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Wholesome Mixed Berry & Apple Bake

Juicy apples and vibrant berries bubble under a tender, golden-brown 100% whole-grain topping. This simple, cozy dessert is inspired by DASH principles and brings rustic charm to any occasion.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American, Homestyle
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 151kcal

Equipment

  • 9-inch cast-iron skillet or an 8x8-inch ceramic baking dish
  • 2 medium mixing bowls
  • Wire whisk
  • Silicone spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

For the Spiced Fruit Base

  • 2 tbsp 16 g cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp coconut sugar
  • ½ tsp ground cardamom
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • 2 ⅔ cups chopped sweet-tart apples about 2 medium
  • 1 ⅓ cups fresh raspberries
  • 1 ⅓ cups fresh blueberries
  • 1 ½ tsp orange zest
  • 1 tbsp fresh orange juice

For the Whole-Grain Topping

  • 1 cup 120 g whole wheat pastry flour (or white whole wheat flour)
  • ¼ tsp fine sea salt
  • 1 large egg white
  • cup low-fat 1% milk
  • 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ tsp demerara sugar for finishing

Instructions

  • Preheat and Prepare Pan: Position a rack in the center of your oven and preheat to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your skillet or baking dish with cooking spray or a neutral oil.
  • Craft the Cobbler Topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together the whole wheat pastry flour and sea salt. In a separate smaller bowl, whisk the egg white until it's frothy. Stir in the low-fat milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir with a spatula just until a soft, uniform batter forms. Avoid overmixing. Set the batter aside to rest for a few minutes.
  • Mix the Fruit Base: In the second medium bowl, combine the cornstarch, coconut sugar, cardamom, and nutmeg. Add the chopped apples, raspberries, blueberries, orange zest, and orange juice. Gently fold everything together until the fruit is evenly coated in the spiced sugar mixture.
  • Assemble the Bake: Scrape the fruit mixture into your prepared skillet or baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Spoon dollops of the topping batter over the fruit, leaving some small gaps for the filling to bubble through. It doesn't need to be perfectly smooth.
  • Bake to Golden Perfection: Sprinkle the demerara sugar evenly over the topping. Place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The cobbler is ready when the fruit filling is bubbling vigorously around the edges and the topping is a deep golden brown.
  • Cool and Serve: Carefully remove the dish from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Storage: Once completely cooled, cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
  • Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to use other seasonal fruits like sliced peaches, pears, or blackberries.
  • Troubleshooting: If you find the topping is browning too quickly before the fruit is bubbly, you can create a loose tent with aluminum foil and place it over the dish for the final 10-15 minutes of the baking time.
Approximate Nutrition Information
(Per serving, 1/8 of recipe. Approximate values based on standard ingredients.)
  • Calories: 151
  • Total Fat: 1.5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.3 g
  • Sodium: 82 mg
  • Total Carbohydrate: 32 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 4.5 g
  • Total Sugars: 14 g
    • Includes: 6 g Added Sugars
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Potassium: 210 mg
  • Calcium: 70 mg