Strawberry Cornbread Skillet Cobbler is easy and delicious, the perfect dish for summer gatherings. Made with juicy ripe summer strawberries, refreshing mint, and a splash of citrus, all nestled under a bed of pillowy golden cornbread topped vanilla ice cream.

Juneteenth is normally celebrated with a menu of red foods to represent the perseverance of the enslaved. This Juneteenth, I honor that tradition with my Strawberry Cornbread Skillet Cobbler, a bright crimson blend of juicy summer strawberries, mint, and citrus nestled under a bed of pillowy golden cornbread. This cobbler is delicious and ridiculously easy to dish up, making it the perfect contribution for all summer gatherings.

I’m participating in the 2020 Juneteenth Cookout Takeover. This initiative was established to encourage the celebration of Juneteenth – a jubilee of freedom to commemorate the end of slavery – and to amplify the food traditions of black culinary creatives.

Juneteenth (a merge of the words/date June Nineteenth) marks the date in 1865 that the last enslaved people learned of their freedom.

And for over 150 years since, Black American families, home-cooks, chefs, and culinarians have commemorated the summer holiday with a wide range of food traditions that tell a story of the perseverance of a people.

What Is Juneteenth?

Today I’m sharing my recipe for Strawberry Cornbread  Skillet Cobbler in celebration of Juneteenth. You may not be aware that our nation celebrates two independence days, the most common being 4th of July. However, the one you may not know about is Juneteenth, the oldest known celebration honoring the end of slavery in the United States. The origin of its name was contrived from June 19th, 1865, the day the last 250,000+ were told that they were free.

At this point, you may be scratching your head because, in school, you were taught that Abraham Lincoln decreed the Emancipation Proclamation in January 1863 … that’s almost a two-and-a-half-year difference. But what isn’t often taught is the fact that man slaves remained in slavery long after that decree because the news of their freedom was suppressed to preserve free labor. Can you imagine?

It wasn’t until June 19, 1865, that General Gordon Granger revealed the news of emancipation to the group of slaves located in Galveston, Texas. And that’s the story of the second Independence Day, Juneteenth, a holiday that the black community has celebrated for the last 150 years to honor the sacrifice of those who fought for our freedom.

The History of Red Foods During Juneteenth

The color red reaches far back to our ancestral roots, but it signifies overcoming suffering and persevering through slavery in a nutshell. Therefore, the celebration often involves red foods and beverages like watermelon, red juices and sodas, hot links, barbeque, red velvet cakes, and crimson berry pies.

As a matter of fact, my recipe for Strawberry Cornbread Skillet Cobbler is a nod to this commemorative color and foodways that preserve our story of resilience.

How To Make Strawberry Skillet Cobbler?

First, consider making this recipe when strawberries are in season to get the best results. If that is not the case, you can always use frozen strawberries because they are picked and frozen in peak season result a sweeter berry than what you would get out of season.

The great part is that this recipe is super easy to make, so much so that it’s borderline a dump recipe.

1. After prepping all strawberry filling ingredients, add them to a bowl and mix until sugar is dissolved.
2. Add fruit mixture to a greased skillet on medium-high heat for five minutes.
3. While the fruit is cooking, mix the cornbread topping ingredients, then spoon on top of the fruit.
4. Add cobbler to oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Serve warm ice cream or fresh whip cream.

Best Season for Fresh Strawberries?

Strawberry seasons vary by location. For instance, the best time to get fresh strawberries here in the southwest is February thru early June. So make sure to check with your local farmers to determine the strawberry season in your neck of the woods.

Strawberry Cobbler vs Crisp vs Crumble

Though these three are deliciously similar baked fruit toppings. There are some significant differences.  Crisp and Crumbles are the most alike; both are streusels, but the crisp usually have oats where crumbles do not. The Cobbler, however, has a biscuit-style topping.

Best skillet to use?

Cast iron skillets are the best, hands down, because of how it evenly distributes heat. However, any oven-safe skillet works. Usually, there’s a special oven symbol underneath the skillet.

Strawberry Cobbler Recipe variations?

This recipe is so simple you can definitely mix it up. For example, try using a different fruit if strawberries are out of season or adding a nutty topping.

2020 Juneteenth Cookout Takeover Lineup

Murielle Banackissa | Vegan Saka Saka (Congolese Cassava Leaf & Spinach Stew)

My Fabulous Food | Black eye peas with smoked turkey

Nik Snacks | Easy BBQ Pork Ribs

On Ty’s Plate | Watermelon Limeade

Open Invitation Entertainment | Coconut Collard Greens

Orchids + Sweet Tea | The Ultimate Vegan Mac + Cheese

Our Perfect Palette | Jollof Rice

Peaches 2 Peaches | Vanilla Cake With Caramel Poached Pears

Pink Owl Kitchen | Strawberry Buttermilk Biscuits

Razzle Dazzle Life | Southern Peach Cobbler

Want to see all 68 Juneteenth cookout recipes? Click here!

Strawberry Cornbread Skillet Cobbler

Author: Meiko Temple

Strawberry Cornbread Skillet Cobbler is easy and delicious, the perfect dish for summer gatherings. Made with juicy ripe summer strawberries, refreshing mint, and a splash of citrus, all nestled under a bed of pillowy golden cornbread topped vanilla ice cream.

5 from 6 votes

Print Recipe

Prep Time 7 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine Southern

Servings 8

Calories 433 kcal

Equipment

• Cast Iron Skillet – 10 inch

Ingredients

 

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Strawberry Filling

• 3 lb. strawberries, hulled & sliced
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ tsp. black pepper
• ¼ tsp. kosher salt
• 2 tbsp. cornstarch
• 2 tbsp. lime juice
• 10 sprigs mint, julienned + extra for garnish
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• cooking spray

Cornbread Topping

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornmeal
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1½ tsp. baking powder
• ¾ tsp. kosher salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted & cooled
• 1 cup buttermilk, heavy cream or non dairy milk

Optional

• Ice cream, to serve

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Evenly spray 10-inch cast-iron skillet or baking dish with cooking spray.

To make strawberry filling

• In a large bowl combine strawberries, sugar, pepper, salt, corn startch, lime juice, mint and vanilla extract. Stir together until sugar is dissolved and transfer to skillet.
• Cook strawberries over medium high heat for 5 minutes, stirring occationally then remove from heat.

To make cornbread topping

• Whisk together flour, cornmeal, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, baking powder, and salt.
• Stir in the cooled melted butter and chilled buttermilk. Stir until combined and forms wet batter.
• Drop heaping spoonfuls of batter over the top fo the strawberries in the skillet. This does not have to be spread even. .
• Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until crust is golden brown. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

Nutrition

Calories: 433kcalCarbohydrates: 75gProtein: 5gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 34mgSodium: 407mgPotassium: 368mgFiber: 5gSugar: 49gVitamin A: 480IUVitamin C: 102mgCalcium: 117mgIron: 2mg

Keyword strawberry skillet cobbler

did you make this recipe???Tell me all about it! And tag @meikoandthedish with hashtag on Instagram – I’d love to see what you make!