Magic Lemon Cobbler Recipe
Introduction
Magic Lemon Cobbler brings together the bright tang of lemon pie filling and the rich warmth of buttermilk cobbler batter. This easy dessert bakes into a golden, puffy delight with a luscious lemon pudding layer underneath, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup buttermilk or whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp lemon extract (optional)
- 21 oz can lemon pie filling or lemon curd
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your 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. Carefully remove the dish from the oven.
- Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until evenly combined.
- Step 3: Add the buttermilk, vanilla extract, and lemon extract (if using) to the dry ingredients. Whisk until you achieve a smooth batter.
- Step 4: Pour the batter evenly over the melted butter in the baking dish. Do not stir or mix the layers.
- Step 5: Spoon the lemon pie filling or lemon curd evenly over the top of the batter.
- Step 6: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the cobbler is puffed and golden brown around the edges.
- Step 7: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. The lemon filling will settle into a pudding-like layer at the bottom.
- Step 8: Serve warm with whipped cream, ice cream, lemon slices, powdered sugar, or your favorite toppings.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh lemon zest in the batter for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
- Substitute lemon pie filling with homemade lemon curd for a fresher taste.
- Try using half buttermilk and half heavy cream for a richer cobbler texture.
- Add a sprinkle of toasted almonds on top before baking for added crunch.
- For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based milk and vegan butter substitute.
Storage
Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or until heated through. The cobbler is best enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh lemon juice instead of lemon pie filling?
Fresh lemon juice alone won’t provide the same texture or sweetness. For best results, use lemon pie filling or lemon curd, which create the pudding-like layer during baking.
Can I make this cobbler gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend one-to-one. Ensure your baking powder is gluten-free as well.
Print
Magic Lemon Cobbler Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Magic Lemon Cobbler is a delightful dessert where a tangy-sweet lemon pie filling is layered over a rich buttermilk cobbler batter. When baked, the lemon filling settles into a luscious pudding beneath a golden, fluffy crust, creating a magical combination of textures and flavors that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Butter
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup buttermilk or whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp lemon extract (optional)
Filling
- 21 oz can lemon pie filling or lemon curd
Instructions
- Preheat oven and melt butter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the unsalted butter in a 9×9 inch baking dish and put it in the oven for 3-4 minutes until the butter is fully melted. Remove the dish carefully from the oven once melted.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar until fully combined and uniform in texture.
- Add wet ingredients and form batter: Whisk in the buttermilk (or whole milk), vanilla extract, and lemon extract (if using) into the dry ingredients until a smooth batter forms with no lumps.
- Layer batter over melted butter: Pour the prepared cobbler batter evenly over the melted butter in the baking dish. Do not stir, as the batter and butter will interact during baking to create the cobbler texture.
- Add lemon filling: Spoon the lemon pie filling or lemon curd evenly across the top of the batter layer, spreading gently to cover the surface.
- Bake the cobbler: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the cobbler is puffed up and golden brown around the edges.
- Cool and serve: Remove the cobbler from the oven and let it cool slightly. Note that the lemon filling will settle at the bottom as a delicious pudding. Serve warm, optionally topped with whipped cream, ice cream, lemon slices, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Notes
- Using buttermilk yields richer flavor and tenderness, but whole milk works as a substitute.
- Do not stir batter after pouring over butter; layering is essential for texture.
- Feel free to top with your favorite toppings such as whipped cream or ice cream for extra indulgence.
- The lemon extract is optional but enhances the lemon flavor.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: lemon cobbler, lemon dessert, buttermilk cobbler, lemon pie filling, easy cobbler recipe, baked lemon dessert

