This Easy Cherry Cobbler is pure comfort in a baking dish—a sweet, juicy celebration of cherries with a golden, buttery crust that comes together with almost no fuss. Whether you’re a newcomer to cobblers or an old pro, this recipe’s simplicity and stunning flavor make it a must-have for any dessert lover.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unbeatable Simplicity: The steps are easy and the ingredients are likely already in your kitchen, making this Easy Cherry Cobbler perfect for impromptu gatherings or weeknight cravings.
- Incredible Flavor: Every bite is bursting with juicy cherries and a tender, buttery crust that soaks up all those gorgeous fruit juices.
- Versatile & Adaptable: You can swap out the cherries for other fruits or adjust the sweetness as you like, so it always suits your mood, the season, or your pantry.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Leftovers (if you have any!) store beautifully, and you can even freeze portions for a future treat when cravings strike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Cherry Cobbler recipe calls for just a handful of wholesome ingredients, but each one is chosen for a reason—whether it’s adding buttery warmth, creating a light and fluffy texture, or letting the cherries truly shine. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters.
- Fresh Sweet Cherries: The star of the show! Halved, pitted cherries become tender and luscious as they bake, releasing amazing juice into the cobbler.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted straight in your baking dish—it creates a rich, golden base for the fruit and adds irresistible flavor to every bite.
- All-Purpose Flour: Forms the simple batter that rises up into a classic, moist cobbler crust. Spoon and level your flour for best results.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens both the batter and the cherries, balancing their natural tartness and making the whole dessert sing.
- Baking Powder: Gives the batter a lovely lift and light crumb.
- Salt: Just a pinch to sharpen all the other flavors.
- Whole Milk: Combines with the dry ingredients to create a silky, pourable batter—non-dairy works too, so use what you have!
- Vanilla & Almond Extracts: A duo that enhances the cherries with floral notes and a hint of warmth, making the cobbler absolutely irresistible.
- Optional Coarse Sugar: A sprinkle on top before baking gives a sparkly, crunchy finish to the crust.
Variations
One of the joys of Easy Cherry Cobbler is how effortlessly you can put your own spin on it! Whether you’re working with different fruits, catering to special diets, or just feeling adventurous, these ideas ensure your cobbler is uniquely yours every time.
- Mixed Berry Cobbler: Swap out the cherries for blackberries, blueberries, or raspberries. Use a mixture for even more sparkle of color and flavor!
- Dairy-Free Option: Use your favorite non-dairy milk and vegan butter to make the cobbler completely plant-based—no one will guess it’s dairy-free.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute cup-for-cup gluten-free flour for the wheat flour and watch your friends be amazed!
- Almond-Lemon Zest Boost: Omit the almond extract and stir in a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest for a bright, citrusy twist.
- Sour Cherry or Peach: Try with sour cherries (just increase the sugar) or embrace summer by making a peach, apricot, or plum cobbler.
How to Make Easy Cherry Cobbler
Step 1: Prep Your Pan & Melt the Butter
Start by turning on your oven to 350°F (177°C), and place your butter pieces right into your baking dish of choice—a deep 9-inch pie dish, a square pan, or even a cast iron skillet all work. Pop the dish into the preheating oven so the butter melts while you prepare the batter; this step ensures your cobbler’s bottom is luxuriously buttery!
Step 2: Whisk Together the Batter
In a large bowl (preferably with a pour spout for easy handling), whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt together. Pour in the milk, vanilla, and almond extract, then whisk until the batter is smooth and lump-free. The result is a pourable, silky batter—don’t overmix, or you’ll lose that tender crumb.
Step 3: Assemble Your Cobbler
Carefully take your hot, buttery pan out of the oven. Scatter your pitted, halved cherries evenly across the melted butter—no need to stir! Gently pour the batter over the cherries, trying to distribute it as evenly as possible. Finish with a shower of coarse sugar on top, if you want an extra sparkle and crunch.
Step 4: Bake to Cobbler Perfection
Bake for 55–60 minutes, until the top is beautifully golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached. If you notice the top browning too quickly, loosely shield it with foil halfway through. Let the cobbler cool for about 5 minutes to help the juices settle before you dive in.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Cherry Cobbler
- Pit Cherries Efficiently: Use a cherry pitter or the edge of a sturdy straw to quickly deal with fresh cherries and keep prep serene instead of messy.
- Don’t Stir the Layers: For that classic cobbler look and magical texture, layer the butter, fruit, and batter as directed—no mixing after assembling!
- Test for Doneness Gently: A toothpick should emerge mostly clean, but a few moist crumbs are perfect—this keeps your Easy Cherry Cobbler lusciously tender, not dry.
- Let It Rest: Give your cobbler a few minutes to cool after baking—this allows the juices to thicken so your servings are beautifully saucy, not soupy.
How to Serve Easy Cherry Cobbler
Garnishes
A scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over a warm serving of Easy Cherry Cobbler is the ultimate classic. You can also try a dollop of barely-sweetened whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted almonds for a hint of crunch and extra almond essence. A dusting of powdered sugar is simple and oh-so-pretty for special occasions.
Side Dishes
This cobbler is a dessert that easily becomes the star, but it’s also fabulous with a light dinner of grilled chicken or a fresh mixed green salad. If you’re serving brunch, try pairing it with Greek yogurt—it becomes a show-stealing sweet treat everyone will remember.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra-special touch, try baking your Easy Cherry Cobbler in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets—they make for adorable, memorable desserts at dinner parties. Or, layer scoops of cobbler with ice cream in parfait glasses for a gorgeous, trifle-style treat at summer gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover cobbler tightly with foil or plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator for up to five days. The fruit keeps things moist, and the flavors mingle deliciously, so leftovers taste incredible (especially for sneaky midnight snacks).
Freezing
Baked Easy Cherry Cobbler freezes like a dream! Once completely cool, wrap individual portions or the whole dish securely in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to indulge again.
Reheating
Reheat leftover cobbler in a 300°F (149°C) oven, covered loosely with foil, for about 20 minutes or until just warmed through. If you’re only doing a single serving, a quick zap in the microwave works perfectly—just keep an eye out for bubbling fruit!
FAQs
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Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh for Easy Cherry Cobbler?
Absolutely! No need to thaw frozen cherries—just halve them if you like or leave them whole, then add a few extra minutes to the bake time. Let the cobbler rest a little longer out of the oven so the juices set properly.
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What if I don’t have almond extract?
No worries! You can skip the almond extract or swap it for a teaspoon of lemon zest, which adds wonderful brightness and compliments the cherries beautifully.
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Can I make Easy Cherry Cobbler gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute a quality cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for all-purpose flour. The result is just as tender and delicious—your gluten-free friends will thank you.
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Why shouldn’t I assemble this cobbler ahead of time?
The batter starts activating as soon as it’s mixed, and both the butter and fresh cherries can change in texture if left to sit too long. For the best rise and consistency, don’t put the cobbler together until you’re ready to bake—prepping the cherries in advance is totally fine, though!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a fail-proof, heartwarming dessert, this Easy Cherry Cobbler is the sweet answer you need. Whether it’s your very first cobbler or your hundredth, give it a whirl—and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new family tradition. I can’t wait for you to taste that first, jammy, golden bite!
Print
Easy Cherry Cobbler Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Cherry Cobbler is a delightful dessert that showcases fresh cherries in a simple, comforting cobbler. With a buttery crust and juicy cherries, this recipe is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cherry Filling:
- 4 cups (560-660g) fresh sweet cherries, pitted and halved
For the Batter:
- 6 Tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1–2 Tablespoons coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and melt butter in the baking dish.
- Make the batter: Whisk dry ingredients, add wet ingredients, and mix until smooth.
- Assemble: Spread cherries over melted butter, pour batter on top, and sprinkle with sugar if desired.
- Bake: Bake for 55–60 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Do not prepare and refrigerate unbaked cobbler in advance.
- Baked cobbler can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Use fresh cherries or frozen cherries, adjusting baking time accordingly.
- Experiment with other fruits like berries or peaches.
- Whole milk is recommended for best results.
- Consider adding lemon zest if omitting almond extract.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: Approx. 300
- Sugar: Approx. 25g
- Sodium: Approx. 200mg
- Fat: Approx. 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 50g
- Fiber: Approx. 2g
- Protein: Approx. 4g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 25mg
