Dessert

Easy Gooseberry Cobbler Recipe

ByHailey Reed February 4, 2026February 4, 2026

Introduction

This easy gooseberry cobbler is a delightful way to enjoy the tartness of fresh gooseberries with a sweet, crumbly topping. Infused with a touch of elderflower and warming ginger, it makes a comforting dessert perfect for any season.

The image shows a white oval dish with a baked top layer that is golden brown and crumbly in texture, broken open to reveal a soft, chunky filling underneath made of light brown chickpeas and other ingredients. The crust is thick and uneven with a slightly rough surface, while the inside filling is moist and mixed, sitting low in the dish beneath the crust. A metal slotted spoon rests beside the dish on a white marbled surface covered partially by a light gray striped cloth. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

750g gooseberries, washed, topped and tailed
100g caster sugar
1 tsp grated root ginger
3 tbsp elderflower cordial
140g plain flour
2 tsp baking powder
25g butter
25g caster sugar
150ml buttermilk
1 tbsp demerara sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 190°C (170°C fan)/gas mark 5. Place the gooseberries, 100g caster sugar, grated ginger, elderflower cordial, and 4 tablespoons of water in a saucepan. Cover and cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes until the berries start to soften and burst.
Step 2: Transfer the cooked gooseberries and their juices into a baking dish.
Step 3: In a mixing bowl, sift together the plain flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Rub in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Stir in 25g caster sugar.
Step 4: Pour in the buttermilk and mix gently to form a soft, sticky dough.
Step 5: Spoon dollops of the dough evenly over the gooseberries. Sprinkle the top with demerara sugar for extra crunch.
Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp.
Step 7: Let the cobbler stand for 5 minutes before serving. It pairs wonderfully with low-fat ice cream, fromage frais, or custard.

Tips & Variations

If you don’t have buttermilk, substitute with low-fat natural yogurt thinned with a little cold water, or mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice with 150ml milk and let it stand for 5 minutes to curdle.
For a less tart dessert, increase the sugar slightly or add a splash more elderflower cordial.
Add chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts to the topping for extra texture.

Storage

Store any leftover cobbler in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warm. It’s best enjoyed fresh but can also be served cold with cream or yogurt.

How to Serve

The dish is a white oval baking dish filled with a golden brown baked topping that looks crispy and slightly uneven in texture, covering a thick layer of cooked chickpeas and vegetables beneath. The top layer has a crumbly, toasted surface with small browned spots, while the inside shows soft, pale chickpeas mixed in a light brown sauce with pieces of vegetables. The dish sits on a white cloth with a striped pattern, and a stainless steel slotted spoon rests beside it on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gooseberries?

Yes, frozen gooseberries work well. Thaw and drain any excess water before cooking to prevent the filling from becoming too watery.

What can I use instead of elderflower cordial?

If you don’t have elderflower cordial, you can substitute with a splash of lemon juice or a teaspoon of vanilla extract to add a different but pleasant flavor.