This is one of my favorite simple desserts. It’s a traditional
southern recipe that was given to me decades ago. It’s not fancy, or elegant, or complicated. In fact, it’s the
antithesis of those things.

It’s comforting, simple, tasty, and addictive. Oh, and buttery.

You may remember hearing about it in the play or movie Steel
Magnolias
. The recipe, as given in the script, does work according to several bloggers, but all say it’s dorm food, at best.

The name of my version – Cuppa Cuppa Cuppa – is misleading. Yes, it’s a cup of
flour, a cup of sugar, and a cup of milk. But it’s also a stick of butter and several cups of fruit in syrup.
(Please don’t reduce the butter to make it healthy. Either make it right, or
get yourself a piece of fresh fruit!)

The flour called for is the self-rising type. Simply add a teaspoon each of
baking powder and salt to all-purpose flour to make it rise.

An aside: I just had a wonderful visit with my fellow blogger,
Nazneen who writes Coffee and Crumpets. Following a sumptuous Indian meal,
she served her peach cobbler, a recipe she brought back from Texas. It turns
out that it is basically Cuppa Cuppa Cuppa. It was fun comparing our
recipes… maybe she will post hers soon. (Cuppa Cuppa Cuppa is also known as Grannie’s Cobbler in the South.)

I guess the name of the recipe should be “Cuppa Cuppa Cuppa Tsp Tsp Stick & Fruit.” But that just ain’t catchy, now, is it?

~ David

Blueberry Cuppa Cuppa Cuppa

1 stick butter
1 cup flour
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup whole milk
2-3 cups blueberry compote (recipe follows)
vanilla ice cream, for serving
Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
Place the butter in a 9-inch cast-iron frying pan and place in
the oven to melt the butter – approximately 5 minutes.
While butter is melting, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking
powder, and salt. Add the milk and whisk until you have a smooth batter.
When butter is completely melted – it’s okay if it has begun to
brown a little – remove the pan from the oven and add the batter. Don’t be startled
as the butter oozes to the sides and begins to cover the batter. That’s normal.
Next, pour the 3 cups fruit in syrup slowly into the center of
the batter. It will creep under the batter. Place in the oven and bake for
30 minutes, until deep golden brown; the batter will puff up over the fruit and form a wonderful buttery crust.
Serve hot or warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This is best the day you make it!
Serves 6-8
Blueberry Compote
1 pound blueberries
1 cup sugar
cinnamon, optional
Mix the fruit and sugar, and cinnamon if using, in a large
saucepan. Place over medium heat and cook until fruits are softened and mixture
seems syrupy – 10-15 minutes. Let cool completely before making the Cuppa Cuppa Cuppa.

Variations: As the seasons change, you can mix and match many fruits to make this: I like mixed berries in the winter (as we can easily buy bags of flash-frozen mixed berries), or you can use diced peaches, apricots, plums, pears, or apples.

47 Comments

  1. Sippity Sup

    October 22, 2016 at 3:04 pm

    My great grandma in Tahlequah, OK made a version of this. She included a bit of cornmeal if I remember correctly. I don't have a lot of memories of my great grandma so this little reminder made my morning. Thanks GREG

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      October 27, 2016 at 5:10 pm

      That's so sweet, Greg! I will have to try it with a little corn meal in honor of your grandmother.

      Reply
  2. Lois B

    October 22, 2016 at 8:02 pm

    "Please don't reduce the butter to make it healthy. Either make it right, or get yourself a piece of fresh fruit!"

    AMEN!!!

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      October 27, 2016 at 5:12 pm

      Hah! That made me think that we need to come up with the cooks 10 Commandments. I. Thou shalt use butter. II. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's batterie de cuisine. III. …

      Reply
  3. Bizzy Lizzy's Good Things

    October 22, 2016 at 10:47 pm

    Too yummy, David! I may just try this sometime. And thank you for the introduction to your friend N xx.

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      October 27, 2016 at 5:12 pm

      Liz – this is almost opposite of you were and Peter's attempts to use less sugar! But maybe for a treat someday…

      Reply
  4. Colette (Coco)

    October 23, 2016 at 9:19 am

    I was looking inking for something new to make for breakfast on Sunday morning and this is it! Thanks for sharing such a special recipe, D. xo

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      October 27, 2016 at 5:12 pm

      I'm so excited that you made this, Colette! I hope you all liked it. XO

      Reply
  5. Chef Mimi

    October 23, 2016 at 1:21 pm

    This looks amazing! I don't like people who don't use butter.

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      October 27, 2016 at 5:13 pm

      Mimi – I try not to know people who don't use butter… 🙂

      Reply
  6. Unknown

    October 23, 2016 at 1:25 pm

    This looks delicious and simple. A nice quick dessert anytime.

    Reply
  7. Unknown

    October 23, 2016 at 3:19 pm

    Hi David!!
    Well, I do know how this tastes! Absolutely delicious and it's so easy.
    It was so lovely having you over and I have those recipes for you 🙂 I'll be posting them soon.
    Love to Mark!

    Nazneen xx

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      October 27, 2016 at 5:14 pm

      Had the best time with you, Trace and your family. It was fun comparing our recipes for cobbler – cuppa cuppa cuppa. XO

      Reply
  8. Marcelle

    October 23, 2016 at 4:56 pm

    This is just a fantastic dessert, David. Not a lot of fuss, and delicious, that's my favorite kind. I love that you use your iron skillet too, I use mine for everything lately! Just posted about a skillet cake today :):)

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      October 27, 2016 at 5:15 pm

      Isn't the cast-iron skillet the best thing ever invented, Marcelle? Your apple skillet cake looks amazing!

      Reply
  9. John | heneedsfood

    October 23, 2016 at 6:12 pm

    Don't mess with the butter and add a huge dollop of double cream to garnish, that's what I would be doing! I'd probably be eating the whole skillet full in one sitting, as well.

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      October 27, 2016 at 5:16 pm

      I think that even you, John, would have a tough time finishing this in one sitting! It's quite rich – but that's a good thing, right? That's why we add the cream – to cut the sweetness.

      Reply
  10. Nutmeg

    October 23, 2016 at 6:19 pm

    What a fabulous dessert, and as always your photos are amazing. I will try that one for my next dinner party.

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      October 27, 2016 at 5:16 pm

      Thanks, Carolyne – this is a great dessert for a casual dinner party.

      Reply
  11. Cindy

    October 24, 2016 at 12:32 pm

    Love this simple Cuppa Cuppa dessert! Fabulous name too!

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      October 27, 2016 at 5:17 pm

      Thanks Cindy – the name is really catchy, isn't it?

      Reply
  12. Amanda | Chew Town

    October 25, 2016 at 2:02 am

    Everything about that cuppa cuppa cuppa dessert looks incredible. Blueberries baked into a cake, crust or pie really is one of the better things in life!

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      October 27, 2016 at 5:17 pm

      Thanks, Amanda – you and I definitely agree the blueberries are pretty much the perfect fruit for anything!

      Reply
  13. Inger @ Art of Natural Living

    October 25, 2016 at 11:32 pm

    Warm with ice cream would be comfort food for me!

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      October 27, 2016 at 5:17 pm

      Thanks, Inger – I forgot to mention that this heat really well in the microwave the next day!

      Reply
  14. Frank

    October 27, 2016 at 12:02 pm

    That crust looks incredible, David! I really love baked fruit desserts. Just wondering where the name comes from…

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      October 27, 2016 at 5:18 pm

      A cup of this, a cup of that, and you have your title, Frank… Cuppa cuppa cuppa. Buttery crust is quite wonderful!

      Reply
    • Frank

      October 27, 2016 at 5:30 pm

      Ah, that certainly makes sense!

      Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      October 30, 2016 at 7:33 pm

      It's one of those things that, when said aloud, makes perfect sense!

      Reply
  15. Jean | DelightfulRepast.com

    October 29, 2016 at 7:54 pm

    David, I'd *never* cut back on the butter! That's just crazy talk! 😀 But you know I cut waaaaaaayy back on the sugar when I make Cuppa Cuppa Cuppa. Your photos of this humble dish are just gorgeous.

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      October 30, 2016 at 6:10 pm

      Jean – I have started cutting back on the sugar in many fruit desserts. In fact, when making apple desserts, I choose a sweeter apple and cut the sugar significantly. It makes a big difference!

      Reply
  16. Christina | Christina's Cucina

    October 29, 2016 at 9:26 pm

    Lovely dessert, and I would never think of reducing the butter! I can imagine this made with rhubarb would be heavenly, topped with mounds of freshly whipped cream (no sugar added)! Delicious!

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      October 30, 2016 at 6:10 pm

      What a fun idea to use rhubarb compote to make this.

      Reply
  17. Valentina

    October 30, 2016 at 7:00 am

    This is so beautiful — inside and out! Just lovely. And I always love the shots of your ingredients in your pretty measuring spoons and cups!

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      October 30, 2016 at 6:11 pm

      Thanks, Valentina! I think I should do a post that shows off my ridiculous collection of measuring cups and spoons!

      Reply
  18. ChgoJohn

    November 1, 2016 at 10:58 pm

    I keep some of summer's berries in my freezer to use in pies on mid-winter. It's my way of reminding myself that this, too, shall pass. I'm satisfied with my cherry pie recipe and now I've got a recipe for what I think will be a stellar blueberry pie. I'm a firm believer that a polar vortex ain't so bad when you've got pie. Thanks, David, for sharing your recipe.

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      November 3, 2016 at 1:53 pm

      I like your Polar Vortex attitude, John, but am just as glad I left the frozen north for the warmer climes of Tucson! But, even here, I keep summer berries in the freezer for winter usage. Never a bad idea!

      Reply
  19. Unknown

    November 5, 2016 at 3:22 am

    On the menu for this weekend! I don't have a cast iron skillet though, and will have to use a regular baking dish, so hoping it will turn out well anyway. I remember years ago you made cuppa cuppa cuppa when we were in Albany visiting Kurt. It was delish!

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      November 5, 2016 at 1:33 pm

      It will be fine in a baking pan, Kathy! A deep dish pie plate works well, too! I hope you and Harry enjoyed it! xo

      Reply
  20. Provence WineZine

    November 8, 2016 at 7:40 pm

    Simple and good! What more does one want?! Looks like a recipe I will try soon!

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      November 12, 2016 at 3:45 pm

      And, after all, we do need some comfort these days! Thanks, Susan!

      Reply
  21. Caroline @ Pinch Me, I'm Eating!

    November 17, 2016 at 10:58 pm

    Oh yum! I love a good traditional Southern dish, especially a hot dessert with ice cream a la mode! This seems like it would be excellent with a little cornmeal thrown in too. Yummm!

    Reply
  22. Anonymous

    November 20, 2016 at 4:59 pm

    uh-oh. Just put it in the oven and realized I'd used regular flour. What will happen?

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      November 20, 2016 at 5:03 pm

      Did you use the baking powder and salt? If so, you will be fine. If not, you may have invented a wonderful new dessert! (I hope…) 🙂

      Reply
  23. The Reader's Tales

    May 9, 2017 at 3:06 pm

    Oh my goodness! I have to make this recipe. My other half loves blueberry. What seduces me is how easy and beautiful your recipe is. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      May 10, 2017 at 1:45 pm

      Thanks, RT! Blueberries are wonderful (I just took a blueberry crostata out f the oven!) – your other half and I are in agreement!

      Reply

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