Cherry-Berry Breakfast Cobbler

It’s been a while since my last cobbler recipe! Over a full year, in fact. I found inspiration to return to this format when I found myself with an abundance of fresh cherries, blueberries, and strawberries, all dying (quite literally) to be consumed within 48 hours.

What you’ll need:

• 1 cup TOTAL of hulled and quartered strawberries, pitted and quartered cherries, and blueberries (I used a third of each)
• drizzle of maple syrup or sprinkle of sugar
• about 1/8 tsp lemon zest
• pinch of salt

• 1/4 cup quick cook steel-cut oats OR 1/3 cup quick oats
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• pinch of salt
• 1/8 cup milk of choice
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp maple syrup
• 1/8 tsp cinnamon

How to make it:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F and spray a single-serving ramekin or cast iron skillet with non-stick spray.
2. Toss berries with maple syrup, lemon zest, and salt. Dump in an even layer in ramekin or skillet.
3. In a bowl, combine dry ingredients: oats, baking powder, and salt. Once mixed, add in wet ingredients: milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and maple syrup. Stir until combined. (Feel free to double the ingredients for the cobbler for a heartier breakfast.)
4. Transfer to the ramekin and bake for 25-30 minutes.
5. To serve, eat as is or top with yogurt of choice or coconut whipped cream! It serves one as breakfast, but could be split between two for a light dessert!

The secret to this recipe is waiting until the berry mixture is bubbling. Don’t take it out any sooner. It’s kind of like when you bake a casserole and you have to wait until the creamy or cheesy mixture starts bubbling before it’s truly done (and I was never patient enough to let that happen, which is why I never make casseroles).

This dish is called a breakfast cobbler because the top portion is reminiscent of a baked oatmeal: chewy and earthy and cozy. It is not as fluffy as what would traditionally top a full-fledged cobbler, and it is much less sweet. That means it’s perfect for breakfast, but with a nod toward a beloved dessert. If you’re looking for an indulgent dessert, this is probably not the recipe you’re looking for. If you’re going to have a dessert, have a real dessert!! 🙂

P.S. This oatmeal is great with banana “nice cream” (or, according to my dad, who was my taste tester, actual vanilla ice cream).