4th of July Blackberry Cobbler and Other Treats

There’s something about warm blackberry cobbler that feels like summer in Tennessee. Maybe it’s the way the buttery topping crisps up in the oven, or how the juice bubbles up around the edges, staining the pan and scenting the whole kitchen with nostalgia. Or maybe it’s that cobbler is the kind of dessert that doesn’t require perfection, just good fruit, a hot oven, and someone to share it with. Around here, no summer is complete without one cooling on the counter.

If you’ve been lucky enough to visit our Pick-Your-Own blackberry patch at Stoney Creek Farm, you already know how special those berries are. Sweet, sun-ripened, and plucked straight from the vine, they’re summer’s gift to your taste buds.

Whether you’ve picked your own or grabbed a basket at the farmers’ market, blackberry cobbler is a simple, foolproof, perfect treat for your summer picnic table.

Pick-Your-Own Blackberries at Stoney Creek Farm in Tennessee

There’s a kind of joy in berry-picking that has nothing to do with the berries themselves. It’s slowing down for a moment, wandering rows of vines, feeling the warmth of the sun on your back and the satisfaction of dropping plump berries into your bucket. At Stoney Creek Farm, we offer Pick-Your-Own blackberries every July, and it’s one of the most beloved parts of our growing season.

Our thornless blackberry varieties are bred for flavor, not travel, which means they’re bursting with sweet juice that puts store-bought berries to shame. We recommend bringing a hat, some sunscreen, and a cooler if you’re driving a while. Trust us, you’ll want to take home more than you planned.

Keep an eye on our website or Facebook page for daily updates on picking conditions.  For the 2025 season, we will be open starting Wednesday, July 2 and Saturday, July 5 from 8:00 am – 12 noon.  We will continue with the same weekly schedule until the berries run out…later in July.

Try this recipe for delicious blackberry cobbler.

This cobbler is so easy, it practically makes itself. You don’t need a mixer, fancy crust, or measuring perfection. Just blackberries, pantry basics, and a stick of butter. Here’s how it’s done:

Ingredients

• 4 to 5 cups fresh blackberries
• 1 cup baking mix or self-rising flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter, melted

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• Grease a 9×12 baking pan and spread the blackberries evenly across the bottom.
• In a bowl, mix the flour and sugar in equal parts. Cut in the beaten egg with a fork until crumbly.
• Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the berries.
• Pour the melted butter over the topping.
• Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until golden brown. If you want an extra-crisp top, pop it under the broiler for a minute or two.
• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream. Or don’t—this stuff is just as good straight from the pan.

This recipe has been passed around more family cookouts than we can count, and it never lasts more than a few hours once it’s on the table.

What Else Can You Make with Blackberries for Summer?

Blackberries are versatile, and once you have a few cups on hand, the dessert possibilities are endless. For example:

Blackberry Shortcake

Swap out strawberries for blackberries in this classic summer dessert. Macerate the berries with sugar and lemon juice, then layer with homemade shortcakes and whipped cream.

Blackberry Lemon Bars

Bright, tangy, and lightly sweet. These bars pair lemon’s zing with blackberry’s depth for a sliceable treat that feels rich and refreshing.

Blackberry Freezer Jam

If you picked more berries than your cobbler can handle, this jam is an ideal spreadable for toast, biscuits, or even ice cream. It’s quick to make and doesn’t require canning skills.

Here’s a simple recipe we love called Blackberry Fool, a classic English dessert that takes less than 15 minutes to make.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh blackberries
• 3 tablespoons sugar (divided)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

• In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the blackberries, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and lemon juice. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the berries break down and the mixture thickens slightly. Let it cool completely. You can mash it a little or leave some berry texture—it’s up to you.

• In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with the remaining tablespoon of sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.

• Fold it together. Once the berry mixture is cool, gently fold it into the whipped cream. For a marbled effect, swirl it with a spoon. Want a thoroughly mixed dessert instead? Stir until purple.

• Spoon into small glasses or bowls and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Top with a few fresh blackberries or a mint sprig if you’re feeling fancy.

Other Summer Flavors and Desserts You May Love

If you’re already baking up a storm for Independence Day, why stop at cobbler? Here are a few sunnier, fruit-filled desserts that pair beautifully with fireworks and front porch swings.

Peach Dump Cake

Another low-fuss, high-reward option. Layer canned or fresh peaches in a pan, sprinkle dry cake mix on top, dot with butter, and bake. It comes out golden, gooey, and amazing with whipped cream.

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

This retro dish is equal parts sweet and salty. A buttery pretzel crust, a cream cheese middle, and a strawberry gelatin top make it a picnic favorite.

Blueberry Hand Pies

Easy to make in batches and perfect for parties. Use pre-made pie dough and spoon blueberry filling into circles before folding and baking. No plates required.

Watermelon Feta Skewers

Technically not a dessert, but a refreshing, savory-sweet side that balances picnic sugar. Alternate chunks of watermelon and feta on toothpicks, drizzle with balsamic glaze, and serve chilled.

The Bottom Line

Whether baking a blackberry cobbler or layering fruit in a gelatin mold, summer desserts are about making memories (and maybe licking leftover ice cream off your spoon). Summer is the perfect time to slow down, pick some berries, and bake something that makes everyone at the table smile.

If you’re local to Middle Tennessee, stop by Stoney Creek Farm to pick your own blackberries and experience the joy of fresh-from-the-vine flavor. And if not, we hope this cobbler recipe travels well into your kitchen and traditions.

Interested in learning more and feeling inspired about more fresh flavors in your cooking? Join us for our Culinary Herb Class on July 12 to learn how to grow, harvest, and use herbs in everyday meals (including summer desserts).