Cherry Cobbler Recipe

There’s something truly magical about a warm cherry cobbler fresh out of the oven. The bubbling fruit filling, golden biscuit topping, and sweet, tangy aroma make it nearly impossible to resist.

this Recipe

I first made this cherry cobbler on a whim during cherry season after an impromptu trip to the farmer's market. Now, it’s our go-to dessert for summer BBQs, rainy weekends, and everything in between. It’s comforting, easy to throw together, and always a crowd-pleaser.

This recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tart, with a buttery topping that soaks up just enough of the cherry juices to become irresistible. Let’s dive into why you’ll want to bookmark this one.

Why You'll Love This Cherry Cobbler

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite summer dessert. This cherry cobbler is not only delicious but also incredibly simple to make.

First off, this recipe is amazingly easy. There’s no need to make a pie crust or fuss with complicated steps. The topping comes together in minutes, and the filling is as simple as tossing cherries with sugar and lemon juice.

It’s also perfectly adaptable. Use fresh cherries when they’re in season, or go with frozen ones for a year-round treat. Either way, you’ll end up with a luscious dessert that tastes like you spent hours on it.

This cobbler is budget-friendly, too. With just a handful of pantry staples and seasonal fruit, you can whip up a dessert that feeds a crowd without breaking the bank.

Finally, it’s a guaranteed family favorite. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, and watch it disappear in minutes.

If you’re ready to embrace the cozy charm of homemade cobbler, keep reading for everything you need to know.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this cherry cobbler lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Every component plays a key role in creating the ideal balance of flavors and textures.

Cherries are the heart of this recipe. I recommend using fresh sweet cherries when they’re in season, but frozen cherries work beautifully as well. If using frozen, there’s no need to thaw—just toss them right into the pan. For a tart twist, you can even mix in a handful of sour cherries.

Granulated sugar sweetens the cherries and helps create that thick, syrupy filling. Adjust the amount based on how sweet your cherries are. I also like to sprinkle a bit of sugar on top of the cobbler crust just before baking for extra crunch and sparkle.

Lemon juice brightens up the filling and enhances the natural tartness of the cherries. Don’t skip it—it adds just the right zing and keeps the dessert from tasting overly sweet.

The biscuit topping is made from a mix of flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, butter, and milk. It bakes up light and fluffy with a golden crust, the perfect contrast to the juicy filling underneath. Be sure to use cold butter to get that tender, crumbly texture.

As for tools, all you really need is a mixing bowl, a spoon, and a baking dish. A cherry pitter makes prepping fresh cherries faster, but it’s not essential.

How To Make This Cherry Cobbler

Making this cherry cobbler couldn’t be easier. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure success every time.

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While it heats up, prepare your cherry filling. In a large bowl, combine your cherries with sugar, lemon juice, and a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch to help thicken the juices as they bake.

Pour the cherry mixture into a greased 9x9-inch baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. If you want more filling, you can also use an 8x11-inch pan and increase the cherries slightly.

Next, make the biscuit topping. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Cut in cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk until just combined—don’t overmix.

Drop spoonfuls of the topping evenly over the cherries. It doesn’t need to cover every inch—some fruit peeking through is just fine. Sprinkle a little extra sugar on top if desired for a bit of sparkle and crunch.

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cherry juices are bubbling up around the edges. If the top browns too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil.

Let the cobbler cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This rest time allows the juices to thicken and the flavors to settle. Total time from start to finish is just about an hour.

Storage Options

This cherry cobbler stores beautifully, making it a great make-ahead dessert or next-day treat.

If you have leftovers, cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

For longer storage, cherry cobbler can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

To reheat, place the cobbler in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. Individual servings can also be microwaved for 30-60 seconds.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this cherry cobbler is how flexible it is. Whether you're working with different fruits or dietary needs, there are plenty of ways to customize it.

You can easily swap the fruit for what you have on hand. Try peaches, blueberries, blackberries, or even a mix for a more complex flavor. Stone fruits and berries both work especially well.

If you're avoiding dairy, substitute the butter with vegan butter and use your favorite non-dairy milk in the biscuit topping. The results are still tender and flavorful.

Looking for a gluten-free version? Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that contains xanthan gum. Make sure your baking powder is gluten-free too.

Add a little spice to the filling if you like—a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg pairs beautifully with cherries and gives the cobbler a warm, cozy vibe.

Don’t be afraid to experiment. Once you master the basic formula, you’ll find endless ways to make this cobbler your own!

Print