Cherry Cobbler Recipe

There's nothing quite like the sweet aroma of cherry cobbler baking in the oven. As the buttery, golden crust mingles with the bubbling cherries, your kitchen transforms into a warm, inviting haven.

this Recipe

I first discovered this recipe on a summer afternoon when my neighbor gifted me a huge basket of freshly picked cherries. Not wanting them to go to waste, I whipped up this simple cobbler, and it quickly became a family staple. The best part? It’s incredibly easy, budget-friendly, and perfect for last-minute gatherings or cozy weeknight desserts.

Why You'll Love This Cherry Cobbler

Get ready to fall in love with this simple yet stunning dessert. Cherry cobbler is the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and buttery goodness.

First, it’s incredibly quick and easy to make. Whether you’re using fresh, frozen, or canned cherries, the entire process takes less than 15 minutes of prep before it goes into the oven.

This recipe is wonderfully budget-friendly. With just a handful of pantry staples and whatever cherries you have on hand, you can whip up a beautiful dessert without a trip to the store.

It’s also incredibly versatile. You can customize it depending on the season or your fruit preferences—peaches, berries, or apples work beautifully too.

Lastly, cherry cobbler is pure comfort food. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, and watch everyone’s faces light up at the first bite.

Now let’s dive into what you’ll need to bring this delicious cobbler to life.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this cherry cobbler lies in its simple ingredients that work together to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

The star of the show is, of course, the cherries. Fresh cherries provide the best flavor, but frozen or canned cherries work just as well in a pinch. If using canned cherries, be sure to drain them thoroughly to avoid excess liquid.

For the filling, you’ll need granulated sugar. The sugar helps to balance the natural tartness of the cherries and create that glossy, syrupy coating as it bakes. You can adjust the amount slightly depending on how sweet your cherries are.

All-purpose flour is essential for both the filling and the cobbler topping. It thickens the cherry mixture and creates the tender, biscuit-like crust that everyone loves.

Unsalted butter gives the topping its rich, buttery flavor. Make sure it’s cold and cut into small cubes to ensure a flaky, tender topping.

Finally, you’ll need baking powder and a pinch of salt to give the topping just the right amount of rise and balance, along with milk to bring the dough together smoothly.

For this recipe, you won’t need any special equipment—just a mixing bowl, a spoon, and a baking dish.

How To Make This Cherry Cobbler

Making cherry cobbler is delightfully simple and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy days or last-minute dessert cravings.

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, prepare your cherries by pitting and halving them if you’re using fresh ones. If you’re using frozen cherries, thaw them first and drain off any excess liquid.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cherries with granulated sugar, a bit of flour, and a splash of lemon juice. Stir gently until the cherries are evenly coated. This mixture will create a beautiful, glossy filling as it bakes.

Next, pour the cherry mixture into a lightly greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly to ensure every bite has a good balance of fruit and topping.

Now, prepare the cobbler topping. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and cut it into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Pour in the milk and gently stir until just combined. The dough should be thick but soft. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense topping.

Drop spoonfuls of the dough over the cherries, spreading gently to cover most of the filling. Don’t worry if a few gaps remain; the topping will spread and puff up beautifully as it bakes.

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling around the edges. Let it cool for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow the filling to thicken slightly.

In under an hour, you’ll have a warm, comforting dessert that’s ready to impress.

Storage Options

If you happen to have leftovers (though that’s rare in my house), cherry cobbler stores quite well.

Allow the cobbler to cool completely before covering it with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days.

For longer storage, place the covered cobbler in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 5 days. The cold helps maintain the texture of the filling and topping.

If you’d like to store it even longer, you can freeze the fully baked and cooled cobbler. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well for up to 3 months.

To reheat, simply warm individual portions in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds, or reheat the whole cobbler in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this cherry cobbler recipe is its flexibility. You can easily adapt it to suit your tastes or what you have on hand.

If you don’t have fresh or frozen cherries, canned cherries make an excellent substitute. Just be sure to drain them thoroughly to avoid a watery filling.

For a mixed fruit version, try combining cherries with blueberries, raspberries, or even sliced peaches. The variety of flavors and textures adds a delightful twist.

You can also experiment with the topping. Swap out some of the flour for almond flour or oats for added texture and a slightly nutty flavor.

If you’re looking to cut back on sugar, you can reduce the amount in both the filling and topping by about a third without compromising taste.

For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based milk like almond or oat, and substitute the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative.

Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own. The beauty of cobbler lies in its rustic simplicity and adaptability.

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