If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug from your kitchen, this Cherry Cobbler Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with juicy cherries and topped with a golden, tender cobbler crust, it perfectly balances sweet, tart, and buttery flavors. Whether you’re serving it for a comforting family dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe will surely become a cherished favorite that everyone asks for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cherry Cobbler Recipe lies in its simplicity; every ingredient plays a vital role in crafting the perfect mix of sweetness, texture, and flavor. From fresh cherries that provide the vibrant color and tang to the buttery crust that adds a satisfying crumble, each component is essential.
- 4 cups fresh cherries: Pitted and halved cherries give a juicy, fresh base that’s the star of the dish.
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar: Balances the natural tartness of the cherries with just the right sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Acts as the thickening agent for the cherry sauce, ensuring it’s luscious and not runny.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Brightens the cherry filling with a subtle zing.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic depth to the fruit filling.
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract: Enhances the cherry flavor with a delicate nutty aroma.
- 6 tablespoons butter: Melted in the baking dish to create that irresistible buttery crust on the bottom.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the cobbler topping.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter so it complements the tangy cherries perfectly.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Gives the cobbler a light, fluffy texture as it bakes.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 3/4 cup milk: Moistens the batter to create a tender crumb.
- Ground cinnamon: Sprinkled on top before baking for a warm, fragrant finish.
How to Make Cherry Cobbler Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Filling
Start by combining sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and almond extract in a saucepan. Stir them together until well mixed, then add the fresh cherries. Cook the mixture over medium heat just until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly, transforming the cherries into a luscious filling that’s bursting with flavor. If you’re using frozen or canned cherries, simmer a bit longer to reach the right consistency.
Step 2: Melt the Butter and Preheat the Oven
Slice the butter into pieces and place them in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pop the dish in your oven while it preheats to 350 degrees Fahrenheit so the butter melts evenly and coats the dish with rich flavor. Once the butter is fully melted, carefully remove the pan from the oven – this step sets the stage for the cobbler crust to bake perfectly crisp and golden.
Step 3: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Pour in the milk and stir gently, just until combined – you don’t want to overmix here, as a tender cobbler crust is the goal. Pour this batter evenly over the melted butter in your baking dish and smooth it out, creating an even base that will rise deliciously during baking.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Carefully spoon the cherry filling and its sauce over the batter. Don’t worry if it looks like the fruit is sitting on top – as the cobbler bakes, the batter will puff up and partially cover the cherries. Sprinkle a generous dusting of ground cinnamon on top to add a warm, inviting aroma. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the cobbler is golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
Step 5: Serve Warm
This Cherry Cobbler Recipe is best enjoyed warm, fresh from the oven when the crust is perfectly crisp and the filling is gooey and tender. Serve it as is or add a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream to make it even more indulgent and comforting.
How to Serve Cherry Cobbler Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten up your cherry cobbler with a few simple garnishes. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream creates a luscious contrast to the warm fruit. Fresh mint leaves can add a pop of color and a refreshing hint, while a light sprinkle of powdered sugar can make it look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Cherry cobbler shines on its own, but pairing it with a light side like a crisp green salad or a cheese plate can balance the richness if you’re serving it alongside a meal. For breakfast or brunch, it goes beautifully with a cup of rich coffee or spicy chai tea.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your Cherry Cobbler Recipe to the next level by serving it in individual ramekins for a personalized touch. You can also layer the cobbler filling and batter in a trifle bowl for a stunning layered dessert or turn leftovers into a cobbler parfait by alternating with whipped cream or yogurt.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your cherry cobbler in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, letting you enjoy the delicious flavors anytime you want with minimal effort.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, cherry cobbler freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled cobbler tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing the lovely balance of textures and flavors.
Reheating
To reheat, place the cobbler in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crust crisp, but it works well for a quick warm-up too.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Yes, you absolutely can! Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before using. You might need to cook the filling a bit longer to thicken the sauce since frozen cherries release more juice.
What if I don’t have almond extract?
If almond extract isn’t on hand, you can simply omit it. The cherry and vanilla flavors will still shine brilliantly, though the almond adds a lovely subtle note that’s worth including when possible.
Can this Cherry Cobbler Recipe be made gluten-free?
Definitely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend of your choice. Be sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder for the best texture.
How do I know when the cobbler is done baking?
Look for a golden brown crust around the edges with bubbling fruit underneath. The cobbler topping should be set and springy to the touch but not wet or doughy in the center.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the cherry filling a day in advance and refrigerate it. Assemble and bake the cobbler just before serving for the freshest crust and warmest filling.
Final Thoughts
This Cherry Cobbler Recipe is one of those timeless desserts that feels both fancy and homey all at once. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate fresh cherries, with a wonderful balance of sweet, tangy, and buttery goodness in every comforting bite. Next time you want to share something special, try making this! It promises smiles, full tummies, and plenty of second-helpings.
Print
Cherry Cobbler Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Cherry Cobbler recipe features a luscious cherry filling cooked on the stovetop and a tender, buttery batter baked to golden perfection. With a balance of sweet and tart flavors, it’s an irresistible dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cherry Filling
- 4 cups fresh cherries (600g), pitted and halved (a little over 1 lb)
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar (135g), adjust to taste depending on cherry sweetness
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch (16g)
- 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice (30ml), about ½ a lemon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5ml)
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
Batter
- 6 Tablespoons butter (85g)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (125g)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder (8g)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup milk (180ml)
- Ground cinnamon, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Make Cherry Filling: In a saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Stir well to mix all ingredients. Add the pitted and halved cherries and cook on medium heat for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the sauce slightly thickens. (If using canned or frozen cherries, see notes below.)
- Melt Butter & Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the butter into pieces and place them in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Put the dish in the oven while it preheats so the butter melts evenly. Once melted, carefully remove the pan from the oven.
- Make the Batter: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Pour in the milk and stir gently just until the mixture comes together as a batter. Be careful not to overmix. Pour the batter evenly over the melted butter in the baking dish and smooth it into an even layer.
- Add Cherry Filling & Bake: Spoon the warm cherry mixture evenly over the batter. The batter will rise and cover some of the cherries as it bakes. Sprinkle a generous amount of ground cinnamon on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the cobbler is golden brown and bubbly around the edges.
- Serve: Serve the cherry cobbler warm. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.
Notes
- If using canned cherries, drain them well before cooking and reduce the sugar slightly since canned cherries are often sweetened.
- For frozen cherries, thaw and drain excess liquid before cooking to prevent the filling from becoming too watery.
- Adjust sugar amount based on cherry sweetness to avoid overly sweet or tart cobbler.
- Use unsalted butter for better control of dish saltiness.
