There is something mighty comforting about a simple fruit dessert that asks almost nothing of the cook but still comes out of the oven bubbling and handsome. This 5-ingredient oven baked blackberry dessert is the kind of thrifty, homespun sweet many of us in the Midwest have leaned on for generations, especially when the pantry is plain but there is fruit in the freezer waiting to be put to good use. Using frozen raw whole blackberries means you can skip the fuss, pour them straight into the casserole dish, and let a few humble staples turn into a dark, jammy autumn treat with a tender topping.
Serve this warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a spoonful of whipped cream, or a little cold heavy cream poured right over the top if you want to do it the old-fashioned way. For a cozy supper dessert, it fits right in after roast chicken, pork chops, or a bowl of bean soup, and it is especially nice with hot coffee or a mug of black tea on a chilly evening.
5-Ingredient Oven Baked Blackberry DessertServings: 6
4 cups frozen raw whole blackberries
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly butter a medium oven-safe casserole dish if desired for easier serving.
2. Pour the frozen blackberries straight into the casserole dish and spread them into an even layer.
3. In a mixing bowl, stir together the sugar, flour, and baking powder until well combined.
4. Drizzle the melted butter into the dry mixture and stir until crumbly. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the frozen blackberries.
5. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the berries are bubbling thickly around the edges and the top is lightly golden.
6. Let the dessert rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving so the juices can settle a bit, then spoon into bowls and serve warm.
Variations & TipsAdd a pinch of spice: A little cinnamon or nutmeg stirred into the dry topping gives this dessert an old-fashioned autumn flavor that goes beautifully with the dark berries.
Use a touch less sugar: If your blackberries are sweet on their own or you like a tarter dessert, reduce the sugar by a few tablespoons and let the fruit shine through a bit more boldly.
Make it richer: For a more cobbler-like finish, serve each helping with vanilla ice cream or lightly sweetened whipped cream while the dessert is still warm enough to melt it just a little.
Watch the bubbling edges: Frozen berries release quite a bit of juice, so the best sign of doneness is when the filling is actively bubbling and the top no longer looks dry and floury.
Try other berries: This same easy method works nicely with frozen blueberries, mixed berries, or blackberries combined with raspberries for a slightly brighter flavor.