Classic Cherry Cobbler Recipe: A Sweet Summertime Tradition
Buttery crust meets succulent fruit for a nostalgic twist on homemade sweets.
Classic Cherry Cobbler Recipe
If you’re looking for the quintessential fruit dessert of summer, few treats compare to the comfort and rustic beauty of a classic cherry cobbler. This beloved dish features juicy sweet cherries nestled beneath a golden, buttery crust and is best enjoyed warm with a scoop of rich vanilla ice cream.
Why Cherry Cobbler?
Cherry cobbler conjures up memories of family gatherings, picnics, and warm evenings on the porch. Its simple ingredients and straightforward method make it accessible for home bakers of any skill level. Whether using seasonal fresh cherries or making do with what you have on hand, a skillet cobbler is the definition of a satisfying, shareable dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This easy cherry cobbler comes together with pantry staples and just a handful of fresh ingredients.
- 4 tbsp salted butter, melted (plus more for the pan)
- 1 1/4 cups plus 2 tsp sugar
- 1 cup self-rising flour
- 1 cup whole milk (room temperature)
- 2 cups fresh Bing cherries or other sweet cherries, pitted (about 12 ounces)
- Whipped cream or ice cream (for serving)
Tip: If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can easily make your own by adding 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt to 1 cup of all-purpose flour.
Step-By-Step Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and generously butter a 12-inch cast-iron skillet. A baking dish works, too, if you don’t have a skillet.
- Mix the batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of sugar, the self-rising flour, and the milk until smooth. Then, whisk in the melted butter.
- Pour batter into the skillet, spreading it into an even layer. Scatter the pitted cherries evenly over the batter, creating a colorful mosaic. Sprinkle 1/4 cup sugar over the cherries to encourage them to caramelize as they bake.
- Bake for about 50 minutes, or until the cobbler is golden and a knife inserted in the center emerges clean. For an extra sparkly top, sprinkle the remaining 2 teaspoons of sugar during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Let the cobbler cool for 20 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm, topped with whipped cream, ice cream, or both.
This recipe yields enough to serve a crowd or leave you with leftovers for morning coffee.
Tips for the Perfect Cherry Cobbler
- Use fresh, in-season cherries if possible for maximum flavor. Bing and Rainier are excellent choices for their sweetness and juiciness.
- Pitting cherries can be made easier with a cherry pitter, though a paring knife works in a pinch.
- Don’t overmix the batter. The goal is a tender crumb, not a chewy cake.
- Let the cobbler rest briefly after baking to allow the juices to settle. This also makes serving much easier.
- Add a dash of almond extract to the batter, if desired, to enhance the cherry flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm: Cherry cobbler is at its very best straight from the oven, with cool whipped cream or vanilla ice cream slowly melting into the bubbling fruit beneath.
- Add toppings: A drizzle of cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a scattering of slivered almonds all make delicious finishing touches.
- For breakfast: Leftover cobbler pairs perfectly with Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of granola.
Cherry Cobbler Variations
| Variation | Description |
|---|---|
| Mixed Berry Cobbler | Swap half the cherries for blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a colorful twist. |
| Peach & Cherry Cobbler | Add sliced peaches along with your cherries for a southern spin on tradition. |
| Spiced Cherry Cobbler | Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter or sprinkle over the fruit before baking. |
| Gluten-Free Cobbler | Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and gluten-free baking powder if needed. |
| Crisp Top Option | Combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and cold butter for a crumbly streusel topping (see Cherry Crisp for inspiration). |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, you can substitute frozen cherries if you don’t have fresh. Allow them to thaw completely and drain excess liquid before adding them to the batter to prevent a soggy cobbler.
Is it possible to use canned cherries?
Canned cherries (not cherry pie filling) can work, though the flavor and texture may differ slightly from fresh.
What others are reading
Can I prepare cherry cobbler in advance?
You can assemble the cobbler up to a few hours ahead and bake when ready to serve. Refrigerate any leftovers, and reheat gently before serving.
What if I don’t have a cast-iron skillet?
An oven-safe baking dish, such as a 9×13-inch pan, can substitute for the skillet. Adjust baking time if necessary.
How do I get a crispier topping?
Sprinkling sugar on top during the final minutes of baking creates a pleasantly crisp exterior. Broiling briefly also adds crunch—just keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Is cobbler best served hot or cold?
Cherry cobbler is delicious warm, but it can also be enjoyed at room temperature or even cold from the fridge.
Pairing Cherry Cobbler with Other Fruit Desserts
If you’re a fan of fruity desserts, you might also enjoy experimenting with these seasonal favorites:
- Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
- Strawberry Danishes
- Irish Apple Cake
- No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake
- Lemon Desserts for a tart treat
- Spring and Valentine’s Day desserts for every occasion
Fruit cobblers, crisps, and bars are endlessly adaptable for any time of year. Swap cherries for strawberries, peaches, or apples as the seasons change.
More Cherry Dessert Ideas
If you love cherries, why stop at cobbler? Try your hand at:
- Cherry Crisp – A crunchy oat-and-nut topping bakes to golden perfection over juicy cherries.
- Cherry Dump Cake – Super simple: just layer cherry pie filling, cake mix, and butter, and bake for a no-fuss treat.
- Cherry Pie – The classic double-crust dessert filled with tart or sweet cherries.
- Chocolate-Cherry Brownies – Fold sweet cherries into brownie batter for a decadent twist.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat slices covered in foil in the oven at 300°F until warm, or in the microwave for 30-60 seconds.
- Cobbler topping softens over time, but it will still taste delicious.
Baking Notes and Troubleshooting
- Fruit sinks or floats: It’s normal for cherries to sink a bit during baking; this gives cobbler its rustic texture.
- Batter too thick or thin: Resist adding more liquid unless absolutely necessary—the batter should be pourable, not doughy.
- Juices runny: Letting the cobbler rest after baking helps the juices thicken slightly.
Nutrition and Dietary Options
This cherry cobbler recipe uses whole milk and self-rising flour for simplicity, but can be adapted for other diets:
- Use plant-based milk and a vegan butter substitute for a dairy-free version.
- Opt for a gluten-free baking mix and appropriate leavening if making it gluten-free.
- Reduce sugar or use a sugar substitute for a lighter dessert.
Recipe Card: Classic Cherry Cobbler
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 50 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 5 minutes |
| Yield | 8 servings |
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp salted butter, melted (plus more for greasing)
- 1 1/4 cups plus 2 tsp sugar
- 1 cup self-rising flour
- 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
- 2 cups fresh Bing or sweet cherries, pitted
- Whipped cream or ice cream for serving
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter a 12-inch cast-iron skillet.
- Whisk 1 cup sugar, flour, and milk in a bowl. Whisk in the melted butter. Pour into skillet.
- Arrange cherries evenly over the batter. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup sugar.
- Bake until golden, about 50 minutes, sprinkling remaining 2 teaspoons sugar over the top during the last 10 minutes. Let cool 20 minutes and serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
A: Yes, simply double each ingredient and use a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake a bit longer, watching for golden color and a clean center.
Q: What if my cherries are tart?
A: If using tart cherries, add an extra 2–3 tablespoons of sugar to the fruit before baking to balance flavors.
Q: Do I need to peel the cherries?
A: No peeling necessary! Simply pit the cherries. The skins blend into the cobbler for a juicy texture and deeper flavor.
Q: Can I use other fruits?
A: Absolutely! This cobbler base can be adapted for peaches, berries, or plums—use the same quantities and procedure.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, swap self-rising flour for a gluten-free all-purpose flour plus 1 1/2 tsp baking powder and 1/4 tsp salt per cup.
Explore More Fruit Desserts
- 13 Recipes With a Jar of Jam
- Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
- Irish Apple Cake
- Strawberry Danishes
- No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake
- Lemon Desserts
- Spring and Valentine’s Day Dessert Ideas
- More Fruit Dessert Recipes for Any Season
This comprehensive guide means you’ll never have to settle for a store-bought cobbler again. Enjoy the fruits of your labor, share with loved ones, and savor the joys of simple, homemade desserts!
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a32098568/cherry-cobbler-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a36431617/cherry-crisp-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a40025449/cherry-dump-cake-recipe/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdZSSHaFd5M
- http://dinnerwiththegrobmyers.blogspot.com/2018/08/pioneer-woman-fresh-cherry-cobbler.html
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g43412172/cobbler-recipes/
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