Blueberry cobbler is a classic dessert, loved for its sweet, juicy berries and comforting, buttery topping. But let's be honest, sometimes the prep work can feel overwhelming. This recipe offers a delicious shortcut: using canned blueberry pie filling! This method retains all the delightful flavors of a homemade cobbler while significantly reducing the prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
What are the benefits of using pie filling?
Using canned blueberry pie filling offers several key advantages:
- Saves Time: No need to wash, sort, and prepare fresh blueberries. This eliminates a significant portion of the prep time.
- Convenience: Pie filling is readily available in most grocery stores, making it a convenient ingredient to have on hand.
- Consistent Results: The filling provides a consistent level of sweetness and berry flavor, minimizing variations in taste.
- Reduced Mess: No need to deal with messy blueberry stains during preparation.
How to Make Blueberry Cobbler with Pie Filling: A Step-by-Step Guide
This recipe is designed for simplicity and deliciousness. Feel free to adjust sweetness and spices to your preference.
Ingredients:
- 1 (21 ounce) can blueberry pie filling
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined; don't overmix.
- Pour Filling: Pour the canned blueberry pie filling into the prepared baking dish.
- Top with Batter: Pour the batter evenly over the pie filling.
- Add Nuts (Optional): Sprinkle chopped nuts over the top, if desired.
- Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool: Let the cobbler cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of canned pie filling?
Yes, absolutely! If you prefer using fresh or frozen blueberries, you'll need to adjust the recipe slightly. You'll need about 4 cups of fresh or frozen blueberries. You may also need to increase the amount of sugar depending on the sweetness of the blueberries. Toss the blueberries with a tablespoon or two of cornstarch to help thicken the filling during baking. The baking time might need a slight adjustment as well, depending on your oven and the amount of liquid from the blueberries.
What kind of pie filling works best?
While blueberry pie filling is ideal for this recipe, you can experiment with other fruit pie fillings, such as cherry, apple, or peach. Keep in mind that the baking time might need adjusting depending on the type of filling used.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make a healthier version, you can reduce the amount of sugar, use whole wheat flour, and incorporate a healthier fat like applesauce or melted coconut oil instead of butter. You can also add a sprinkle of oats to the topping for added fiber.
Can I make this cobbler ahead of time?
You can assemble the cobbler ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time. The cobbler is best served fresh from the oven, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
This easy blueberry cobbler recipe, utilizing canned pie filling, guarantees a delicious dessert without the extensive prep work. Enjoy!
