This succulent sweet cherry cobbler recipe is a timeless classic. A beautiful blend of fresh sweet cherries bathed in a delightful sugar mix, topped with a flavorful, crumbly biscuit, a hint of lemon zest intensifying the taste. This dessert is ideal for a family gathering or a cozy night in.
The ingredients needed for this recipe are mostly staple items that you may already have on hand. However, fresh sweet cherries might not be readily available depending on the season. If this is the case, frozen cherries may be used as they are generally available year-round in the frozen fruit section of most supermarkets.
Key Ingredients for Sweet Cherry Cobbler
Fresh sweet cherries: These are the star of the dish, providing the rich, sweet, and slightly tart flavor that is signature to a cherry cobbler.
Granulated sugar: This is used to sweeten the cherry filling and the biscuit topping.
Lemon juice and zest: These give a hint of tanginess to balance out the sweetness of the cherries and sugar.
Cornstarch: This helps to thicken the cherry filling, giving it a more robust texture.
All-purpose flour: This is the main ingredient in the biscuit topping.
Baking powder: This helps the biscuit topping rise and become fluffy.
Unsalted butter: This gives the biscuit topping a rich, buttery flavor.
Whole milk and vanilla extract: These give the biscuit topping a creamy flavor and help to bind the ingredients together.
One reader, Giacobo Fierro says:
This sweet cherry cobbler recipe is a game-changer! The cherries are perfectly sweet and the biscuit-like topping is divine. It's so easy to make and always impresses my guests. I love serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It's a definite crowd-pleaser!
Essential Techniques for Making Sweet Cherry Cobbler
How to prepare the filling: Combine the whole pitted cherries, sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and salt in a large mixing bowl, and stir to coat.
How to make the topping: Combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, lemon zest, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, and whisk with a fork. Work the butter into the dry mixture until it becomes coarse, sandy, and well incorporated. Whisk the milk and vanilla together in a measuring cup, and using a fork, work the liquid into the dry mixture until a thick batter is obtained.
How to assemble the cobbler: Spread the prepared cherries into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Drop large scoops of the batter on top of the cherries, making about 9 mounds of batter. Sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of sugar over the top of the batter.
How to bake the cobbler: Bake in the oven at 375 degrees F for about 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cherry juices are bubbling throughout. If using frozen fruit, expect to bake for an additional 15 minutes.
How to serve: Serve the cobbler warm with vanilla ice cream.
How To Make Sweet Cherry Cobbler
Have a spoonful of this fruity cherry cobbler for a tasty dessert! It’s filled with bubbling tart cherries, and topped with a buttery, biscuit-like topping.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Filling:
- 2½lbsfresh sweet cherries,or frozen, pitted
- ½cupgranulated sugar
- 1tbsplemon juice
- 1tbspcornstarch
- ⅛tspkosher salt
For Topping:
- 2cupsall-purpose flour
- 2tspbaking powder
- ¼cupgranulated sugar,plus additional for sprinkling over top
- 1tbsplemon zest
- ½tspkosher salt
- 6tbspunsalted butter,cut into small pieces
- 1cupwhole milk
- 1tspvanilla extract
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Filling:
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole pitted cherries, sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and salt, and stir to coat.
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Spread the cherries into a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside. If using frozen cherries, put the dish in the preheating oven to defrost them a bit.
Topping:
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In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, lemon zest, and salt and whisk with a fork. Using the hands or a pastry blender, work the butter into the dry mixture until it becomes coarse, sandy, and well incorporated.
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Whisk the milk and vanilla together in a measuring cup, and using a fork, work the liquid into the dry mixture until a thick batter is obtained- it should resemble something between biscuit dough and pancake batter.
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Using a levered ice cream scoop or a large spoon, drop large scoops of the batter on top of the cherries.
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Make about 9 mounds of batter over the top of the cherries. Sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of sugar over the top of the batter.
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Bake the cobbler in the oven for about 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cherry juices are bubbling throughout. If using frozen fruit, expect to bake for an additional 15 minutes.
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Serve the cobbler warm with vanilla ice cream, and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- If using frozen cherries, use 1½ tablespoons of cornstarch.
- This cobbler is best to have on the day it is made, but leftover servings can be reheated in the microwave for about 1 minute. Store any leftover cobbler in the pan covered with plastic or in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Calories: 255.29kcal
- Fat: 6.77g
- Saturated Fat: 4.09g
- Trans Fat: 0.23g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.72g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.39g
- Carbohydrates: 46.72g
- Fiber: 2.04g
- Sugar: 28.58g
- Protein: 3.44g
- Cholesterol: 17.30mg
- Sodium: 171.54mg
- Calcium: 93.75mg
- Potassium: 193.65mg
- Iron: 1.42mg
- Vitamin A: 65.49µg
- Vitamin C: 4.63mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Sweet Cherry Cobbler
When pitting the cherries, it's helpful to use a cherry pitter to make the process faster and cleaner. However, if you don't have one, you can use a straw or a chopstick. Simply push it through the cherry from the top, where the stem was, and the pit should pop out the other end. Remember to do this over a bowl to catch the juice that might squirt out. This way, you won't lose any of that delicious cherry flavor. Also, when making the cobbler topping, ensure the butter is cold. This will result in a flakier, more tender crust. You can even put the butter in the freezer for a few minutes before using it.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Cherry Cobbler
Prep ahead: Prepare the cherry filling and topping in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply assemble and pop it in the oven.
Frozen fruit: Use frozen cherries to save time on pitting and prepping fresh fruit. Just defrost them slightly before using in the recipe.
Quick mix: Instead of dropping individual mounds of batter, spread the batter in an even layer over the cherries for a quicker assembly.
Double batch: Make two cobblers at once and freeze one for later. It's a time-saving way to have a delicious dessert on hand.
Substitute Ingredients For Sweet Cherry Cobbler Recipe
sweet cherries - Substitute with blackberries: Blackberries have a similar tartness and sweetness to sweet cherries, and they hold up well when baked in a cobbler.
granulated sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add a unique flavor and natural sweetness to the cobbler filling, and it also provides moisture and helps the fruit to caramelize.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour: This substitute is suitable for those who are gluten intolerant or have celiac disease, providing a similar texture and structure to the cobbler topping.
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative, providing a rich and slightly sweet flavor to the cobbler topping.
whole milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative, adding a subtle nutty flavor to the cobbler topping while keeping it moist and tender.
How to Beautifully Present Cherry Cobbler
Elevate the cobbler with a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream: A small scoop of rich, creamy vanilla ice cream will add a luxurious touch to the warm cherry cobbler, creating a delightful contrast of temperatures and flavors.
Garnish with fresh mint leaves: A few delicate fresh mint leaves strategically placed on the cobbler will not only add a pop of vibrant green color but also infuse a refreshing aroma to the dessert.
Drizzle with a balsamic reduction: A drizzle of balsamic reduction over the cobbler will add a sophisticated tangy-sweet flavor, elevating the overall taste profile and adding a touch of elegance to the presentation.
Serve in individual ramekins: Portioning the cobbler into individual ramekins will create a personalized and refined presentation, perfect for a high-end dining experience.
Dust with powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar over the cobbler will not only enhance its visual appeal but also add a hint of sweetness, creating a beautiful contrast against the deep red cherries.
Accompany with a dollop of whipped cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream will add a luxurious and indulgent element to the cobbler, providing a creamy and luscious complement to the sweet cherries.
Sprinkle with edible flower petals: Delicately sprinkle edible flower petals over the cobbler to introduce a touch of natural beauty and a subtle floral note, enhancing the overall visual presentation.
Serve on a decorative platter: Present the cobbler on a stunning decorative platter to create a visually appealing and elegant display, elevating the dessert to a professional and sophisticated level.
Essential Tools for Making Cherry Cobbler
- Large mixing bowl: A large bowl used for combining and mixing ingredients for the cobbler filling and topping.
- 9x13-inch baking dish: A rectangular baking dish used to bake the cherry cobbler.
- Measuring cup: Used to measure and mix the milk and vanilla extract for the cobbler topping.
- Whisk: Used for mixing and incorporating dry ingredients for the cobbler topping.
- Fork: Used for mixing, whisking, and working the batter for the cobbler topping.
- Pastry blender: A tool used to cut butter into dry ingredients for the cobbler topping.
- Levered ice cream scoop: Used to portion and drop the batter onto the cherry filling for the cobbler.
- Oven: Used for baking the cherry cobbler at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Storing and Freezing Sweet Cherry Cobbler
- Allow the cherry cobbler to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will take about 1-2 hours at room temperature.
- To store in the refrigerator, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. The cobbler will keep in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
- To freeze the cobbler, wrap the baking dish securely with plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Label the dish with the date and contents. The cobbler can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- When ready to serve the frozen cobbler, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- To reheat the thawed or refrigerated cobbler, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove any plastic wrap and cover the dish loosely with foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
- For individual portions, you can scoop the cooled cobbler into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. This allows you to thaw and reheat smaller amounts as needed.
- If you prefer a crispy topping after thawing, remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes of reheating and increase the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) to help crisp up the biscuit topping.
- Leftover cobbler can be enjoyed cold, at room temperature, or reheated. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
How To Reheat Leftover Cherry Cobbler
To reheat leftover sweet cherry cobbler in the oven, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the cobbler loosely with aluminum foil and place it in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of reheating to allow the topping to crisp up slightly.
For a quicker reheating method, use the microwave. Place a single serving of the cobbler in a microwave-safe dish and heat it on high power for 30-60 seconds, or until warmed to your liking. Keep in mind that the microwave may soften the topping, so if you prefer a crispy top, consider using the oven method.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat individual portions of cherry cobbler. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the cobbler in the basket. Heat for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through and the topping is slightly crispy.
For a stovetop method, place the leftover cobbler in a saucepan over low heat. Stir gently and continuously to prevent the filling from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Heat until the cobbler is warmed through, which should take about 5-10 minutes.
If you want to add a touch of indulgence to your reheated cobbler, top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The contrast of warm cobbler and cool, creamy topping is simply irresistible.
Interesting Fact About Cherry Cobbler
The sweet cherry cobbler is a classic American dessert that originated in the early days of colonial America. It was a popular dish among early settlers due to its simplicity and versatility. The cobbler's name comes from its resemblance to a cobblestone street, with the biscuit or cake topping representing the cobblestones. Over time, various fruits have been used in cobbler recipes, but the sweet cherry cobbler remains a timeless favorite.
Is Making Cherry Cobbler at Home Cost-Effective?
This sweet cherry cobbler recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, sweet cherries and basic pantry staples, are affordable and readily available. With a rating of 9/10, this dessert offers great value for its delicious taste and simplicity. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $12-$15, making it a budget-friendly option for a delightful homemade treat.
Is Sweet Cherry Cobbler Healthy or Unhealthy?
The sweet cherry cobbler recipe, while undeniably delicious, leans more towards the unhealthy side due to its high sugar and butter content. The filling alone contains half a cup of granulated sugar, which is a significant amount considering the natural sweetness of the cherries. The topping also includes sugar and butter, further increasing the overall calorie and fat content of the dish.
However, there are some redeeming qualities to this recipe. Cherries are a good source of vitamins and antioxidants, which can provide some health benefits. The use of whole milk in the topping adds some protein and calcium to the dish, although it also contributes to the overall fat content.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of sugar in the filling by half, allowing the natural sweetness of the cherries to shine through
- Replace some of the all-purpose flour in the topping with whole wheat flour or oats for added fiber and nutrients
- Use a lower-fat milk option, such as 2% or skim milk, to reduce the overall fat content
- Experiment with using a sugar substitute, such as stevia or erythritol, to further reduce the sugar content
- Serve the cobbler with a dollop of Greek yogurt instead of ice cream for a protein-rich, lower-calorie topping
By making these adjustments, you can still enjoy the delightful flavors of a sweet cherry cobbler while making it a bit more nutritious and guilt-free.
Editor's Opinion on This Sweet Cherry Cobbler Recipe
The sweet cherry cobbler recipe is a delightful and classic dessert that showcases the natural sweetness of fresh cherries. The combination of the tender, juicy cherries with the buttery, golden-brown topping creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The addition of lemon zest adds a refreshing citrus note that complements the sweetness of the cherries. This recipe is a wonderful way to celebrate the abundance of summer fruits and is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent treat.
Enhance Your Sweet Cherry Cobbler Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Sweet Cherry Cobbler Recipe:
This sweet cherry cobbler recipe guarantees a delightful dessert experience. The use of fresh sweet cherries ensures a burst of natural sweetness, while the addition of lemon juice and lemon zest provides a refreshing citrusy balance. The carefully crafted topping, with its perfect blend of flour, butter, and vanilla extract, promises a light and fluffy texture that complements the luscious cherry filling. Trust in the harmonious combination of these quality ingredients to elevate your cobbler game and create a memorable dessert for all to enjoy.
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