Introduction

Magic Lemon Cobbler Delight is a simple yet impressive dessert that combines a tangy lemon flavor with a soft, cake-like texture. Its unique method allows the batter to separate during baking, creating a cobbler with a luscious lemon filling underneath.

The image shows a small white scalloped dish filled with a lemon dessert that has three visible layers. The bottom layer looks smooth and creamy with a light yellow color, topped by a crumbly, golden-brown crust that covers the edges. On top, there is a dollop of white whipped cream with a light green mint leaf garnish. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with blurred yellow fruits in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

½ cup unsalted butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
1½ cups granulated sugar, divided
1 tbsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
1 cup milk
¼ cup lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon
2 cups hot water

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Melt the butter and pour it evenly into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 cup of the sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Step 3: Add the milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the dry ingredients. Stir until smooth to form the batter.
Step 4: Pour the batter over the melted butter in the baking dish; do not stir.
Step 5: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of sugar evenly over the batter.
Step 6: Carefully pour the hot water over the back of a spoon onto the batter and sugar layer. This helps the layers form during baking.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the top is golden and the lemon layer is set underneath.
Step 8: Allow the cobbler to cool slightly before serving to enjoy the rich lemon flavor and unique texture.

Tips & Variations

For a richer taste, use freshly squeezed lemon juice and organic lemons for zest.
Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter for a subtle complementary flavor.
Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream to balance the tartness.
Try substituting half the milk with buttermilk for a tangier cobbler.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat portions gently in the microwave or oven until warm; the lemon layer may thicken slightly when chilled, so warming helps restore the delightful texture.

How to Serve

A white scalloped bowl filled with a lemon dessert that has three visible layers: a crumbly golden crust on the top and sides, a smooth and shiny pale yellow lemon filling in the middle, and a slightly rough golden crust base at the bottom. On top of the dessert, there is a dollop of white whipped cream with a small green mint leaf placed on it. The background shows blurred bright yellow lemons and the surface is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Why does the batter separate during baking?

The hot water poured on top causes the batter to naturally separate, forming a cake-like top layer and a juicy lemon filling underneath, which gives the cobbler its signature texture.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Yes, bottled lemon juice can be used, but fresh lemon juice and zest will provide a brighter and more vibrant lemon flavor.

Magic Lemon Cobbler Delight Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.5 from 109 reviews

Magic Lemon Cobbler Delight is a tangy and sweet dessert featuring a buttery crust topped with a luscious lemon-infused cake layer. This easy-to-make cobbler combines the bright zest and juice of fresh lemons with a soft and fluffy cake base, served warm with a delicious hot water sauce that soaks into the cobbler for irresistible moistness.

Author: Zane
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1½ cups granulated sugar, divided
1 tbsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

½ cup unsalted butter
1 cup milk
¼ cup lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon
2 cups hot water

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cobbler.
Melt Butter: In a baking dish, melt the ½ cup of unsalted butter either in the oven or on the stovetop, spreading it evenly to coat the bottom.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup flour, 1 cup of the granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until thoroughly blended.
Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the dry mixture, blending until smooth and well combined.
Pour Batter Over Butter: Carefully pour the batter over the melted butter in the baking dish. Do not stir or mix.
Add Remaining Sugar and Hot Water: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup sugar evenly over the batter. Then, carefully pour 2 cups of hot water over the entire mixture. The water will sink to the bottom and help form the sauce.
Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The lemon cobbler is done when the top is golden and the cake has set.
Cool and Serve: Allow the cobbler to cool slightly before serving warm. The hot water mixture creates a sweet lemon sauce at the bottom, giving a delightful moist texture.

Notes

For a stronger lemon flavor, increase lemon zest or add a teaspoon of lemon extract.
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream for added indulgence.
Use fresh lemon juice for the best brightness in flavor.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the hot water to 1½ cups.
The cobbler can be reheated gently before serving if made in advance.

Keywords: lemon cobbler, lemon dessert, easy cobbler recipe, baked lemon dessert, summer dessert, lemon zest, buttery cobbler