are washed and trimmed to remove tops and tails before cooking.
• For a stronger ginger flavor, adjust the grated root ginger quantity to taste.
• Serve immediately after resting for best texture and flavor.

Keywords: gooseberry cobbler, easy cobbler recipe, elderflower, ginger dessert, fruit cobbler, British dessert