Cherry cobbler is a classic dessert that perfectly balances the tartness of cherries with a sweet, buttery crust. This homemade cherry cobbler recipe will guide you through creating a delectable treat that's sure to impress your friends and family. Dive into this detailed guide to master the art of making the perfect cherry cobbler.

What is Cherry Cobbler?
Cherry cobbler is a traditional American dessert made with a rich cherry filling topped with a biscuit-like batter. It’s baked until golden brown, creating a delightful contrast between the tart cherry filling and the sweet, fluffy topping. The dish is simple yet delicious, making it a favorite for many.
Ingredients List for Cherry Cobbler
Cherry Filling
- 2 pounds cherries (fresh, pitted, and cut in half)
- ½ cup sugar (granulated)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- ¾ cup milk
- ½ cup butter (unsalted, melted, for the skillet)
Equipment Needed
- Cherry Pitter
- 12-inch Cast Iron Skillet
Substitutions and Variations
Cherry cobbler is a versatile dessert that can be customized to suit your taste preferences or ingredient availability.
- Cherries: You can substitute fresh cherries with frozen cherries, just ensure they are thawed and drained. Other fruits like blueberries, peaches, or blackberries can also be used.
- Sugar: Swap granulated sugar with brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Lime juice can be used as a substitute for a slightly different citrus flavor.
- Batter Variations: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract to the batter for extra flavor. You can also sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter for a warm, spicy note.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

How to Cook Cherry Cobbler: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375℉ (190℃).
- Prepare the Cherry Filling:
- Pit and Halve the Cherries: Using a cherry pitter, pit the cherries and cut them in half.
- Cook the Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, ½ cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and ⅛ teaspoon salt. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens.
- Prepare the Batter:
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add 1 egg and ¾ cup milk to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
- Prepare the Skillet:
- Melt the Butter: In a 12-inch cast iron skillet, melt ½ cup unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, remove from heat.
- Add the Batter: Pour the batter into the skillet over the melted butter.
- Add the Cherry Filling:
- Layer the Filling: Spoon the cherry mixture evenly over the batter.
- Bake the Cobbler:
- Adjust Oven Temperature: Reduce the oven temperature to 350℉ (175℃).
- Bake: Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the batter comes out clean.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Pitting the Cherries Thoroughly: Ensure all cherries are pitted to avoid unpleasant bites.
- Overmixing the Batter: Mix the batter just until combined to keep it light and fluffy.
- Undercooking the Cobbler: Make sure the cobbler is fully baked and the topping is golden brown.
- Not Preheating the Oven: Always preheat the oven to ensure even cooking.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How to Serve Cherry Cobbler
Cherry cobbler is best served warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast between the warm cobbler and the cold topping creates a delightful taste experience.
Presentation Ideas for Cherry Cobbler
- Individual Servings: Serve the cobbler in small, individual ramekins for an elegant touch.
- Garnish: Add a sprig of mint or a dusting of powdered sugar for a decorative finish.
- Plating: Serve on a white plate to make the vibrant cherry color pop.
Cherry Cobbler Recipe Tips
- Use Fresh Cherries: For the best flavor, use fresh, ripe cherries when they are in season.
- Cast Iron Skillet: A cast iron skillet distributes heat evenly and helps achieve a perfect crust.
- Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice: It adds a nice tang and helps balance the sweetness of the cherries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use canned cherries for this recipe? A: Yes, you can use canned cherries, but be sure to drain them well and reduce the sugar in the filling since canned cherries are often sweetened.
Q: How do I store leftover cherry cobbler? A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 6-8 months. Ensure it is well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Q: Can I make cherry cobbler in advance? A: Yes, you can prepare the cherry filling and batter separately in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and assemble just before baking.
Q: How do I reheat cherry cobbler? A: Reheat individual servings in the microwave or reheat the entire cobbler in the oven at 325℉ (163℃) for about 15 minutes or until heated through.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free? A: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Conclusion
This cherry cobbler recipe is a timeless dessert that’s sure to delight. With its perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors and its golden, biscuit-like topping, it's a treat that’s hard to resist. Follow this step-by-step guide, and you’ll have a delicious homemade cherry cobbler that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family, and enjoy the satisfaction of making a classic dessert from scratch!
PrintCherry Cobbler Recipe
Discover this classic cherry cobbler recipe with fresh cherries and a simple batter. Perfect for a sweet treat!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- Cherry Filling
- 2 pounds cherries (fresh, pitted, and cut in half)
- ½ cup sugar (granulated)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- ¾ cup milk
- ½ cup butter (unsalted, melted, for the skillet)
- Equipment Needed
- Cherry Pitter
- 12-inch Cast Iron Skillet
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine cherries, ½ cup sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and ⅛ teaspoon salt. Mix well and set aside.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, 1 cup sugar, baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt.
- Add egg and milk to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Melt the butter in a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat.
- Pour the batter into the skillet, then spoon the cherry mixture evenly over the batter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the batter comes out clean.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For a twist, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 150mg
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