Georgia's Fresh Strawberry Cream Cheese Cobbler

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In Georgia, where the air is sweet, and the strawberries are sweeter, there's a dessert that perfectly captures the essence of Southern hospitality: the Strawberry Cream Cheese Cobbler. This delightful dish combines the tangy flavor of fresh strawberries with the creamy richness of cream cheese, all baked together in a golden cobbler crust. It's more than just a dessert; it's a taste of Georgia's rich culinary traditions, bringing comfort and warmth to any table.

The Sweet Taste of Georgia

Imagine a warm cobbler fresh out of the oven, with a crust that is perfectly golden and slightly crisp, enveloping sweet, juicy strawberries and soft, melted chunks of cream cheese. Each bite is a balance of tart and sweet, creamy and crunchy—a true testament to the simplicity and depth of Southern cooking. In Georgia, strawberries are more than just a fruit; they are a symbol of the state's commitment to fresh, local produce and are often featured in beloved family recipes.

The Strawberry Cream Cheese Cobbler is a dish that showcases the best of Georgia’s strawberry season. It’s a dessert that's perfect for sharing, whether you're at a summer picnic, a family gathering, or just enjoying a quiet evening at home. The recipe is simple yet delivers a rich, comforting flavor that makes it feel like home with every bite.

Recipe: Georgia Style Strawberry Cream Cheese Cobbler

Ingredients:

• 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 quart whole strawberries, washed, capped, and quartered
• 2 ounces cream cheese, cut into small pieces

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350˚F. Melt the butter and pour it into a 10-inch cast iron skillet. This skillet not only conducts heat evenly, giving you a perfectly baked cobbler, but also adds a rustic charm to the presentation.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk until well blended. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. The batter should be slightly lumpy; do not overmix.
3. Pour the batter directly over the melted butter in the skillet. It's important not to stir the batter and butter together. This layering creates a self-crusting cobbler, where the batter rises to the top as it bakes, forming a golden crust around the strawberries.
4. Evenly distribute the quartered strawberries over the batter. Try to arrange them in a single layer as much as possible to ensure even baking. Sprinkle the cream cheese pieces over the strawberries, spacing them out to allow pockets of creamy goodness in every bite.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. You’ll know it’s ready when the house fills with the sweet aroma of baked strawberries and buttery crust.
6. Allow the cobbler to cool slightly before serving. This dish can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making it versatile for any occasion.

A True Southern Comfort

The Strawberry Cream Cheese Cobbler is more than just a dessert; it's an experience. It brings together the freshness of Georgia strawberries and the comfort of Southern baking into one delightful dish. Each spoonful is a celebration of the state's agricultural bounty and its rich culinary heritage.

Whether you're serving it at a festive gathering or enjoying it on a quiet evening, this cobbler is sure to be a hit. The combination of juicy strawberries, creamy cheese, and a buttery crust is irresistible, making it a perfect example of why Georgia is known for its delicious, home-cooked meals. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and treat yourself to a taste of Georgia with this Strawberry Cream Cheese Cobbler.

For the Strawberry Cream Cheese Cobbler recipe tailored to Georgia, you can find various versions of this delicious dessert online. Each version offers a unique twist, but all maintain the classic combination of strawberries, cream cheese, and a buttery cobbler topping.

1. Allrecipes features a straightforward recipe that involves pouring a batter over melted butter, layering fresh strawberries on top, and dotting with cream cheese pieces. This method allows the batter to rise around the strawberries, creating a golden crust with a bubbling fruit filling. The recipe emphasizes simplicity, making it a great option for a quick and easy dessert. You can find the full recipe here on Allrecipes​(Allrecipes).
2. Southern Living offers a slightly more refined version, adding a sweetened cream cheese mixture to the cobbler. This version suggests waiting about 20 minutes after baking before serving to let the flavors meld together. They also recommend serving the cobbler with a dusting of powdered sugar, freshly whipped cream, or even a scoop of ice cream for added indulgence. For the full recipe and tips, check out Southern Living​(Southern Living).
3. Dinner, then Dessert presents a version that includes some variations, such as adding a lemon twist or a crumb topping for added texture. They also provide tips for storing and reheating the cobbler, making it a versatile dessert that can be prepared ahead of time and enjoyed later. You can explore their recipe and variations here on Dinner, then Dessert​(Dinner, then Dessert).

Each of these sources provides a different take on the Strawberry Cream Cheese Cobbler, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your taste and occasion. Whether you’re looking for a classic, straightforward recipe or one with a bit more flair, these resources have you covered.