Description

Magic Lemon Cobbler is a delightful layered dessert featuring a light, fluffy batter baked over melted butter and topped with luscious lemon pie filling. The baking process creates a magical transformation where the lemon curd sinks beneath the batter, creating a soft-set lemon pudding layer that contrasts beautifully with the golden, fluffy cake on top. This easy-to-make cobbler offers a burst of citrus flavor and is perfect served warm with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

Scale

Butter

1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)

Dry Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar

Wet Ingredients

1 cup buttermilk or whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 to 1 teaspoon lemon extract (optional but enhances flavor)
1 (21 oz) can lemon pie filling or lemon curd

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Instructions

Get Your Oven Prepped: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place a stick of unsalted butter in your baking dish. Allow the butter to melt in the warming oven, making sure it melts completely without browning.
Mix the Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Add the buttermilk (or whole milk), vanilla extract, and lemon extract if using. Stir everything until a smooth batter forms without lumps.
Pour and Layer (But Don’t Stir!): Remove the baking dish with melted butter from the oven. Pour the prepared batter gently over the melted butter layer. Then, spoon dollops of lemon pie filling or lemon curd evenly over the batter. Resist the urge to stir — this layering is essential for the cobbler’s magic.
Bake Until Golden and Magical: Place the baking dish back into the oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes. Bake until the top is golden brown and puffed. During baking, the lemon filling sinks below the batter, creating a soft lemon pudding layer at the bottom and a fluffy cake layer on top.
Cool, Scoop, and Savor: Allow the cobbler to cool in the baking dish for 10 to 15 minutes to let it set. Serve warm with your choice of toppings such as whipped cream, ice cream, or fresh berries for a delicious treat.

Notes

Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness in the dessert.
Buttermilk enhances the tanginess, but whole milk can be used as a substitute.
Lemon extract is optional but strongly enhances the citrus flavor.
Do not stir after layering the batter and lemon filling to maintain distinct pudding and cake layers.
Letting the cobbler rest after baking allows it to set perfectly for easier serving.
For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that can be used cup-for-cup.