Cheat’s Nectarine Cobbler

Description of this recipe: This Cheat’s Nectarine Cobbler is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that perfectly captures the essence of summer. Featuring juicy, roasted nectarines infused with warm spices and topped with buttery, golden scones, this cobbler offers a comforting and satisfying treat without the fuss of traditional baking. It’s a rustic and flavorful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to weekend gatherings.

Why you will love this recipe: You’ll adore this Nectarine Cobbler because it’s incredibly simple to prepare, using pre-made scones to save time without sacrificing flavor or texture. The combination of sweet and tart nectarines, aromatic spices, and the buttery, slightly crunchy scone topping creates a symphony of flavors and textures that’s simply irresistible. Plus, it’s a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or even chilled, making it a crowd-pleaser year-round. The effortless elegance of this cobbler makes it a go-to recipe for both novice and experienced bakers alike.

Introduction

Summer’s bounty often calls for simple yet satisfying desserts that highlight the natural sweetness and vibrancy of seasonal fruits. This Cheat’s Nectarine Cobbler perfectly embodies that philosophy. By using pre-made scones, we bypass the complexities of traditional cobbler crusts, making this recipe incredibly quick and easy without compromising on taste.

Nectarines, with their smooth skin and juicy flesh, are a star ingredient in this dessert. Roasting them with vanilla, lemon juice, brown sugar, and cinnamon transforms them into a soft, intensely flavorful compote that forms the base of the cobbler. The addition of cornflour ensures that the compote thickens beautifully, creating a luscious sauce that complements the scones perfectly.

The topping, made from halved scones drizzled with melted butter and sprinkled with demerara sugar, provides a delightful contrast in texture. As the cobbler bakes, the scones turn golden and crunchy, offering a satisfying bite that balances the soft, sweet nectarines.

This cobbler is not only delicious but also incredibly adaptable. Feel free to substitute other stone fruits like peaches or plums, or adjust the spices to your liking. Whether served warm with a dollop of clotted cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this Cheat’s Nectarine Cobbler is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

1 kg (2.2 lbs) Morrisons Market Street nectarines, stoned and cut into wedges
1 vanilla pod, split in half
1 lemon, juiced
40g (approximately 3 tablespoons) light brown soft sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
4 scones, halved
30g (2 tablespoons) salted butter, melted
20g (approximately 1.5 tablespoons) demerara sugar
Clotted cream or vanilla ice cream, to serve

Preparation:

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) for a conventional oven or 160°C (320°F) for a fan oven. This temperature ensures that the nectarines will soften and release their juices without burning, while the scone topping will bake to a golden-brown perfection. Prepare a square baking dish, about 25cm (10 inches), by lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Nectarines. Cut the stoned nectarines into wedges. The size of the wedges doesn’t need to be exact, but aim for pieces that are roughly the same size to ensure even cooking. Transfer the nectarine wedges into the prepared baking dish. Make sure the nectarines are fresh and ripe, as this will significantly impact the flavor of the cobbler. If the nectarines are too tart, you may need to increase the amount of sugar slightly.

Step 3: Infuse the Nectarines with Flavor. Add the split vanilla pod, lemon juice, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and cornflour to the baking dish with the nectarines. Gently toss everything together to ensure that the nectarines are evenly coated with the sugar, spices, and cornflour. The vanilla pod will infuse the nectarines with a delicate, aromatic sweetness, while the lemon juice will brighten the flavors and prevent the fruit from becoming overly sweet. The brown sugar adds a caramel-like depth, and the cinnamon provides a warm, comforting spice. The cornflour will act as a thickening agent, creating a luscious sauce as the nectarines roast.

Step 4: Roast the Nectarines. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil to trap the steam and allow the nectarines to soften properly. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, turning the dish halfway through the cooking time. This ensures that the nectarines cook evenly. After the initial roasting time, remove the foil and check the nectarines. They should be soft and slightly wrinkled, with plenty of juice released. If they are not quite soft enough, return the dish to the oven for a few more minutes.

Step 5: Add the Scone Topping. Remove the baking dish from the oven and carefully arrange the halved scones on top of the fruit. The scones should be placed snugly together, covering most of the nectarine mixture. This will create a golden-brown, slightly crunchy topping. Drizzle the melted salted butter evenly over the scones. The butter will add richness and flavor to the scones, helping them to brown beautifully in the oven. Sprinkle the demerara sugar generously over the buttered scones. The demerara sugar will create a delightful, slightly crunchy crust as it caramelizes during baking.

Step 6: Bake the Cobbler to Perfection. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the scones are golden and crunchy. Keep a close eye on the cobbler during this final baking stage to prevent the scones from burning. If the scones start to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the baking dish with foil.

Step 7: Cool and Serve. Once the cobbler is golden brown and bubbling, remove it from the oven and let it cool for at least 5 minutes before serving. This will allow the nectarine juices to thicken slightly and prevent the cobbler from being too hot. Serve the Cheat’s Nectarine Cobbler warm with a generous dollop of clotted cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of warm, sweet nectarines, crunchy scones, and creamy topping is simply irresistible.

COOKING Rating:

Ease of Preparation: Easy
Flavor Complexity: Medium
Overall Difficulty: Beginner

Serving Suggestions:

Classic: Serve warm with clotted cream or vanilla ice cream.
Elevated: Top with a sprinkle of toasted almonds or a drizzle of honey.
Breakfast/Brunch: Enjoy a smaller portion as a delightful breakfast treat.
A la Mode: Offer both clotted cream and vanilla ice cream for guests to choose from.
Seasonal Pairing: Serve with a glass of chilled Moscato d’Asti for a perfect summer pairing.

Tips:

Nectarine Selection: Choose ripe but firm nectarines for the best flavor and texture.
Scone Variation: Experiment with different types of scones, such as cheese scones or fruit scones, for a unique twist.
Spice Adjustment: Adjust the amount of cinnamon to your liking. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for extra warmth.
Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the nectarine mixture for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Make Ahead: The nectarine mixture can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the scone topping just before baking.
Reheating: Reheat leftover cobbler in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Nectarine Alternative: Feel free to use peaches, plums or even a mixture of different stone fruits based on the season and what you have available.
Gluten-free option: To make this dessert gluten-free, use gluten-free scones.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40-45 minutes

Total Time: 55-60 minutes

Nutritional Information:

(Approximate values per serving, assuming 6 servings)

Calories: 450
Protein: 7g
Sodium: 250mg

Conclusion

This Cheat’s Nectarine Cobbler is a testament to the fact that delicious desserts don’t have to be complicated. With just a few simple ingredients and a shortcut using pre-made scones, you can create a comforting and satisfying treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweet, roasted nectarines, warm spices, and buttery scone topping is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy dessert to make on a weeknight or a show-stopping finale for a summer gathering, this cobbler is sure to impress. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the delightful flavors of summer with this effortless and delicious Nectarine Cobbler.

Questions and Answers About This Recipe

Q1: Can I use frozen nectarines for this recipe?

A: While fresh nectarines are ideal for their texture and flavor, you can use frozen nectarines in a pinch. Thaw them partially before using, and be sure to drain off any excess liquid to prevent the cobbler from becoming too watery. You might also need to adjust the amount of cornflour to ensure the sauce thickens properly. Because frozen fruit releases more moisture, increase the cornflour by half a tablespoon.

Q2: What can I use instead of scones for the topping?

A: If you don’t have scones on hand, you can use biscuits, shortcake, or even a streusel topping made from flour, butter, sugar, and oats. For a biscuit topping, simply cut refrigerated biscuit dough into smaller pieces and arrange them over the fruit. For a streusel topping, combine equal parts flour, sugar, and cold butter, then crumble the mixture over the fruit. Each alternative offers a slightly different texture and flavor profile, allowing you to customize the cobbler to your liking. Another option could be to use puff pastry cut into decorative shapes.

Q3: How can I make this recipe vegan?

A: To make this Nectarine Cobbler vegan, you’ll need to substitute a few ingredients. Use vegan scones, which are readily available in many grocery stores or can be made from scratch. Replace the butter with a vegan butter alternative or coconut oil. Ensure the sugar you use is vegan-friendly, as some brands process sugar with bone char. For serving, use a vegan clotted cream alternative or a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream.

Q4: Can I add other fruits to this cobbler?

A: Absolutely! This recipe is highly adaptable, and you can easily add other fruits to complement the nectarines. Peaches, plums, berries, or even apples and pears work beautifully. Consider the sweetness and tartness of the fruits you’re adding, and adjust the amount of sugar accordingly. For example, if you’re using tart plums, you might want to increase the sugar slightly. A mixture of nectarines and blueberries makes a particularly delicious combination.

Q5: How do I prevent the scone topping from burning?

A: To prevent the scone