24 Cobblers, Crisps, Grunts, Slumps, Crumbles, Buckles, & Bettys! Now That’s A Delicious Mouthful!

When we have a hankering for fruit and something cake or pastry-like, but don’t want to make an actual pie, we turn to the old-fashioned group of desserts called Cobblers, Crisps, Grunts, Crumbles, Buckles, & Bettys. These traditional desserts each offer a unique combination of textures and flavors, often highlighting seasonal fruits. There are even vegan versions, ones you can make in the air fryer, single-serve microwave recipes! We have 24 recipes for you, but first let’s define what these homespun desserts are, and take a look at why one of them is known by a woman’s name.

Cobblers

Cobblers are a type of fruit dessert baked with a biscuit-like dough topping. The fruit is usually placed at the bottom of a baking dish and covered with spoonfuls of dough that bake into a slightly crisp, cake-like crust.

Crisps

Crisps are fruit desserts with a streusel-like topping made from a mixture of flour, sugar, butter, and often oats. The fruit base is topped with the crisp mixture and baked until the fruit is tender, and the topping is golden brown and crisp.

Grunts & Slumps

Grunts are similar to cobblers, but they are traditionally cooked on the stovetop rather than baked. The fruit is simmered in a skillet and topped with dollops of biscuit dough, which steam rather than bake, resulting in a soft and doughy topping. During cooking the mixture can make “grunting” sounds, as the fruit bubbles up around the dough.

When served, the dessert slumps down on the plate in a sweet, juicy pile of fruit and soft biscuit. 

Crumbles

Crumbles are very similar to crisps, but the topping typically does not include oats. It consists of a mixture of flour, butter, and sugar that is crumbled over the fruit and baked until golden brown.

Buckles

Buckles are a type of cake-like dessert where fruit is mixed into the batter before baking. The cake “buckles” or sinks in around the fruit as it bakes, creating a dense, moist dessert with a somewhat uneven surface.

Bettys

Bettys are fruit desserts made with layers of sweetened fruit and buttered breadcrumbs. The layered mixture is baked until the fruit is tender, and the breadcrumbs form a crisp, golden crust. The most common version is the Apple Brown Betty, sometimes referred to as Brown Betties.

Why Is The Dessert Called “Betty”?

The origin of the name “Betty” for the Betty dessert, particularly the Apple Brown Betty, is not definitively known. However, there are a few theories:

• Common Name Theory: The name “Betty” was a common name in colonial America, and it could have been named after a cook or homemaker who popularized the dessert.

• Historical Recipes: Some historical recipes suggest that it could have been a name commonly associated with simple, homey desserts made by everyday people, hence it was named after a generic, familiar name.

• Etymology and Tradition: It may also derive from the tradition of naming dishes in a manner that evokes a sense of comfort and hominess, attributes often associated with the name “Betty.”

Regardless of its exact origin, the Betty dessert has been a beloved American comfort food since colonial times, known for its simplicity and delicious use of available ingredients.

Get Ready To Bake & Enjoy!

We have recipes for you featuring berries, apples, pumpkin, nuts, tropical fruits, and more. Individual cobblers in jars (perfect for picnics), versions made in the air fryer, microwave – even a smoked peach dessert, and an apple dessert you can make while camping!

Peach Crisp

This recipe for Peach Crisp has a basic version and one gussied up with ginger and pecans – your choice! You are going to love the juicy peach filling and crisp, golden brown, buttery brown sugar oat topping and the whole shebang is super simple to make. Get the recipe.

Tropical Crisp

Our Tropical Crisp combines pineapple, coconut, papaya, banana, lime, vanilla and chocolate – all native to tropical climes. This is a crisp to rival the classic apple version. Easy to make and unlike any dessert you have ever had. Not much to look at, but I promise, the flavor and texture experience delivers! Get the recipe.

Strawberry Rhubarb Cobbler

Strawberries and rhubarb have a natural affinity for one another, here with a buttery cobbler crust. Get the recipe.

Vegan Strawberry Peach Coconut Crisp

This vegan Strawberry Peach Coconut Crisp features juicy strawberries with yellow peaches nestled under a brown sugar oat crisp topping – that happens to be made with coconut oil and makes the recipe vegan. Coconut flakes are added to the topping, too. With or without a dollop of vanilla ice cream or yogurt, this is a fantastic homestyle dessert, that also happens to be very easy to make. Get the recipe.

Grape Apple Crisp

Sure! Why not? Cooking the grapes and apples together makes a fabulous, juicy, fruit-filled filling for this unusual crisp. Get the recipe.

Cranberry Crisp with Grapes & Citrus

Tart, sweet, juicy, an unexpected combo – and delicious. Get the recipe.

Gluten-Free Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp

This easy Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp fruit dessert features a juicy strawberry and rhubarb filling with a sweet, crunchy oat and brown sugar topping. Get the recipe.

Pumpkin Cobbler

The dominant texture of this Pumpkin Cobbler is like a soft, creamy, pumpkin pie. Not a classic cobbler, not a cake or a pudding. Sort of a combination of all three – with some brown sugar streusel on top, too! It is easy to make, very homespun and a welcome addition to a Thanksgiving or fall meal, but due to the use of canned pumpkin, can be enjoyed any time of year. Get the recipe.

Apple Brown Betty

Classic Apple Brown Betty recipe makes a pan of juicy apples layered with sweet, buttery toasted bread topping. This recipe is a delicious alternative to apple crisp! Get the recipe.

Apple Raspberry Crumble

This apple raspberry crumble is a cozy and comforting homemade dessert. The sweet and tart apple raspberry filling is topped with an irresistible crumble topping. Get the recipe.

Apricot Cobbler

Celebrate summer with this simple apricot cobbler recipe. Baked until sweet and juicy, ripe apricots are topped with soft cinnamon dusted biscuit dough for the most comforting dessert. Get the recipe.

Pecan Cobbler

This easy pecan cobbler recipe is a pure delight, a classic all-American pudding. From the satisfying crunch of the pecans to the sweet, buttery richness of the pastry, it’s a comforting dessert that the whole family will love. Get the recipe.

Peach And Cherry Quinoa Crumble 

This peach and cherry quinoa crumble is deliciously sweet and completely healthy with quinoa and almond flour as the topping! Eat up!

Sour Cherry Almond Crisp

This sour cherry crisp uses fresh tart cherries and an easy gluten-free vegan topping. It’s the perfect patriotic and easy summer dessert everyone will love! Get the recipe.

Air Fryer Apple Crisp

You’ll love how simple yet delicious this air fryer apple crisp recipe is. Bursting with seasonal spices, sweet and tender baked apples and a buttery crumble topping, there’s no better fall treat! Get the recipe.

Easy Single Serve Microwave Apple Crisp

This easy microwave apple crisp recipe is a quick single serve option when you need a delicious fall dessert in minutes. Top with a scoop of ice cream or some whipped cream and enjoy! This single serve microwave apple crisp recipe might’ve won me wife of the year. Get the recipe.

Orange Ginger Pear and Quince Crisp

This orange ginger pear and quince crisp will make your whole house smell like the perfect fall candle while it’s baking. It’s a simple seasonal treat everyone will love and perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top! Get the recipe.

Campfire Apple Crisp

Campfire apple crisp is fun to make if you’re camping, and it’s also a tasty dessert idea if you’re not! Juicy apples are sweetened with sugar and flavoured with cinnamon, and this campfire apple dessert is topped with a sweet and crunchy crumb topping. It’s a decadent campfire dessert which everyone will love. So, if you’re looking for something other than s’mores (which are also great!) try these apple crisp foil packets instead. Get the recipe.

Caramel Apple And Blueberry Swedish Smulpaj (Crumble)

This caramel apple and blueberry Swedish smulpaj has a sweet filling, and a crunchy, buttery crumble topping.

The Swedish language is as simple as its food. Like I’ve mentioned before, there’s no messing about in the kitchen with laborious recipes or fanciful ingredients: their food (and its preparation) is straight to the point. The language is similar, where two words are often pushed together to make another one. Smulpaj is a good example: smul =crumb and paj = pie. 

Despite its name, Swedish smulpaj is not a pie at all (there is no crust). The fruit is added directly to the pie dish, and the topping is sprinkled over, just like our good old crumble. Get the recipe.

Blueberry Apple Crumble

This homemade blueberry apple crumble is an easy-to-make dessert! The heavenly aroma and warming flavors will leave you craving for more! Get the recipe.

Smoked Peach Cobbler

I really love a good smoked dessert, and cobbler is one of my favorites. Cobblers are easy to make and taste delicious. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and life is good. If you’re looking for an easy way to make smoked peach cobbler, you’ve found it! Get the recipe.

Mini Blackberry Cobblers In Jars

Bake cute mini blackberry cobblers in jars for a fun and portable dessert. Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream or pack them up for a picnic. Get the recipe.

Gluten-Free Blueberry Buckle

Buckle up! This Gluten-Free Blueberry Cream Cheese Buckle wants to be your new favorite snack cake. It’s kinda like a coffee cake but better. This gluten free blueberry coffee cake has a layer of cream cheese filling in the middle to give it a little extra something. You can omit that layer if you wish but you will miss out on the best part. Because who does not love cream cheese?

Serve this gluten free coffee cake for brunch or along with afternoon tea or keep a few slices in your freezer for a simple (and delicious) grab-and-go breakfast. Get the recipe.

Air Fryer Plum Crumble

Love a crumble? Want an easy air fryer crumble? then it doesn’t get any better than air fryer plum crumble. Made with in season plums, no stewing required, and you will love how easy it is to make crumble in air fryer. Get the recipe.

20 Homemade Sorbets, Sherbets, Granitas, Popsicles And Ices For Summer Fun!

Ice cream and gelato get a lot of love, but sometimes we want an icy treat that is a bit lighter. Enter the world of Sorbets, Sherbets, Granitas, Pops, and Ices! And trust us: if you think these cannot be as satisfying as ice cream, we suggest you try our Chocolate Sorbet right now. Dairy-free, yet rich and creamy. Twenty in all featuring pineapple, strawberries, espresso, papaya, lime, cherries, banana, coconut and all the flavors you crave.

READ: 20 Homemade Sorbets, Sherbets, Granitas, Popsicles And Ices For Summer Fun!

18 Healthy Summer Snacks That Help You Beat The Heat & Sustain Energy

We are big snackers around here, and in the summer, we do like lighter snacks – and they are even better if they help cool us down. Luckily, there are loads to choose from, both sweet and savory. Are your favorites listed? Or, which new-to-you one will you try first?

READ: 18 Healthy Summer Snacks That Help You Beat The Heat & Sustain Energy

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