Carmen’s Butterscotch Cobbler

Warm, gooey, and irresistibly sweet, Carmen’s Butterscotch Cobbler is an old-fashioned dessert that delivers rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth comfort with every spoonful. Made with a simple batter that magically creates its own luscious butterscotch sauce as it bakes, this cobbler is a dream come true for caramel and brown sugar lovers. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you’ve got the ultimate crowd-pleasing treat!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Self-Saucing Magic – The batter rises through the sugary sauce as it bakes.
Buttery and Rich – Packed with brown sugar and warm vanilla flavor.
Comfort Food Classic – Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or cozy nights in.
Easy to Make – No fancy tools or techniques required.
Perfectly Pairable – Serve with ice cream or whipped cream for the full effect.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Batter:

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

For the Butterscotch Sauce:

• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• ¾ cup hot water
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• ¼ tsp salt

Optional Toppings:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream
• Chopped pecans or walnuts

Tools You’ll Need

• 8×8-inch baking dish or casserole
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven mitts

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Make the Batter

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar.
2. Stir in milk, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Prepare the Butterscotch Sauce

1. In a separate bowl or measuring cup, mix the brown sugar, hot water, butter, and salt.
2. Stir until butter melts and the sugar is mostly dissolved.

Step 4: Pour the Sauce Over the Batter

1. Slowly pour the sauce mixture over the back of a spoon on top of the batter.
2. Do not stir—this is what creates the self-saucing cobbler effect.

Step 5: Bake the Cobbler

1. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set.
2. The sauce will settle at the bottom, creating a gooey butterscotch layer beneath the soft cake-like topping.

Step 6: Cool Slightly and Serve

1. Let the cobbler cool for 10–15 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.
2. Spoon into bowls and serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Tips for the Best Butterscotch Cobbler
Use Hot Water – It helps dissolve the sugar and activate the sauce.
Don’t Stir – Let the layers bake as-is to create the signature saucy bottom.
Bake Until Golden – The top should be puffed and lightly browned.
Serve Warm – The sauce thickens and the flavors bloom when slightly cooled.
Add Nuts – For crunch, sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts over the batter before baking.

Serving Suggestions
With Ice Cream – Vanilla or butter pecan complement the butterscotch flavor beautifully.
Drizzle of Cream – A splash of heavy cream over warm cobbler takes it over the top.
After a Hearty Meal – A cozy finish to a roast chicken or pot roast dinner.
As a Holiday Dessert – Great addition to Thanksgiving or Christmas dessert tables.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Cover and store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating:
Microwave: Warm individual portions in 30-second intervals until hot.
Oven: Reheat in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes, covered with foil.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes! Use a 9×13-inch baking dish and increase the baking time to 50–55 minutes.
2. What if I only have dark brown sugar?
   That’s fine—it will create a deeper molasses flavor.
3. Can I make it dairy-free?
   Yes—use plant-based butter and a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk.
4. Will it still be saucy after baking?
   Yes, as long as you don’t overbake. The sauce thickens as it cools but remains rich and gooey.
5. Can I make it ahead of time?
   It’s best fresh, but you can prep the dry ingredients and sauce separately and combine right before baking.

Final Thoughts
Carmen’s Butterscotch Cobbler is pure dessert comfort—simple, indulgent, and full of nostalgic charm. With its buttery cake top and warm, gooey sauce underneath, it’s the kind of dish that makes everyone ask for seconds. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this cobbler is a guaranteed winner.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see how your cobbler turns out.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Cuisine: Southern-American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 360 | Protein: 3g | Carbohydrates: 50g | Fat: 17g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 200mg

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