Crazy for Cobbler: An Ode to Peach Cobbler and its Fruit-Crisp Cousins

Peach Cobbler Daydreaming

I have a foggy memory of hearing reverent whispers of “peach cobbler, peach cobbler, peach cobbler” around my house as a child. My parents spoke in dulcet, hushed tones as they made the dessert … and then I remember tasting the classic fruit wonder … and with one blissful bite, I understood what all the buzz was about. They made at least one every summer when peaches were in season!

Not to misrepresent things, my parents didn’t have a secret family recipe or anything. I’m sure Bisquick was involved — but with fresh, sweet, ripe summer farm stand peaches, the buttery topping, and a big scoop of vanilla ice cream, the dessert moved into a heavenly sphere in my taste memory.

Fast forward many moons, I was hosting a dinner party one summer night and I opted to make a peach and strawberry cobbler. It was one of the BEST, most simple desserts, EVER. It was a Gourmet or Bon Appétit recipe that I turned to again and again. I have such fond memories of that cobbler and its cookie topping, it became my inspiration when I developed this Blackberry Cobbler recipe.

Slumps, Grunts, Betties, Cobblers (& Crisps)

These fruit-centric sweet treat cousins are all rustic, juicy, cooked fruit desserts topped with a biscuit-like crust (or streusel topping). They all take full advantage of the bounty of summer fruit. Traditionally, both slumps and grunts are cooked on the stove top (to avoid turning on the oven in the summer). But slumps can be (and betties and crisps are) baked, making them more like a cobbler. And while there is debate about the similarities and differences among these fruit desserts, one thing is clear: start with fresh fruit!

Ready to get your slump, grunt, cobbler, betty, or crisp on?

Look no further than these Cuisine at Home recipes:

• Blackberry Cobbler
• Bourbon Peach Crisp with pecan streusel
• Mixed Berry & Cornmeal Slump
• Rhubarb-Raspberry Brown Betty
• Apple & Cranberry Cobbler