Carmen’s Butterscotch Cobbler

Warm, gooey, and irresistibly rich, Carmen’s Butterscotch Cobbler is a nostalgic dessert that melts in your mouth and soothes the soul. A golden, cake-like topping bakes over a bubbling butterscotch sauce that forms like magic in the oven—no stirring required. Whether you’re hosting Sunday dinner or just want a cozy treat on a cool evening, this cobbler is a buttery-sweet delight that’s easy to make and impossible to forget.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Magical Self-Saucing – The sauce forms underneath as it bakes.
Old-Fashioned Goodness – A comfort dessert straight from grandma’s kitchen.
Quick to Make – No mixer or complicated steps required.
Buttery & Rich – Caramel-like flavor in every bite.
Perfect with Ice Cream – The warm sauce and cool cream combo is heavenly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cobbler Batter:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup whole milk
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Butterscotch Sauce:

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1¼ cups hot water
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ tsp salt

Optional for Serving:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream
• Chopped pecans or toffee bits for garnish

Tools You’ll Need

• 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Kettle or saucepan (to heat water)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Make the Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Stir in milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until a smooth batter forms.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

Step 3: Make the Butterscotch Sauce
In another bowl, whisk together brown sugar, hot water, melted butter, and salt until sugar is mostly dissolved.
Gently pour the sauce mixture over the batter—do not stir! It may look unusual, but trust the process.

Step 4: Bake
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
The cake layer will rise to the top while a rich butterscotch sauce forms underneath.

Step 5: Cool Slightly & Serve
Let cool for 5–10 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly.
Spoon warm cobbler into bowls, making sure to scoop from the bottom to get both cake and sauce.
Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Tips for Best Results
Use Hot Water – It helps the brown sugar dissolve and the sauce form properly.
Don’t Stir the Layers – The layering creates the magic self-saucing effect.
Add a Nutty Crunch – Sprinkle chopped pecans on top before baking for texture.
Go Deeper – Use a deep dish to avoid bubbling over if doubling the recipe.
Make It Ahead – Bake, cool, and reheat gently before serving.

Serving Suggestions
Vanilla Bean Ice Cream – The classic pairing for warm cobbler.
Whipped Cream – Light and fluffy contrast to the rich sauce.
Espresso or Coffee – Perfect for balancing the sweetness.
Caramel Drizzle – For an even richer dessert.
Holiday Spread – Serve as part of your Thanksgiving or Christmas dessert table.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Room Temp: Can sit covered on the counter for up to 1 day.

Reheating:
Microwave: Warm individual portions for 20–30 seconds.
Oven: Reheat at 325°F for 10–15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a self-saucing cobbler?
   It’s a dessert where a sauce forms underneath as it bakes, thanks to the layering of batter and liquid topping.
2. Can I use light brown sugar?
   Yes, though dark brown sugar gives a deeper butterscotch flavor.
3. Is this the same as a pudding cake?
   It’s similar! Both involve a liquid poured over batter that turns into sauce during baking.
4. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes! Use a 9×13-inch pan and bake for 45–50 minutes.
5. Can I make it dairy-free?
   Yes—substitute plant-based butter and milk.

Final Thoughts
Carmen’s Butterscotch Cobbler is a timeless dessert that feels like a warm hug in every bite. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s a standout sweet treat that delivers both nostalgia and indulgence. Whether topped with ice cream or enjoyed all on its own, this cobbler is guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Bake it once, and it’ll have a permanent place in your dessert rotation!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 370 | Protein: 3g | Carbohydrates: 58g | Fat: 16g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 220mg

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