7 Simple Ways to Elevate Your Summer Fruit Cobbler

With summer in full swing, there's one thing you can count on: cobbler. Whether you're stuck with a surplus of juicy peaches or fortunate enough to snag a bucket of ripe blueberries from a neighbor’s garden, cobbler is the answer to any fruit-filled dilemma. Whenever summer's bounty comes your way, cobbler is the perfect way to use it up.

Cobblers are an easy, fuss-free way to showcase the best of seasonal fruits like peaches, plums, berries, nectarines, cherries, and more. They're beloved by all, endlessly versatile, and are the ultimate pairing for a scoop of vanilla ice cream. What more could you want?

The beauty of cobblers lies in how easily you can make small changes to create something uniquely yours. Whether you're adding a new twist or personal touch, here are a few ideas to help you get started:

Add a New Fruit

What better way to capture the essence of summer and add a burst of creativity to your homemade dessert than by mixing fruits? Think peaches and blueberries, mixed berries, blackberries and apricots, or even cherry and pear. Any fruit you'd use for a single filling in a cobbler can be combined into bold, colorful blends that are sure to wow. Just remember: two fruits are always better than one.

Switch Up Your Thickening Agent

It might not sound like the most exciting change, but this small adjustment can truly elevate your cobbler. If you're using all-purpose flour to thicken your cobbler filling, consider giving cornstarch a try. Unlike flour, which can sometimes leave a bitter aftertaste that doesn't fully cook out, cornstarch is virtually flavorless. Better yet, try tapioca starch—it’s neutral in taste and blends seamlessly with fruit juices. Keep in mind that starch is twice as powerful as flour, so you’ll need less of it.

Add a Textural Twist to Your Biscuits

There’s nothing wrong with a classic biscuit topping—it’s a timeless choice. But adding a personal touch to your cobbler topping can make it extra special at the summer potluck. For example, swap out part of the flour for cornmeal to give the topping a sweet, crumbly texture, or mix in chopped pecans to bring some crunch to your peach cobbler. At the very least, brush the biscuit topping with an egg wash and sprinkle with sanding sugar for a sparkling finish and delicate crunch.

Caramel Sauce, Anyone?

Last summer, I fell in love with the idea of adding homemade salted caramel sauce to cobbler. For a peach cobbler, I like to swirl some into the filling, then drizzle warm caramel sauce over each serving—paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, naturally.

Experiment with Your Favorite Herbs and Spices

Do you love how fresh ginger brings out the sweet-tart notes of blueberries? If so, grate some fresh ginger into your next blueberry cobbler filling—or even add a bit of chopped candied ginger to the biscuit topping. And if you're a fan of pairing peaches with basil in summer, try incorporating that combo into your cobbler. In short, if there's a flavor pairing you adore with fruit, don't be afraid to experiment and bring it into your cobbler. After all, a cobbler is the perfect canvas for culinary creativity!

Create a Custom Whipped Cream

If you're unsure about adding new flavors directly into your cobbler but feel they might complement it well, start by making a custom-flavored whipped cream to serve on top. While vanilla extract is the usual flavoring for whipped cream (maybe with a hint of lemon), you don’t have to stop there. Try adding almond extract, cocoa powder, fresh herbs, citrus zest, or even a splash of liquor—whatever suits your taste.

Bring on the Booze

Speaking of booze... a couple of tablespoons of bourbon or brandy can elevate the filling of a summer fruit cobbler. Just a suggestion.