Southern Blackberry Cobbler

This Southern Blackberry Cobbler combines the rich, sweet flavor of ripe blackberries with a buttery, flaky crust, creating a delightful dessert that's both comforting and indulgent. The addition of a hint of lemon zest and a touch of vanilla enhances the natural sweetness of the blackberries, making this cobbler a perfect balance of traditional and creative elements. It's a classic dessert that respects Southern culinary traditions while adding a modern twist.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups fresh blackberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Vanilla ice cream (for serving, optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the blackberries, 1/2 cup of the sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Gently toss to coat the blackberries, then set aside to macerate for about 15 minutes.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, remaining 1/2 cup sugar, and cinnamon.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Pour the blackberry mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spoon the batter evenly over the top of the blackberries. Do not stir.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the batter comes out clean.
8. Let it cool slightly before serving. Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream.