You know those nights when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to commit to a whole pie? That’s exactly why I fell in love with this individual berry cobbler – it’s just the right size for one (okay, maybe two if you’re feeling generous). I stumbled onto this recipe years ago during berry season when my counter was overflowing with ripe strawberries and blueberries. The magic happens in under 10 minutes of prep – just toss those juicy berries with a bit of sugar, top with the easiest crumbly oat mixture, and boom! You’ve got a warm, bubbling dessert with that perfect golden crust. No sharing required.
Why You’ll Love This Individual Berry Cobbler
Listen, this little cobbler is my go-to for so many reasons, and I bet it’ll become yours too:
- No leftovers – It’s perfectly portioned for when that sweet tooth hits (and let’s be honest, sometimes you just don’t want to share)
- Ready in a flash – From bowl to oven in under 10 minutes? Yes please!
- Berry flexible – Use whatever berries you’ve got – fresh or frozen, sweet or tart
- That golden crunch – The buttery oat topping crisps up beautifully while the berries get all jammy underneath
Trust me, once you try this, you’ll never look at single-serving desserts the same way again.
Ingredients for Individual Berry Cobbler
Here’s everything you’ll need for this perfect little cobbler – and I promise, you probably have most of it in your kitchen already:
- 1 cup mixed berries – Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries – fresh or frozen (no need to thaw!)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar – Adjust up or down depending on how sweet your berries are
- ½ tsp lemon juice – Just a splash brightens up all the flavors
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour – The foundation of our crumbly topping
- 2 tbsp rolled oats – For that perfect rustic texture
- 1 tbsp packed brown sugar – Pack it in there for maximum caramel flavor
- ¼ tsp cinnamon – My secret weapon for warmth
- 2 tbsp cold butter, cubed – And I mean cold – straight from the fridge
No brown sugar? White sugar works in a pinch. Out of oats? Just use a little extra flour. This recipe is as forgiving as it is delicious!
How to Make Individual Berry Cobbler
Alright, let’s get baking! This little cobbler comes together so easily you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with big batch desserts. Just follow these simple steps:
Preparing the Berry Filling
First things first – grab your favorite small baking dish (I use a 6-ounce ramekin or sometimes even a cute little pie plate). Toss those gorgeous berries with the granulated sugar and lemon juice – the sugar will pull out their natural juices while the lemon keeps everything bright. If your berries are super sweet, go light on the sugar. Tart? Add an extra pinch. Easy peasy!
Making the Crumb Topping
Now for the magic – that buttery, crunchy topping we all crave. Whisk together the flour, oats, brown sugar (pack it tight!), and cinnamon. Then grab those cold butter cubes – I can’t stress enough how important cold butter is here. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work it in until you’ve got a mixture that looks like coarse sand with some pea-sized butter bits. That’s what gives us those perfect crispy flakes!
Baking the Cobbler
Pop your berry mixture into the baking dish and shower it with that glorious crumb topping. Into a 375°F oven it goes for 20-25 minutes – you’ll know it’s ready when the top turns golden brown and the berry juices bubble up around the edges like little lava pockets. Careful – that filling is molten hot when it first comes out! Let it cool just enough so you don’t burn your tongue, then dive in.
Tips for the Best Individual Berry Cobbler
After making this cobbler more times than I can count (seriously, it’s an addiction), here are my can’t-live-without tips:
- Butter matters – Keep it fridge-cold until the very last second. Warm butter makes a soggy topping, and nobody wants that!
- Taste your berries first – Super sweet? Use less sugar. Tart? Add an extra sprinkle. Trust your tastebuds!
- Don’t skip the lemon – That tiny splash cuts through the sweetness and makes all the flavors pop.
- Serve warm – Top with vanilla ice cream and watch it melt into all those berry nooks. Absolute heaven!
Remember – this is your cobbler. Make it how you like it!
Variations for Individual Berry Cobbler
The beauty of this cobbler is how easily you can mix it up! Try blackberries instead of strawberries for a deeper flavor, or toss in some chopped pecans with the topping for extra crunch. Feeling adventurous? A pinch of cardamom or ginger adds warm spice that pairs perfectly with the berries. Want it extra decadent? Swap out half the flour for almond meal – nutty deliciousness in every bite!
Storing and Reheating Individual Berry Cobbler
Let’s be real—this cobbler is usually gone in one sitting, but if you somehow have leftovers, here’s what to do. Cover it with foil or pop it into an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to bring back that crispy topping. (Microwaving works in a pinch, but the topping might get a little soft—still delicious, though!) The berries will be extra jammy, and the flavors even more intense. Perfect for round two!
Nutritional Information for Individual Berry Cobbler
Now, I’m no nutritionist, but here’s the scoop on what’s in this delicious little cobbler (keep in mind, these are estimates—your exact numbers might vary depending on your berries and exact measurements). One serving gives you about 320 calories, with 25g of sugar (mostly from those naturally sweet berries!) and 12g of fat (thank that glorious butter for the rich flavor). You’re also getting 4g of fiber from the oats and berries—so hey, it’s practically health food! Want to lighten it up? Try cutting the sugar by half or using a bit less butter—but honestly, life’s too short not to enjoy that golden, buttery topping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Okay, let’s tackle those burning questions I always get about this individual berry cobbler:
Can I use frozen berries?
Absolutely! Frozen berries work perfectly – just toss them in frozen (no need to thaw) and add an extra minute or two to the baking time. They’ll release amazing juices as they cook. I keep frozen berry mixes in my freezer just for emergency cobbler cravings!
Can I double this recipe?
You bet! This recipe scales up beautifully – just use a bigger baking dish (an 8×8 works great) and increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes. Watch for that golden topping and bubbling berries to know when it’s done.
What’s the best way to serve it?
Warm is best, about 10 minutes out of the oven when the berries have settled but are still cozy. Top with vanilla ice cream (my favorite) or whipped cream. The contrast of cold cream with warm berries? Perfection.
Can I make this ahead?
The berry mixture can sit in the fridge for a couple hours before baking, but I recommend making the topping fresh for maximum crunch. Assemble right before baking for best results.
There you have it – now go make yourself the easiest, most satisfying little dessert! Trust me, your future self will thank you.
Print
1 Perfect Individual Berry Cobbler in Just 20 Minutes
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious individual berry cobbler with a golden, buttery topping. Perfect for a single serving.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp rolled oats
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp cold butter, cubed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, mix berries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Set aside.
- In another bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Pour berry mixture into a small oven-safe dish.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the berries.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the topping is golden and the berries are bubbling.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen berries.
- Adjust sugar based on berry sweetness.
- Serve with ice cream or whipped cream if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: berry cobbler, individual dessert, easy cobbler
