Description

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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Ingredients

Scale

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

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

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

Step 2: Make the Batter

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

Step 3: Prepare the Butterscotch Sauce

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

Step 4: Pour the Sauce Over the Batter

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

Step 5: Bake the Cobbler

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

Step 6: Cool Slightly and Serve

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

Notes

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.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Cuisine: Southern-American