Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. This is the first step that sets the stage for baking your cobbler to perfection. The right temperature is crucial for ensuring that your cobbler rises nicely and gets that beautiful golden-brown color.
Next, take a 9-inch cast iron pan or a baking dish and place butter in it. Put it in the oven and watch as it melts. This is where the magic begins, as the butter will create a lovely base for the batter.
While the butter is melting, grab a medium bowl and stir together all the remaining ingredients: self-rising flour, salt, cinnamon, sugar, milk, and vanilla. Mixing these together creates a batter that is both simple and satisfying. You want a nice, smooth consistency, so take your time.
Once the butter has melted, carefully remove the pan from the oven using a potholder. Pour the prepared batter directly into the melted butter. The sizzling sound as the batter meets the hot butter is a delightful moment—don’t worry if it seems a little uneven!
Now, sprinkle the fresh blackberries on top of the batter. Don’t be shy; the more berries, the better! They will create pockets of juicy goodness as they bake.
Place the pan back into the oven and bake for about 30 minutes. As it bakes, the aroma will fill your kitchen, and you’ll be tempted to sneak a taste before it cools.
Check for doneness: the cobbler should be golden-brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. This is the moment of truth! Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serve warm, preferably with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which perfectly complements the warm cobbler. Enjoy the smiles and compliments from family and friends as they dig in!
