For the Best Berry Cobbler, Bake It Twice

This tasty treat features sweet, tart blueberries and a flaky biscuit topping. (Catrine Kelty)

The secret to our cobbler is that we bake the berry filling before topping the cobbler with the biscuit dough. Then we bake it again to get our fluffy, flaky biscuits. This works so well because if the berry filling is hot when the biscuit dough is put on top, it helps cook the biscuits from the bottom while the heat from the oven cooks the top.

Blueberry Cobbler

Serves 8

For the Filling

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 1/2 teaspoons grated lemon zest plus 1 tablespoon juice, divided
• Pinch salt
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 6 cups blueberries

For the Biscuit Topping

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 3/4 cup buttermilk
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling

Adjust oven rack to the middle position and heat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, stir together cornstarch, lemon zest, pinch of salt, and sugar. Add blueberries and lemon juice and gently toss to coat. Transfer mixture to an 8-inch square baking dish. Place baking dish on parchment-lined baking sheet. Place baking sheet in oven. Bake until the filling is hot and starting to bubble around the edges, about 25 minutes.

For the Biscuit Topping

While the filling bakes, in a second large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. In a liquid measuring cup, use a fork to stir buttermilk and melted butter until butter forms small clumps.

To Finish the Cobbler

When the filling is ready, remove the baking sheet from the oven and place it on a cooling rack. Increase oven temperature to 475 degrees F and let the filling cool for 10 minutes.

Add buttermilk mixture to bowl with flour mixture. Stir until just combined.

Spray inside of a 1/4-cup dry measuring cup with vegetable oil spray. Use greased measuring cup to scoop batter: Drop scoops of dough evenly onto warm berry filling to make 9 biscuits. Return baking dish (still on baking sheet) to the oven. Bake until biscuits are golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center of a biscuit comes out clean, 12 to 14 minutes.

Place baking sheet on a cooling rack. Let the cobbler cool for at least 30 minutes before serving.

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