Cobblers, Crumbles, & Crisps

Cobblers, crumbles, and crisps are rustic, fruit-forward desserts are easier than pie and great for baking with whatever fruit is in season. Most of the fillings and toppings can be interchanged so feel free to play around and come up with something new!

What is the difference between a cobbler, a crumble, and a crisp?

A cobbler has a softer, frequently fluffy topping that falls somewhere between a biscuit, a cookie, and a cake. It’s sometimes a little crisp and chewy around the edges like this one but soft and fluffy underneath thanks to the juice from the fruit. But I have also seen cobbler that is made with what is more like pie crust, especially in parts of Texas when I have visited.

A crumble or a crisp have more of a streusel topping made with plenty of butter cut into flour. The crisp has oats and sometimes nuts like walnuts or pecans while the crumble typically omits those so it’s not as crunchy, but less cakey than a cobbler.