A plain vanilla batter is spread in the dish, a mix of brown sugar and a tablespoon of cinnamon goes over it, and hot water is poured on top without stirring.
In the oven the batter rises through the water and the sugar sinks, so the dish comes out with a set top and a cinnamon sauce below. There is no fruit in it.
How to Make It
Dish greased
Heat oven to 350°F and grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
Batter mixed
Whisk all-purpose flour, baking powder, fine salt, and granulated sugar. Stir in whole milk, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract.
Spread
Spread the batter in the dish.
Cinnamon sugar
Mix packed brown sugar and ground cinnamon and sprinkle evenly over the batter.
Hot water
Slowly pour hot water over the top without stirring.
Baked
Bake 35 to 40 minutes, until the top is set and crackly while a cinnamon sauce forms underneath.
Rested and served
Rest 10 minutes and serve with whipped cream.
Three Layers That Swap Places
The order in the dish reverses as it bakes.
After baking
A set, crackly top with a cinnamon sauce beneath.
Hot water
Poured over the top without stirring.
Cinnamon sugar
Brown sugar and cinnamon sprinkled over the batter.
Batter
Spread first on the bottom of the dish.
Ingredient Notes
- Ground cinnamon
- One tablespoon, mixed into the brown sugar.
- Hot water
- One and a half cups, poured over without stirring.
- Whipped cream
- One cup, for serving.
Success Tips
- Pour the hot water over the back of a spoon so it does not dig holes.
- Resist stirring; the layers separate on their own in the oven.
- Spoon from the bottom so every serving gets some sauce.
Why This Recipe Works
- Pouring the water slowly keeps the layers from mixing.
- The sugar dissolves in the hot water and forms the sauce.
- The batter rises to the top and bakes into a crackly crust.
- A 10-minute rest thickens the sauce slightly.
Serving Ideas
Spoon into bowls while warm, with sauce from the bottom and whipped cream on top.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerate
Refrigerate covered up to 4 days and reheat portions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there fruit in it?
No, it is a cinnamon and vanilla cobbler with no fruit layer.
Where does the sauce come from?
The brown sugar and hot water bake into a sauce under the cake layer.
