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This Peanut Butter and Jelly Cobbler transforms childhood's favorite sandwich into a warm, comforting dessert that brings smiles to everyone at the table. The combination of sweet strawberry filling with a peanut butter cookie crust creates the perfect balance of flavors that feels both nostalgic and indulgent.
I first made this cobbler for a potluck dessert when I was running short on time and ingredients. What started as a desperate kitchen experiment has become my most requested dessert at family gatherings.
Ingredients
- Strawberry pie filling provides the sweet jammylike base that mimics the jelly in a PBJ sandwich
- Peanut butter cookie mix creates that nutty delicious cookie top that perfectly complements the fruit
- Melted butter brings everything together and helps achieve that golden brown crispy topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Oven
- Set your oven to 375°F and allow it to fully preheat. This temperature is perfect for getting that golden crisp topping while keeping the filling bubbly.
- Create The Jammy Base
- Empty both cans of strawberry pie filling into your baking dish. Take care to spread it evenly across the entire dish to ensure every bite has that sweet strawberry goodness.
- Mix The Cookie Topping
- Combine the peanut butter cookie mix with melted butter in a bowl. Stir thoroughly until no dry spots remain. The mixture will be somewhat crumbly but should stick together when pressed.
- Apply The Cobbler Topping
- Drop small clumps of the cookie mixture evenly over the strawberry filling. Try to cover most of the surface but leave some small gaps for the filling to bubble up through.
- Bake To Perfection
- Place in your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Watch for the cookie topping to turn a beautiful golden brown color and for the edges to become slightly crispy.
- Cool And Serve
- Allow the cobbler to cool for about 10 minutes after baking. This cooling period helps the filling set slightly while still serving the dessert warm.
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The combination of warm strawberry filling with the peanut butter cookie crust reminds me of making PBJ sandwiches with my grandmother. She always said the best recipes are the simplest ones and this cobbler proves her right every time.
Make It Your Own
This cobbler welcomes customization based on your preferences. Try using different pie fillings like cherry or blueberry for a different flavor profile. You can even mix two different fruit fillings for a more complex taste. For extra decadence sprinkle a handful of chocolate chips over the cookie layer before baking.
Serving Suggestions
While this cobbler is delicious on its own it reaches new heights with some accompaniments. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate contrast of hot and cold. For a more elegant presentation drizzle with a simple peanut butter sauce made by warming peanut butter with a touch of cream. During summer gatherings I often set up a cobbler bar with various toppings like whipped cream crushed peanuts and chocolate sauce.
Storage Tips
This cobbler keeps remarkably well. Cover leftovers with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat simply microwave individual portions for 30 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. The cobbler can also be frozen after baking allow it to cool completely then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
The Perfect Occasion
While this dessert works for any day I find it particularly perfect for casual gatherings. It feels special enough for birthdays or potlucks but comfortable enough for family movie nights. The nostalgic flavor combination appeals to both children and adults making it a universal crowd pleaser at intergenerational events.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use a different type of pie filling?
Yes, you can substitute the strawberry pie filling with other flavors like raspberry, cherry, or mixed berry. Each will create a slightly different flavor profile while maintaining the PB&J concept.
- → How should I store leftover cobbler?
Cover the cobbler with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds before serving.
- → Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the cobbler up to a day ahead and refrigerate unbaked. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold. For best results, serve warm from the oven.
- → What can I serve with this cobbler?
This cobbler pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of warm peanut butter for extra richness. The contrast of cold ice cream with warm cobbler is especially delicious.
- → Can I make this with homemade pie filling?
Absolutely! Homemade strawberry pie filling or strawberry compote can be substituted for the canned versions. You'll need approximately 3 cups of filling.
- → Is there a way to make this dessert gluten-free?
Look for gluten-free peanut butter cookie mix to replace the standard mix. Always verify your pie filling is gluten-free as well, as some brands contain thickeners with gluten.