One of the best parts of summer is the availability of locally grown fresh fruit. Although it’s always good eaten as is, it’s also great in crisps, cobblers, and other desserts. The problem is finding time to prepare those desserts, many of which are time consuming or call for ingredients that aren’t already on the pantry shelf or in the fridge. Gwen Hancock (my darling mother-in-law who passed away in 2009), always found time to at least make a delicious quick cobbler, since her Busy Day Cobbler can be put together in about 10 minutes, calls for ingredients that are usually on hand in every household, and is mixed in the baking dish.

Pictured, is Gwen’s Busy Day Cobbler made with raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries; however, this cobbler is equally good made with peaches or nectarines, which must be peeled prior to adding to the recipe. In the fall, peeled, cored, and sliced apples or pears are delicious, as well as plums (no peeling necessary; just remove the pits). Most fruits, fresh or canned can be used in this cobbler, with the exception of strawberries which generally are not suitable for cooked dishes.

8 Servings

1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup self-rising flour
1/2 cup sugar, plus 2 tablespoons for sprinkling over fruit
1/2 cup milk

3 to 4 cups fresh berries, or other fresh fruit, peeled and cubed

1. Turn the oven to 350°.


2. Place the butter in a 9 x 9" deep baking dish and put it in the oven to melt.


3. When the butter is melted, remove the baking dish from the oven and whisk in the flour, sugar, and milk until smooth.


4. Spoon the prepared fruit over the top; sprinkle with the 2 tablespoons sugar.


5. Bake 40-50 minutes or until the crust rises to the top and browns.


6. Serve warm with ice cream or sweetened whipped cream.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 210 Calories from Fat 111
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 53% Protein 3% Carb. 44%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 12 g
Saturated Fat 8 g
Cholesterol 33 mg
Sodium 126 mg
Total Carbohydrate 23 g
Dietary Fiber 0 g
Sugars 13 g
Protein 2 g

Vitamin A 9% Vitamin C 53% Calcium 0% Iron 2%