Easy Strawberry Cobbler: Frozen Strawberries & Cake Mix
Imagine a dessert that marries the bright, tangy zest of ripe strawberries with a soft, golden, cake-like topping. The contrast is a delightful dance on the palate the juicy burst of the fruit against the comforting sweetness of the baked layer. A warm spoonful delivers a rush of summer memories, regardless of the season outside.
Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Mixing Bowls (medium)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven
- Spatula or Spoon
- Knife (for cutting butter)
Ingredients
- 1 15-ounce package frozen sliced strawberries
- 1 15.25-ounce box yellow cake mix
- cup 1 sticks cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- Optional: 2 tablespoons granulated sugar if strawberries are not very sweet
- Optional: 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 375F (190C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Step 2: Arrange the Strawberries: Spread the frozen strawberries evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. If desired, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and/or 1 teaspoon of cinnamon over the strawberries. This step is optional, based on the sweetness of the berries and personal preference.
- Step 3: Prepare the Cake Topping: Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the strawberries. Distribute the mix as uniformly as possible to ensure even baking.
- Step 4: Add the Butter: Distribute the cubed cold butter evenly over the cake mix. The butter should be cold to create a crumbly topping.
- Step 5: Bake the Cobbler: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the strawberry filling is bubbly.
- Step 6: Cool and Serve: Remove the cobbler from the oven and let it cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to thicken slightly. Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Tips and Substitutions:
- For a crispier topping, consider adding cup of chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) to the cake mix before sprinkling it over the strawberries.
- If you prefer a different fruit, blueberries, raspberries, or peaches can be substituted for the strawberries.
- For a richer flavor, brown the butter before adding it to the cake mix. Allow the browned butter to cool slightly before distributing it over the cake mix.
- If a vegan version is desired, substitute the butter with coconut oil. Ensure the coconut oil is cold or frozen for best results. You can use a vegan cake mix to ensure the entire recipe is plant-based.
Notes
Variations
The adaptability of this strawberry cobbler allows for numerous creative explorations:
- Ingredient Swaps: Other frozen fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, or a mixed berry blend can be substituted for the strawberries. Peaches or nectarines, either fresh or frozen, also work well. The cake mix can be swapped out, too. Lemon cake mix pairs nicely with blueberries, while spice cake mix complements apples or peaches.
- Regional Twists: Consider adding a splash of bourbon or rum to the strawberry filling for a Southern-inspired touch. A streusel topping made with oats, flour, butter, and brown sugar can replace the cake mix for a more rustic cobbler. In some regions, a biscuit topping is favored over cake.
- Dietary Adjustments: For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free cake mix. A dairy-free cobbler can be achieved by substituting the butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative. Ensure the cake mix used is also dairy-free. To reduce sugar, consider using a sugar-free cake mix and adding a sugar substitute, like stevia, to the strawberries, adjusting to taste.
Serving Suggestions
Strawberry cobbler is versatile and can be served in numerous ways. It is excellent warm, straight from the oven, especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. It also pairs well with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. This dessert can be served at casual family dinners, potlucks, or special occasions. During warmer months, consider serving it slightly chilled for a refreshing treat. Adding a garnish of fresh mint leaves can enhance the visual appeal and provide a contrasting flavor note.
Storage Tips
To maintain the freshness of the strawberry cobbler, proper storage is essential. Leftover cobbler should be cooled completely before storing. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To prevent the topping from becoming soggy, store it in an airtight container. Reheating can be done in a preheated oven at 350F (175C) for 10-15 minutes, or in the microwave for shorter periods. For longer storage, the cobbler can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. The topping’s texture may change slightly after freezing and thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Question 1: Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen? Yes, fresh strawberries can be used. Hull and slice about 4 cups of fresh strawberries, and consider adding a tablespoon or two of cornstarch to help thicken the juices during baking.
- Question 2: My cobbler topping is browning too quickly. What should I do? If the topping is browning too quickly, tent the baking dish with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
- Question 3: Can I make this cobbler ahead of time? The cobbler can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. However, it is best to bake it shortly before serving for optimal texture.
- Question 4: The cake mix topping seems dry, what can I do? Add 2-4 tablespoons of melted butter to the dry cake mix and mix before sprinkling it over the strawberries. This will help moisten the topping.