Delicious Zucchini Cobbler Recipe for a Perfect Summer Treat
Are you craving something sweet and southern? Then I have just the recipe for you! As a chef specialized in southern-style cuisine, I am excited to share with you my delicious Southern Zucchini Cobbler Recipe. This dessert is a twist on the traditional cobbler and it will guarantee to satisfy your sweet tooth.
The best part about this recipe is that it is versatile and perfect for any occasion. Whether you are hosting a picnic or a family gathering, this cobbler is sure to impress your guests. The ingredients are simple, and the process is easy to follow.
Not only is this dessert tasty, but it is also packed with fresh zucchini, making it a healthier option than other sugary desserts. As summer approaches, gardeners everywhere are looking for new ways to use their abundance of zucchini. This recipe is the perfect solution!
So, roll up your sleeves and let’s get baking. Follow my step-by-step instructions and enjoy the taste of the south in every bite of this Southern Zucchini Cobbler Recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a unique and scrumptious way to prepare zucchini, then my Southern Zucchini Cobbler recipe is the perfect dish for you. This recipe boasts a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, along with a soft and crumbly topping that will leave your taste buds craving more.
Not only is this dish delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. The recipe uses simple ingredients that are commonly found in most kitchens, making it a perfect go-to for any dinner party or last-minute dessert cravings.
One of the standout features of this recipe is the use of fresh lemon juice which works brilliantly with the ground cinnamon and nutmeg to create a magical flavor sensation. Additionally, by incorporating chopped zucchini into the filling, you’ll achieve a lovely texture that is both tender and slightly crunchy at the same time.
So whether you are a zucchini lover or skeptical about trying new recipes, my Southern Zucchini Cobbler recipe will have you asking for seconds. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion or even as an afternoon snack. With its unique taste and ease of preparation, this Southern-style cobbler is sure to become one of your favorite recipes in no time.
Ingredient List
Before we delve into the recipe’s how-to, let’s take a look at what ingredients you’ll need to create this Southern Zucchini Cobbler. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 8 cups of fresh zucchini or summer squash, cut into medium-sized pieces (about 3-4 medium-sized squash)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
- Lemon juice, from 1 lemon
- Ground cinnamon, for dusting the top of the cobbler
Make sure to have these ingredients on-hand before you begin cooking to ensure that your time in the kitchen is efficient and enjoyable.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we’ve gone through the reasons why you should try Southern Zucchini Cobbler, let’s dive right into the recipe! Before we get started, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini
Wash and dry 8 cups of fresh zucchini (about 2-3 medium sized squash). Cut off the ends and slice them into bite-sized pieces about 1/4 inch thick.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg. Add the cut zucchini pieces into the mixture and coat them evenly with the sugar and spices mixture.
Step 3: Add the Lemon Juice
Squeeze 1 cup of lemon juice over the coated zucchini and stir well.
Step 4: Make the Crust
In a separate mixing bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 2 sticks of unsalted butter (room temperature). Mix well until it forms a crumbly dough.
Step 5: Layer the Cobbler
In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, layer half of the crust mixture on the bottom. Then add in all of the zucchini filling over it. Finally, cover with the remaining crust mixture.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for approximately 30-40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and crispy on top.
And that’s it! Your delicious Southern Zucchini Cobbler is ready to be devoured. Best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the joys of cooking is being able to experiment with different ingredients and create unique flavors. In this section, I will recommend a few substitutions and variations that you can try for the Southern Zucchini Cobbler Recipe.
For those who want a healthier version of this dessert, you can substitute sugar with honey or maple syrup. These natural sweeteners are low in calories and add a rich flavor. You can also use almond flour or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option.
If you don’t have ground nutmeg on hand, you can substitute it with cloves or allspice for a similar warm flavor. For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon and nutmeg mixture.
For those who love fruit cobblers, you can mix fresh blueberries or sliced peaches with the zucchini for a colorful and flavorful dessert. Adding lemon zest to the fruit mixture will give it an extra tangy kick.
You can also experiment with the cobbler crust by adding chopped nuts like almonds or pecans, or by using graham crackers instead of regular flour. If you want to avoid using baking soda, you can make a crust without it by using buttermilk or sour cream instead.
For those who want to make zucchini dessert bars instead of cobbler, simply spread the mixture in a square pan and bake until golden brown. You can enjoy them warm or cold – they make a great midday snack!
Overall, there are endless possibilities when it comes to making substitutions and variations for the Southern Zucchini Cobbler Recipe. Have fun experimenting and creating your own unique spin on this classic Southern dish!
Serving and Pairing
Now that your Southern Zucchini Cobbler is baked to perfection, let’s talk about serving and pairing it in the best possible way! This zucchini cobbler can be served either warm or at room temperature – it’s completely up to your preference.
To add an extra bit of indulgence, you can pair your cobbler with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or some freshly whipped cream. The coldness and creaminess of the ice cream pair perfectly with the warm cobbler and make for a delicious contrast. Alternatively, serving the cobbler alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee is perfect for those cozy, relaxing evenings.
Another great pairing of this Southern Zucchini Cobbler would be with some fresh berries. The sweetness and juiciness of the berries will balance out the cinnamon and nutmeg flavours in the cobbler. Give it a try and take your dessert game to another level.
If you’re looking for a more unique pairing, try serving this zucchini cobbler with a glass of white wine- preferably a sweet desert wine.
Overall, there are endless ways to serve and pair this Southern Zucchini Cobbler recipe and experiment with new flavours. Get creative in the kitchen, and I’m sure you’ll find new combinations that work perfectly for you.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
With Southern Zucchini Cobbler, just like most cobblers, you can make the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. This works great if you want to prep for an event and get ahead of schedule.
When you’re ready to bake, add the cobbler topping and bake as directed in the recipe. You may need to add a few extra minutes of baking time since the mixture will be cold.
Storing Southern Zucchini Cobbler is simple. Allow it to cool completely before covering it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Then refrigerate for up to three days. When reheating, place slices in the microwave, oven or toaster oven and heat up until warmed through.
I don’t recommend that you freeze this cobbler as it tends to get watery upon defrosting.
As always, homemade is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven but if you have leftovers, they last well stored appropriately in the refrigerator.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure that your Southern Zucchini Cobbler turns out perfectly every time, take note of the following tips:
1. Use Fresh Zucchini:
When preparing this recipe, I recommend using fresh and ripe zucchinis. As an alternative to fresh, you can use frozen but ensure that it is properly thawed before making your cobbler.
2. Consistency is Key:
The size of your zucchini pieces matters a lot in this recipe. I recommend cutting them into medium-sized pieces and ensuring that they are evenly sized for uniform baking.
3. Don’t Overmix your Batter:
When preparing the batter for your Southern Zucchini Cobbler, avoid over-mixing the ingredients as such can result in a tough crust.
4. Use Quality Ingredients:
For optimal results, use high-quality ingredients. I recommend using fresh ground cinnamon, nutmeg and lemon juice to give your cobbler an enhanced flavor.
5. Don’t Crow the Pan:
Ensure that you use a pan with enough space when making your cobbler. When you overcrowd the pan, it may result in uneven cooking or make the crust soggy.
6. Watch your Oven Temperatures:
Always ensure that you preheat your oven before starting and watch out for proper baking temperatures to ensure even browning and prevent burns.
7. Stir as Needed:
When preparing the filling for your cobbler, stir occasionally to prevent burning and sticking.
With these tips, you should be able to prepare a perfect Southern Zucchini Cobbler and enjoy the best of southern-style cuisine!
Bottom Line
As a chef specializing in Southern-style cuisine, I can confidently say that this zucchini cobbler recipe is a true gem that deserves a place in your recipe collection. With its buttery and slightly crisp crust, sweet and tender zucchini filling, and warm notes of cinnamon and nutmeg, it’s a dessert that will transport you straight to a lazy summer afternoon in the South.
Not only is this recipe incredibly delicious, but it’s also versatile and customizable. You can use different types of summer squash or add other fruits for variation, adjust the sweetness and spices to your taste, and even make it low-carb or keto-friendly by swapping some of the ingredients.
And if you ever find yourself with an abundance of fresh zucchini, don’t hesitate to turn to this recipe as it’s easy to make and yields a generous amount. You can serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, pair it with coffee or tea for brunch or afternoon snack, or even have it for breakfast alongside some bacon or sausage.
In conclusion, this Southern-style zucchini cobbler recipe is a must-try for anyone who appreciates comfort food with a twist. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, you’ll find that this recipe is easy to follow and delivers outstanding results every time. So why not add some Southern charm to your baking repertoire today? Your taste buds (and maybe even your family and friends) will thank you!
Southern Zucchini Cobbler Recipe
Ingredients
Filling
- 3 lbs chopped seeded peeled zucchini (about 8 cups)
- 2/3 cup lemon juice
- 1 cup sugar (or reduce to suit taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Crust
- 4 cups flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 1/2 cups cold butter
Topping
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, over medium-low heat, cook and stir zucchini and lemon juice for 15-20 minutes or until zucchini is tender. (I cook mine in the microwave.) Add sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg; simmer one minute longer. Remove from heat and set aside.
- For crust, combine flour and sugar in a bowl; cut in butter until mixture resembles course crumbs. Stir 1/2 cup into zucchini mixture.
- Press half of remaining crust mixture into a greased 15x10x1-inch baking pan. Spread zucchini mixture over top; crumble remaining crust mixture over zucchini. Sprinkle with cinnamon.
- Bake at 375°F for 35-40 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Top with ice cream or whipped cream to serve, if desired.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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