Easy Magic Butter Dessert

Featured in Irresistible Desserts.

This magical cobbler creates its own layers while baking - a buttery crust topped with tangy lemon filling. It's an easy dessert that needs just minutes of prep time and basic pantry ingredients.

Casey
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:06:03 GMT
A baked dessert with a golden crust and powdered sugar on top, featuring a creamy lemon filling. Pin it
A baked dessert with a golden crust and powdered sugar on top, featuring a creamy lemon filling. | cookingwithcasey.com

I discovered this Magic Lemon Cobbler recipe one summer when I wanted something different than my usual fruit cobblers. The bright citrus flavor combined with that buttery golden crust had my family fighting over the last piece. Now it's my go-to dessert when I want something quick but impressive.

A Dessert Everyone Loves

The magic happens when you layer everything in the pan. That sweet tart lemon filling bubbles up through the buttery crust creating the most amazing texture. I love serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the top. It's comfort food with a sunny twist.

What You'll Need

  • Butter: Half a cup melted makes everything rich and delicious.
  • Flour: One cup gives us that perfect cobbler structure.
  • Baking Powder: A tablespoon and a half for the fluffiest crust.
  • Salt: Just a quarter teaspoon brings out all the flavors.
  • Sugar: One cup balances the tartness beautifully.
  • Buttermilk: Makes everything tender and moist.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds that warm familiar note.
  • Lemon Extract: Gives us an extra punch of citrus.
  • Lemon Pie Filling: A 21 oz can creates our tangy layer.

Let's Make Magic

Get Started:
Heat your oven to 350°F and let your butter melt right in the baking dish takes about 3-4 minutes.
Mix Your Dry Team:
Whisk together your flour baking powder salt and sugar until they're well combined.
Add the Wet Stuff:
Pour in your buttermilk vanilla and lemon extracts whisk until your batter's smooth.
Layer it Up:
Pour that batter right over your melted butter don't stir then spoon the lemon filling on top.
Bake to Golden:
Let it bake about 45-55 minutes until it's bubbly and beautiful.
Time to Enjoy:
Give it a few minutes to cool then dive in while it's still warm.

Making it Perfect

  • Serve it Right: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream makes it extra special.
  • Save for Later: Keep it covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Warm it Up: A quick zap in the microwave or 10 minutes in the oven brings back that fresh baked taste.
A close-up of a freshly baked lemon dessert in a white dish, topped with powdered sugar and showcasing a golden-brown crust. Pin it
A close-up of a freshly baked lemon dessert in a white dish, topped with powdered sugar and showcasing a golden-brown crust. | cookingwithcasey.com

Mix it Up

  • Extra Lemony: Grate in some fresh lemon zest for more zip.
  • Try New Flavors: This works great with blueberry or cherry filling too.
  • Make it GF: Your favorite gluten free flour blend works perfectly here.
  • Fancy it Up: A dusting of powdered sugar makes it look bakery worthy.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why is it called a magic cobbler?

During baking, the simple batter magically transforms into distinct layers - a buttery crust on bottom and sides with filling on top.

→ Can I use fresh lemons instead of pie filling?

While possible, canned pie filling gives the best consistency. If using fresh lemons, you'll need to make a thickened lemon curd first.

→ Why did my cobbler come out runny?

Make sure to bake until golden brown edges form, and let it cool slightly to set. The filling will thicken as it cools.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, prepare up to a day ahead and reheat gently before serving. The texture is best when served warm.

→ What can I substitute for buttermilk?

Mix 1 cup regular milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice, let stand 5 minutes before using.

Lemon Cobbler

A simple yet delicious dessert that magically creates its own buttery crust while baking, topped with tangy lemon filling.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
50 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes
By: Casey


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (1 cobbler)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter.
02 1 cup all-purpose flour.
03 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder.
04 1/4 teaspoon salt.
05 1 cup sugar.
06 1 cup buttermilk.
07 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
08 1 teaspoon lemon extract.
09 21-ounce can lemon pie filling.

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 350°F. Melt butter in 9x9 baking dish in oven, 3-4 minutes.

Step 02

Mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Add sugar.

Step 03

Stir in buttermilk, vanilla, and lemon extract until smooth.

Step 04

Pour batter over melted butter without stirring.

Step 05

Spoon lemon pie filling over batter.

Step 06

Bake 45-55 minutes until edges are golden brown.

Step 07

Cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  1. A simple dessert that magically forms its own buttery crust while baking, with a tangy lemon filling on top. Perfect served warm.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x9-inch baking dish.
  • Mixing bowl.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (butter, buttermilk).
  • Wheat (flour).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 385
  • Total Fat: 16 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 58 g
  • Protein: 4 g