With berries, apricots, plums and other fruits coming into season, homey desserts such as cobblers, crisps and crumbles are perfect for showcasing summer’s fresh bounty.
Rustic relatives of the tart and pie, these baked desserts are easy to prepare — each begins with a filling that combines one or more types of fruit. The topping for a cobbler resembles sweet biscuits. Crisps boast a crunchy crumb topping made from butter, sugar and flour; nuts and rolled oats may be added for texture and flavor. Crumbles are similar to crisps and have a crumbly topping.
Here we feature recipes for these old-fashioned favorites, which have all earned five-star ratings from our customers. Prepared with peak-of-season fruits from your garden or farmers’ market, these desserts make a delicious finale to a backyard barbecue.
Peach CobblerScoops of homemade vanilla ice cream add the finishing touch to this classic summer dessert. |
Blackberry CobblerFresh raspberries and blueberries also make welcome additions to this cobbler, as do cherries and plums. If you like, add a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg or a dash of vanilla or almond extract to the fruit for more depth of flavor. |
Blueberry CrispTart blueberries and a slightly crunchy, sweet topping come together in this easy-to-make dessert. For maximum taste, try to find wild berries rather than the cultivated ones. |
Apricot-Almond CrispGinger — both ground and freshly grated — adds nuanced spice to this recipe. Both tapioca and cornstarch can be used to thicken the delicious fruit juices for an ideal texture. |
Blackberry CrumbleThis crumble mixture can be made in bulk to have on hand for quick baked fruit desserts. Freeze, or keep in the refrigerator for up to four weeks. |
Strawberry and Rhubarb CrumbleA traditional combination of strawberry and rhubarb strikes a sweet-tart balance in this crumble. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for entertaining. |












