Magic Lemon Cobbler Recipe
Introduction
Magic Lemon Cobbler is a delightful dessert where tangy lemon pie filling magically sinks into a rich buttermilk batter during baking, creating layers of sweet and tart flavors. It’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion that calls for a refreshing, comforting treat.

Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup buttermilk or whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract (optional)
- 21 oz can lemon pie filling or lemon curd
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the butter in a 9×9 inch baking dish and melt it in the oven for 3-4 minutes until fully melted. Remove from the oven.
- Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- Step 3: Add the buttermilk, vanilla extract, and lemon extract (if using) to the dry ingredients and whisk until a smooth batter forms.
- Step 4: Pour the batter evenly over the melted butter in the baking dish. Do not stir.
- Step 5: Spoon the lemon pie filling or lemon curd evenly over the batter.
- Step 6: Bake for 45-55 minutes until the cobbler is puffed and golden brown around the edges.
- Step 7: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. The lemon filling will settle into a pudding-like layer at the bottom.
- Step 8: Serve warm, optionally topped with whipped cream, ice cream, lemon slices, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh lemon zest in the batter for an extra bright lemon flavor.
- Swap lemon pie filling with homemade lemon curd for a fresher taste.
- Add a pinch of turmeric to the batter for a richer yellow hue without affecting flavor.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream to balance the tartness.
Storage
Store leftover cobbler in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or until warm. This dessert is best enjoyed warm but also delicious cold.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this cobbler dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine and use almond or oat milk instead of buttermilk or whole milk. The texture will remain deliciously tender.
What if I don’t have lemon extract?
You can omit the lemon extract or add a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice or extra lemon zest to the batter for added lemon flavor.
PrintMagic Lemon Cobbler Recipe
Magic Lemon Cobbler is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert where a tangy-sweet lemon pie filling is layered over a rich buttermilk batter. Baking in a 9×9 inch dish creates a golden, fluffy cobbler with a luscious lemon pudding-like layer at the bottom. Perfect served warm with whipped cream or ice cream, this American classic dessert combines bright lemon flavor with a comforting, buttery base.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Butter Base
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup buttermilk or whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract (optional)
Topping
- 21 oz can lemon pie filling or lemon curd
Instructions
- Preheat and melt butter: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the unsalted butter in a 9×9 inch baking dish and melt it in the oven for 3-4 minutes until fully melted. Then carefully remove the dish from the oven.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar until well combined.
- Add wet ingredients to batter: Whisk in the buttermilk, vanilla extract, and lemon extract (if using) into the dry ingredients until a smooth, homogenous batter forms without lumps.
- Pour batter over butter: Pour the prepared batter evenly over the melted butter layer in the baking dish. Do not stir or mix the layers together; the separation is key to the magic cobbler effect.
- Add lemon filling: Spoon the lemon pie filling or lemon curd evenly spread across the top of the batter layer.
- Bake the cobbler: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, until the cobbler is puffed up and the edges are golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Remove the cobbler from the oven and let it cool slightly. The lemon filling will settle into a creamy pudding layer at the bottom. Serve warm topped with whipped cream, ice cream, lemon slices, or dust with powdered sugar as desired.
Notes
- Using buttermilk gives the cobbler a tangier, richer flavor but whole milk works well as a substitute.
- Ensure the butter is fully melted before adding batter for proper layering.
- Lemon extract is optional but enhances the lemon flavor if you prefer a stronger lemon taste.
- Do not stir after pouring batter over butter; this layering technique creates the signature pudding effect.
- Serve warm for best taste and texture; leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated.
- Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream to complement the tart lemon filling.
Keywords: lemon cobbler, lemon dessert, buttermilk cobbler, lemon pie filling, easy lemon dessert, American dessert, baked cobbler, lemon curd dessert

