Carmen’s Butterscotch Cobbler

Warm, gooey, and absolutely irresistible, Carmen’s Butterscotch Cobbler is a rich and comforting dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds. With its velvety butterscotch sauce bubbling under a golden, soft cake topping, this old-fashioned favorite is the perfect treat to make any day feel extra special.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Old-Fashioned Comfort – A classic dessert that feels like a warm hug.
Made from Pantry Staples – Simple ingredients you likely already have.
Gooey Butterscotch Sauce – Forms its own sauce while it bakes.
Perfect for Sharing – Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or holidays.
Customizable – Add nuts, spices, or serve with your favorite ice cream.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Batter:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup milk
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Butterscotch Sauce:

• 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1½ cups hot water
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ tsp cinnamon (optional for added warmth)

Optional Add-ins & Toppings:

• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (for crunch)
• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (for serving)
• Extra cinnamon or nutmeg sprinkled on top

Tools You’ll Need

• Medium mixing bowl
• Whisk or fork
• 8×8 inch baking dish (or similar size)
• Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven mitts

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep the Baking Dish

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

Step 2: Make the Batter
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
4. Add in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

Step 3: Prepare the Butterscotch Sauce
6. In a small saucepan (or microwave-safe bowl), combine brown sugar, hot water, butter, salt, and cinnamon.
7. Heat until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves completely. Stir well.
8. Carefully pour the hot butterscotch mixture over the batter. Do not stir. It will look strange now, but trust the process—this is how the sauce forms underneath!

Step 4: Bake the Cobbler
9. Place the baking dish on a rimmed baking sheet (to catch any bubbling over) and bake for 35–40 minutes.
10. The top should be golden and set, and you’ll see some of the butterscotch bubbling around the edges.

Step 5: Cool Slightly & Serve
11. Let the cobbler cool for 10–15 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly as it rests.
12. 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
Don’t Stir the Sauce – Pour it gently over the batter and leave it alone to create that luscious base.
Serve Warm – The sauce is gooey and perfect when served right out of the oven.
Add Crunch – Nuts add a lovely texture contrast.
Make It Ahead – Assemble earlier in the day and bake just before serving.
Flavor Boost – Add a pinch of nutmeg or use dark brown sugar for deeper butterscotch flavor.

Serving Suggestions
Vanilla Ice Cream – The cold creaminess melts into the warm cobbler for a dreamy dessert.
Caramel Drizzle – For even more indulgence, drizzle caramel sauce on top.
Toasted Nuts – A sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts adds great texture.
Espresso or Hot Cocoa – Pairs beautifully for a cozy evening treat.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Do not freeze: The texture of the sauce and topping is best fresh.

Reheating:

• Microwave: Warm individual portions in 30-second bursts until heated through.
• Oven: Reheat at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes, covered loosely with foil.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this dairy-free?
   Yes! Use plant-based butter and your preferred non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk.
2. Why don’t I mix the sauce into the batter?
   That’s the magic of cobbler! As it bakes, the batter rises to the top and the sauce settles into a gooey layer below.
3. Can I double the recipe?
   Absolutely—just bake it in a 9×13 inch pan and increase the baking time by 5–10 minutes.
4. What kind of brown sugar works best?
   Either light or dark brown sugar works. Dark brown gives a deeper molasses flavor.
5. Can I make this less sweet?
   Yes, reduce the sugar in the batter to ½ cup and the brown sugar in the sauce to ¾ cup.

Final Thoughts
Carmen’s Butterscotch Cobbler is the kind of dessert that never goes out of style. With its tender, cake-like topping and rich butterscotch sauce underneath, it’s pure homemade comfort in every bite. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or serving it at a festive gathering, this cobbler brings warmth, sweetness, and a whole lot of smiles.

Try it once, and it’s sure to become a go-to favorite in your dessert rotation. Don’t forget to share your photos and tag us—your version of Carmen’s classic could inspire someone else to bake up some joy.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 360 | Protein: 3g | Carbohydrates: 52g | Fat: 16g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 190mg

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