Cherry Cobbler Recipe: A Delightful Treat for Every Occasion

Cherry cobbler is one of those timeless desserts that combines the natural sweetness of cherries with the rich, comforting texture of a biscuit-like topping. Whether you’re preparing it for a family gathering, a summer BBQ, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, this cherry cobbler recipe will soon become your go-to dessert. The best part is, it’s incredibly easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste. Here’s a simple and delicious cherry cobbler recipe that you and your loved ones will enjoy.

The Ingredients You’ll Need for Cherry Cobbler

Before we dive into the steps, let’s gather the necessary ingredients. Most of the items for this recipe are kitchen staples that you likely already have in your pantry. The fresher your ingredients, the better your cobbler will turn out!

• 4 cups of fresh or frozen cherries: Fresh cherries are ideal for a sweet, juicy flavor, but frozen cherries work just as well if fresh ones aren’t in season.
• 1 cup of sugar: You can adjust the sugar based on how sweet your cherries are.
• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch: This helps thicken the cherry filling and gives it that perfect saucy consistency.
• 1 teaspoon of lemon juice: A little acidity helps balance the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract (optional): Almond extract pairs beautifully with cherries and adds a deeper, nutty flavor to the cobbler filling.
• 2 cups of all-purpose flour: This is the base for your cobbler topping.
• 2 teaspoons of baking powder: This helps the topping rise to a golden perfection.
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt: A pinch of salt to balance out the sweetness.
• 1/4 cup of unsalted butter: Make sure the butter is cold, as it helps to create a flaky topping.
• 1/2 cup of milk: This adds moisture to the dough, making it soft and tender.

How to Make Cherry Cobbler from Scratch

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, let’s walk through the steps of creating this delicious cherry cobbler from scratch. Whether you’re a baking pro or a beginner, this recipe is simple to follow, and the results will be incredibly satisfying.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, grease a 9-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray. If you prefer, you can use an 8×8-inch square dish as well. This recipe makes enough to serve 6-8 people, depending on how big you cut the portions.

Step 2: Prepare the Cherry Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine your fresh or frozen cherries with the sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and almond extract (if using). Stir everything together until the cherries are evenly coated and the sugar begins to dissolve. The cornstarch will work to thicken the juices as they cook, ensuring that the filling doesn’t become too runny.

Once your cherry mixture is well mixed, transfer it to the prepared baking dish. Set aside while you prepare the topping.

Step 3: Make the Biscuit Topping

For the topping, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and a little bit of sugar (about 1 tablespoon). Add the cold butter to the dry ingredients and cut it into the flour using a pastry cutter or your fingers. The goal is to create pea-sized crumbs of butter within the flour mixture. This is what will make the cobbler topping light and flaky.

Next, slowly pour in the milk and stir until the dough comes together. It should be slightly sticky but not too wet. If the dough is too dry, add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time.

Step 4: Assemble the Cherry Cobbler

Once your topping is ready, spoon the dough over the cherry filling in small mounds. You don’t need to cover the entire surface – just drop spoonfuls of dough over the cherries, leaving some gaps. This allows the filling to bubble up and peek through the topping as it bakes.

Don’t worry if the dough looks a little uneven. The topping will spread out and form a golden crust as it bakes.

Step 5: Bake the Cherry Cobbler

Now it’s time to pop your cherry cobbler into the oven. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the biscuit topping comes out clean. The cherries should be bubbly and slightly caramelized around the edges.

Keep an eye on it toward the end of the baking time – if the topping is browning too quickly, you can cover the dish with aluminum foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes.

Step 6: Let It Cool and Serve

Once your cherry cobbler is out of the oven, let it cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to scoop and serve. However, don’t wait too long – warm cobbler is best when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream.

Tips for the Perfect Cherry Cobbler

While this cherry cobbler recipe is simple and foolproof, here are a few extra tips to make sure yours turns out perfectly every time.

• Use fresh, in-season cherries: The natural sweetness of fresh cherries makes a huge difference in the flavor of your cobbler. If cherries aren’t in season, frozen cherries are a great alternative.
• Customize the topping: You can add a dash of cinnamon or vanilla extract to the biscuit topping for an extra layer of flavor. For a crunchier topping, consider sprinkling a bit of sugar over the top before baking.
• Serve it warm: This dessert is best served warm, straight from the oven. You can make it ahead of time and reheat it before serving, but nothing beats the smell of a freshly baked cherry cobbler filling the house.
• Try a gluten-free version: For those with gluten sensitivities, you can swap out the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure the baking powder is also gluten-free. The results will still be delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Cherry Cobbler Recipe

What’s not to love about cherry cobbler? It’s the perfect combination of tart cherries and sweet, buttery biscuit topping. This cherry cobbler recipe is a great way to showcase the vibrant, juicy flavor of cherries in a dessert that’s both comforting and refreshing.

The simplicity of this recipe makes it easy to whip up on a weeknight, yet it’s impressive enough to serve at a dinner party or holiday gathering. It’s versatile, too – feel free to switch up the fruit and try a peach cobbler or blueberry cobbler when those fruits are in season.

The cherry cobbler recipe is one of those classic desserts that never goes out of style. It’s simple to prepare, full of flavor, and always hits the spot, no matter the occasion.

Conclusion

With its sweet-tart filling and light, flaky topping, this cherry cobbler recipe is a dessert everyone will love. It’s quick, easy, and the perfect way to enjoy the fresh fruit of the season. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or bringing it to a gathering, you can’t go wrong with this delicious treat. Enjoy it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, and you’ll be in dessert heaven!