Warm, gooey, and irresistibly rich, Carmen’s Butterscotch Cobbler is the ultimate dessert comfort food. This old-fashioned treat features a soft, cake-like topping that rises through a luscious butterscotch sauce as it bakes. With every spoonful delivering deep caramel flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, it’s the perfect sweet finish to any meal—especially when topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simple Pantry Ingredients – No fancy tools or rare ingredients required.
Rich Butterscotch Flavor – Brown sugar and butter make the perfect sauce.
Magical Baking – The cobbler topping rises through the sauce as it cooks.
Perfect for Sharing – A crowd-pleasing dessert for gatherings and holidays.
Customizable – Add pecans, a dash of cinnamon, or even chocolate chips for variety.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Butterscotch Sauce:
• 1½ cups brown sugar (light or dark)
• 2 cups boiling water
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
For the Cobbler Topping:
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup milk
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Garnishes:
• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
• Chopped toasted pecans
• A light dusting of cinnamon
Tools You’ll Need
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish
• Small saucepan or kettle (for boiling water)
• Oven
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a square 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Step 2: Make the Butterscotch Sauce
In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, boiling water, butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
Stir until the sugar is mostly dissolved and butter is melted. Set aside.
Step 3: Mix the Cobbler Batter
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Add in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
Stir just until combined—the batter will be thick and smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Cobbler
Pour the cobbler batter into the greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
Slowly pour the butterscotch sauce over the top of the batter—do not stir.
The sauce will sink to the bottom during baking, creating a rich butterscotch layer.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Carefully transfer the dish to the preheated oven.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set.
You may see bubbling sauce around the edges—this is perfect!
Step 6: Cool Slightly & Serve
Let the cobbler cool for at least 10–15 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
Spoon into bowls and serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips for the Best Butterscotch Cobbler
Don’t Stir the Layers – The magic happens when the batter and sauce stay separate.
Use Boiling Water – Ensures the brown sugar and butter blend into a smooth sauce.
Serve Warm – The sauce is gooey and perfect right out of the oven.
Add Nuts – Chopped pecans or walnuts add a great crunch and pair beautifully with butterscotch.
Double It – Use a 9×13 pan and double all ingredients to serve a larger crowd.
Serving Suggestions
With Ice Cream – Vanilla is classic, but try butter pecan or caramel swirl for extra richness.
With Coffee – Serve a slice with a hot cup for a cozy dessert break.
As a Holiday Dessert – A warm and welcoming option for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
As a Sweet Brunch – Pair with fresh fruit and yogurt for a unique brunch treat.
How to Store & Reheat
Storing:
Room Temperature: Cover and store leftovers for up to 1 day.
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
Microwave: Heat individual portions for 30–45 seconds.
Oven: Rewarm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10–15 minutes, covered with foil.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use dark brown sugar for a deeper flavor?
Yes! Dark brown sugar adds extra molasses richness to the sauce. - What’s the texture like?
It’s soft and cake-like on top with a thick, gooey sauce underneath—like a self-saucing pudding. - Can I make it ahead of time?
Best served fresh, but you can prep the batter and sauce separately and assemble right before baking. - Can I freeze it?
It’s best fresh, but you can freeze leftovers for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven to bring back the texture. - Can I add other flavors?
Absolutely—try cinnamon, nutmeg, or a splash of maple syrup for a cozy twist.
Final Thoughts
Carmen’s Butterscotch Cobbler is a nostalgic, homemade dessert that wraps you in warmth with every bite. It’s a simple recipe with big payoff—perfectly gooey, sweet, and comforting. Whether you’re making it for a dinner party or a cozy night in, this cobbler is guaranteed to impress.
Try it for yourself and share your thoughts—was it love at first spoonful? Don’t forget to leave a review and share your photos!
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Cuisine: American
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 360 | Protein: 3g | Carbohydrates: 55g | Fat: 15g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 170mg

Carmen’s Butterscotch Cobbler
- Total Time: 1 hour
Description
Warm, gooey, and irresistibly rich, Carmen’s Butterscotch Cobbler is the ultimate dessert comfort food. This old-fashioned treat features a soft, cake-like topping that rises through a luscious butterscotch sauce as it bakes. With every spoonful delivering deep caramel flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, it’s the perfect sweet finish to any meal—especially when topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.
Ingredients
For the Butterscotch Sauce:
• 1½ cups brown sugar (light or dark)
• 2 cups boiling water
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
For the Cobbler Topping:
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup milk
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Garnishes:
• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
• Chopped toasted pecans
• A light dusting of cinnamon
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a square 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Step 2: Make the Butterscotch Sauce
In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, boiling water, butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
Stir until the sugar is mostly dissolved and butter is melted. Set aside.
Step 3: Mix the Cobbler Batter
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Add in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
Stir just until combined—the batter will be thick and smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Cobbler
Pour the cobbler batter into the greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
Slowly pour the butterscotch sauce over the top of the batter—do not stir.
The sauce will sink to the bottom during baking, creating a rich butterscotch layer.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Carefully transfer the dish to the preheated oven.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set.
You may see bubbling sauce around the edges—this is perfect!
Step 6: Cool Slightly & Serve
Let the cobbler cool for at least 10–15 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
Spoon into bowls and serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Notes
Don’t Stir the Layers – The magic happens when the batter and sauce stay separate.
Use Boiling Water – Ensures the brown sugar and butter blend into a smooth sauce.
Serve Warm – The sauce is gooey and perfect right out of the oven.
Add Nuts – Chopped pecans or walnuts add a great crunch and pair beautifully with butterscotch.
Double It – Use a 9×13 pan and double all ingredients to serve a larger crowd.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Cuisine: American