A comforting and delightful Southern dessert, the North Carolina Sonker is a fruit-filled treat often compared to cobblers and pies, with its own distinct identity, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of North Carolina.
Ingredients
Scale:
4 cups of fresh fruit (such as peaches, apples, blackberries, or sweet potatoes), peeled and chopped
1 cup granulated sugar (adjust based on fruit sweetness)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional) for serving
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, combine the chopped fruit with sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon, if using. Toss until well coated and set aside.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix the milk, melted butter, sugar, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
Pour the batter into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly. Spoon the prepared fruit mixture over the batter.
Bake for 45-55 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the fruit is bubbly. Check for doneness with a toothpick.
Let it cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
