Newsletter
Eat

Jennifer Garner’s Favorite Cobbler Is the Easiest Dessert I’ve Ever Made (My Family Can’t Get Enough!)

Elizabeth Laseter
Elizabeth LaseterSenior SEO Strategist at The Kitchn
My love for food goes back to childhood — specifically, my Southern grandmother’s famous banana pudding. As a writing major in college, I fell into the world of food writing after becoming the food critic for the student newspaper. When I graduated, I dove headfirst into cooking by attending culinary school and working as a line cook in a renowned D.C. restaurant. My first job in food media was with Time Inc.’s cookbook publisher Oxmoor House. The rest is history, and I’ve had the opportunity to develop deep experience in media through positions in writing, editing, recipe development, and SEO. One of my proudest moments was representing the James Beard Foundation in New York City at numerous events and the chance to work alongside some of the most renowned chefs across the world. I’ll never forget meeting the legendary Jacques Pepin! I’m most passionate about using food as an opportunity to bring people together. I love sharing my favorite recipes and meals with friends and family, whether it’s my grandmother’s chili or my favorite chocolate chip cookies.
Follow
published Aug 9, 2024
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Jennifer Garner Blackberry Cobbler with ice cream on a plate.
Credit: Kris Osborne

Jennifer Garner might be the most down-to-earth, relatable celebrity to have walked the red carpet. With the popularity of her Pretend Cooking Show on Instagram, the fact that she doesn’t take herself too seriously, and her genuine love and affection for her family, I’ve become a real fan. So when she and her mom, Pat, made their viral blackberry cobbler recipe on The Today Show, I was excited to try it.  What really convinced me, though, was when Pat said she’d already made it three times that week for several potlucks because “it’s easy and everyone loves it.” A dessert that promised to be both easy and crowd-pleasing? Sign me up!

Get the recipe: Jennifer Garner’s Blackberry Cobbler

How to Make Jennifer Garner’s Blackberry Cobbler

While it’s now known as Jennifer’s cobbler, the original creator of this now-viral recipe is Mrs. Lantz, a neighbor and longtime friend of Pat. Here’s how to make it:

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F and greasing a small baking dish. Add four cups of fresh blackberries to the pan. There’s no need to be precious about drying them, just give them a quick wash. Then drizzle a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and a 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract over the berries for a little flavor boost, and toss everything to combine.

In a medium bowl, mix together one cup each of sugar and flour with a quarter teaspoon of salt. Lightly whisk an egg and stir it into the flour mixture. Then, use your fingers to bring it together in clumps. The mixture will be somewhat moist with some smaller clumps of batter formed, but not all of the dry ingredients will be incorporated into the crumble, and that’s “no big deal,” according to Jen. Pinch off clumps of batter with your fingers and rustically scatter them over the blackberries. It’ll create a delicious, crumbly topping as it bakes. Finally, melt six tablespoons of unsalted butter and drizzle it over the entire dish. Pop the pan into the oven for about 25 minutes or until golden and bubbling. 

Credit: Kris Osborne

My Honest Review

I’ve got to hand it to Jennifer and her mom; this cobbler is a winner. The first time I made it, my kitchen filled with the most delicious aroma of warm berries and butter. When I pulled it out of the oven, golden and bubbling, I knew we were in for a treat. The blackberries cooked down into a tangy, sweet jam that perfectly balanced the buttery, lightly crisp topping. My whole family raved about it, even my husband, who usually passes on dessert.

I also shared some with our neighbors and was told that their daughter’s eyes practically popped out of her head — it was that good. The following day, I was flooded with follow-up texts saying things like, “It’s very delicious … thanks again for bringing it over,” and “The best part was how crispy the top was. Best cobbler topping I’ve had!” and “If you have a link to the recipe, please send it!” Based on that, I’d say it was a huge success.

Tips and Swaps for Making Jennifer Garner’s Blackberry Cobbler

  • Use whatever bakeware you have. In Jennifer’s Instagram post, she calls for a 9 x 6-inch pan, but since that isn’t a very common dish, I adapted by using a 9 x 10.5-inch pan and adding a bit more blackberries to cover the bottom. It turned out wonderfully. I think it would also bake up perfectly in an 8- or 9-inch square pan.
  • Swap the fruit. Blackberries are fantastic, but don’t be afraid to experiment. Pat recommends blueberries and peaches, but raspberries or a mix of strawberries and rhubarb would also be delicious. In the fall, I’m going to try it with thinly sliced apples.
  • Adjust the sugar. Of course, try the recipe as written. But if you also find it a bit too sweet, try reducing the sugar by 1/4 cup the next time you make it. The fruit’s natural sweetness usually shines through just fine, and I personally love the natural tartness that seasonal fruit brings to baking.
  • Add a flavor boost. Add some lemon or orange zest for extra zing, or throw in additional vanilla extract and/or some warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, or cardamom, depending on your choice of fruit.
  • Try a nutty twist. I’m a big fan of nuts in most baked goods, so I’d like to try mixing sliced almonds into the batter for an added textural component and to complement the almond extract. I have yet to try this, so if you get to it first, I’d recommend keeping an eye on it to ensure the almonds don’t burn.

I can’t recommend making this cobbler enough. It’s the perfect combination of impressive and effortless — ideal for family dinners and potlucks. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable, so you’ll never get bored. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is a surefire (easy) way to end any meal on a high note. 

Get the recipe: Jennifer Garner’s Blackberry Cobbler

This article originally published on The Kitchn. See it there: Jennifer Garner’s Favorite Cobbler Is the Easiest Dessert I’ve Ever Made (My Family Can’t Get Enough!)