Are you craving a dessert that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple to make? Look no further! This fresh strawberry and cream cheese cobbler is the perfect answer for a quick and satisfying treat, perfect for a weeknight dessert or a delightful weekend gathering. This easy recipe delivers a delightful balance of sweet strawberries and tangy cream cheese, all nestled under a warm, buttery crumble topping. It's the ultimate comfort food, and you'll be amazed at how quickly it comes together! Get ready to impress your family and friends with this homemade cooking masterpiece – a true addition to your best recipes collection.
Ingredients:
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
Instructions:
Get started with the Strawberry Filling:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, gently combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Mix until the strawberries are evenly coated.
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Fold the cream cheese into the strawberry mixture.
Prepare and bake the Crumble Topping:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Pour the strawberry and cream cheese filling into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the filling.
Baking and Serving:
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Let the cobbler cool slightly before serving. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is the perfect accompaniment!
Tips for the Best Strawberry Cream Cheese Cobbler:
- For a richer flavor, use brown sugar in the strawberry filling as well.
- Don't overmix the crumble topping; leaving some larger pieces of butter will create a flakier texture.
- If your strawberries are particularly juicy, you may want to increase the cornstarch to 3 tablespoons to prevent a runny filling.
- Feel free to use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them completely before adding them to the filling.
Variations:
- Berry Bliss: Substitute or add other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries to the filling.
- Citrus Twist: Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the crumble topping for a bright citrusy note.
- Nutty Delight: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumble topping for added texture and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 calories This is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This fresh strawberry and cream cheese cobbler recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a homemade dessert. It's perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen. It's a great addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals, proving that healthy eating can also be incredibly delicious. Enjoy!