Summer Cobbler from Betty Crocker: A Grilled Delight

My grandmother, bless her heart, wasn’t known for elaborate desserts. But come summertime, her “cobbler” was legendary – a rustic, fruit-filled creation always served warm from the grill, smelling of sunshine and smoky sweetness. It wasn’t fancy, but it was ours. It was the taste of summer evenings spent on her porch, fireflies dancing in the twilight, and the happy chatter of family gathered close. This recipe from Betty Crocker captures that same simple joy, that unpretentious deliciousness, and it’s an absolute must-try for anyone who loves a warm, fruity dessert.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Yield: 9-inch pan
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• ¼ cup butter, melted (or margarine)
• 1 ¼ cups Bisquick baking mix (or Heart Healthy Bisquick)
• ¾ cup sugar
• ½ cup milk
• 1 medium nectarine, sliced (approximately 1 cup)
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Equipment Needed

• Gas or charcoal grill
• Medium mixing bowl
• 9-inch round foil cake pan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk or fork
• Toothpick

Instructions

1. Prepare the Grill: Preheat your gas or charcoal grill. You’ll want a medium heat – hot enough to bake the cobbler, but not so hot that it burns the bottom before the top is cooked through. If using a charcoal grill, arrange the coals for indirect heat.

2. Mix the Batter: In a medium bowl, combine the Bisquick baking mix, ½ cup of the sugar, and the milk. Beat with a whisk or fork for about 30 seconds. The batter will be somewhat lumpy, which is perfectly fine. Don’t overmix!

3. Melt the Butter: Place the butter in the 9-inch round foil cake pan. Set the pan on the grill over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt completely. Watch carefully to prevent it from burning.

4. Pour in the Batter: Once the butter is melted, remove the pan from the grill briefly and pour the Bisquick batter evenly over the melted butter in the pan.

5. Add the Fruit: Arrange the sliced nectarines and fresh blueberries evenly over the batter. Distribute them generously across the surface.

6. Sprinkle with Sugar and Cinnamon: In a small bowl, combine the remaining ¼ cup of sugar and the ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the fruit. This adds a lovely sweetness and a warm, comforting spice note.

7. Grill the Cobbler: Cover the grill and cook the cobbler for approximately 30 minutes. It’s important to maintain a consistent medium heat throughout the cooking process. Check for doneness after about 25 minutes.

8. Check for Doneness: To check if the cobbler is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If the toothpick comes out clean, the cobbler is ready. If the toothpick comes out with wet batter clinging to it, continue cooking for a few more minutes and check again. If the top is browning too quickly, you can tent it with foil to prevent burning.

9. Remove and Cool: Carefully remove the cobbler from the grill. Let it cool slightly before serving. This allows the fruit juices to thicken and the flavors to meld together.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Fruit Variations: Feel free to experiment with different fruits! Peaches, plums, raspberries, or even a mix of berries would all work beautifully in this cobbler. Adjust the sugar slightly depending on the sweetness of the fruit.
• Bisquick Substitution: While the recipe specifically calls for Bisquick, other baking mixes can be used, but the texture might be slightly different.
• Grill Temperature Control: Mastering grill temperature is key. If your grill runs hot, try using indirect heat by arranging the coals on either side of the pan or by turning off one or more burners on a gas grill.
• Preventing a Soggy Bottom: A soggy bottom can be a cobbler’s worst enemy. Make sure the grill isn’t too hot, and consider placing the foil pan on a baking sheet for more even heat distribution.
• Make-Ahead Tip: While best served warm, you can prepare the batter and slice the fruit ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble just before grilling. This makes it a great option for entertaining.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Summer Cobbler warm, ideally straight from the grill or slightly cooled. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream is the perfect accompaniment.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or a low oven. While the cobbler is best fresh, it still tastes delicious the next day! Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the fruit and batter may change upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	231.6 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	N/A	36%
Total Fat	9.3 g	14%
Saturated Fat	4.8 g	23%
Cholesterol	17.8 mg	5%
Sodium	287.8 mg	11%
Total Carbohydrate	35.9 g	11%
Dietary Fiber	1.2 g	4%
Sugars	24.1 g	N/A
Protein	2.4 g	4%

Note: % Daily Value data may not be available.

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free baking mix instead of Bisquick. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly to achieve the desired batter consistency.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the milk with your favorite non-dairy milk, such as almond, soy, or oat milk. Ensure the margarine or butter substitute is also dairy-free.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon and sugar mixture for a more complex flavor.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the fruit before grilling for added texture and flavor.
• Lemon Zest: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter for a bright, citrusy note.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh fruit?
A: Yes, frozen fruit can be used. There is no need to thaw them first. Keep in mind, frozen fruit may release more moisture, so you might need to increase the cooking time slightly.

Q: Can I bake this in the oven instead of grilling it?
A: Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Q: My cobbler is browning too quickly on top. What should I do?
A: Tent the cobbler with foil to prevent the top from burning while the inside finishes cooking.

Q: Can I use Splenda or another sugar substitute in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can substitute the sugar with a sugar substitute. Follow the package directions for equivalent sweetness. Keep in mind that the texture and browning may be slightly different.

Q: The bottom of my cobbler is soggy. What did I do wrong?
A: The grill might have been too hot, or the cooking time might have been too short. Ensure you’re using medium heat and check for doneness with a toothpick. You can also try placing the foil pan on a baking sheet for more even heat distribution.

Final Thoughts

This Summer Cobbler from Betty Crocker is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create memories. It’s a simple, delicious way to enjoy the bounty of summer fruit and the joy of cooking outdoors. Gather your loved ones, fire up the grill, and let the aroma of warm fruit and cinnamon fill the air. This cobbler is guaranteed to bring smiles and create sweet memories that will last long after the last bite is gone. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fruits and flavors to make it your own! And please, share your creations and experiences – I’d love to hear how it turns out for you!