Cherry Cobbler Recipe (Easy & Old-Fashioned)

Name: Cherry Cobbler Recipe (Easy & Old-Fashioned)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 4 cups pitted fresh sweet cherries (OR 2 (21-ounce) cans cherry pie filling); 0.5 cup granulated sugar (For fresh cherries); 2 tbsp cornstarch (For fresh cherries); 1 tbsp lemon juice (For fresh cherries); 1.5 cups all-purpose flour; 0.25 cup granulated sugar; 1.5 tsp baking powder; 0.5 tsp salt; 6 tbsp cold unsalted butter (cubed); 0.75 cup milk; 1 tbsp coarse sugar (for sprinkling)

Table of Contents

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Welcome to the ultimate cherry cobbler recipe! If you’re searching for a classic summer dessert that bursts with flavor and comes together with minimal effort, you’ve found it. This recipe delivers a perfectly sweet, bubbling cherry filling tucked under a soft, golden-brown biscuit topping. It’s a timeless comfort food, perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a quiet evening at home. Forget complicated steps; this is pure, simple, and delicious.

We’ve designed this guide to be your go-to resource, whether you’re using sweet fresh cherries or convenient canned cherry pie filling. Let’s bake the best cherry cobbler you’ve ever had.

A close-up view of the golden-brown, slightly crunchy biscuit topping on a freshly baked homemade cherry cobbler. — The perfect golden-brown topping makes all the difference.

Why This Is the Best Cherry Cobbler Recipe

There are countless variations out there, but this cherry cobbler recipe stands out for its simplicity and foolproof results. Here’s what makes it truly special:

Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The tartness of the cherries is perfectly complemented by a sweet, buttery topping, creating a harmonious balance in every bite.
Incredibly Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions and simple ingredients, even beginner bakers can achieve a spectacular dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a professional kitchen.
Customizable to Your Liking: We provide clear instructions for using both fresh and canned cherries, so you can make this delicious treat all year round.
A Crowd-Pleasing Classic: This isn’t just a dessert; it’s a centerpiece. The vibrant, bubbling fruit and golden crust make it a visually stunning dish that always gets rave reviews.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts of this recipe is its simple ingredient list. You likely have most of these items in your pantry already.

For the Cherry Filling:

Cherries: You can use 4 cups of pitted fresh sweet cherries or 2 (21-ounce) cans of cherry pie filling. If using fresh, you’ll also need sugar and cornstarch to create the perfect saucy consistency.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is used to sweeten fresh cherries. You can adjust the amount based on the natural sweetness of your fruit.
Lemon Juice: A splash of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavor of the cherries and balances the sweetness.
Cornstarch: This is our thickener for the fresh cherry filling, ensuring it’s jammy and not watery.

For the Cobbler Topping:

All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our tender, biscuit-like topping.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a beautiful golden-brown crust.
Baking Powder: The leavening agent that gives the topping its light, fluffy texture.
Salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors.
Unsalted Butter: Cold, cubed butter is cut into the flour mixture to create tender, flaky pockets.
Milk: Binds the topping together and adds moisture. Whole milk is preferred for richness.
Coarse Sugar (Optional): Sprinkled on top before baking for a delightful crunch and sparkle.

An extreme close-up of the bubbly, jammy filling of a fresh cherry cobbler, highlighting the vibrant red cherries. — Look at that perfectly cooked, bubbly cherry filling!

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Cherry Cobbler

Follow these simple steps to create a show-stopping dessert. We’ll cover how to prepare the filling with both fresh and canned cherries.

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish with butter.

Step 2: Make the Cherry Filling

If using fresh cherries: In a large bowl, gently toss the pitted cherries with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice until everything is evenly coated. Pour this mixture into your prepared baking dish.

If using canned cherry pie filling: Simply spread the filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. It’s that easy!

Step 3: Mix the Cobbler Topping

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with a few pea-sized butter pieces remaining.

Pour in the milk and stir with a fork just until a soft, shaggy dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough topping.

Step 4: Assemble the Cobbler

Drop spoonfuls of the cobbler topping evenly over the cherry filling. Don’t worry about covering the entire surface; the gaps allow the beautiful, bubbly filling to peek through as it bakes.

For an extra special touch, sprinkle the top of the dough with a tablespoon of coarse sugar. This gives the cobbler a delightful crunch and a bakery-style finish.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking dish on a baking sheet to catch any potential drips. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the fruit filling is hot and bubbly and the topping is a deep golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center of a biscuit should come out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the cherry cobbler cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set up slightly. It’s best served warm, on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Expert Tips for an Unforgettable Cobbler

Want to elevate your cherry cobbler recipe from great to absolutely divine? Here are a few expert tips:

Don’t Overwork the Topping: For a light and tender topping, handle the dough as little as possible. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make the biscuits tough instead of soft.
Keep Your Butter Cold: The secret to a flaky, tender topping is cold butter. The small pieces of butter melt during baking, creating steam pockets that result in a perfect texture.
Check for Doneness: The visual cues are key. Look for a bubbly, thickened filling and a topping that’s a confident golden brown. If the top is browning too quickly, you can tent it loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.

Creative Recipe Variations

While the classic is hard to beat, this recipe is a fantastic base for experimentation. Try one of these delicious variations:

Add a Hint of Spice: Add 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract or 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon to the cherry filling for a subtle warmth that pairs beautifully with the fruit.
Mix Your Fruits: Feel free to substitute half of the cherries with other fruits like blueberries, peaches, or blackberries for a mixed berry cobbler.
Try Nutty Toppings: Add a handful of sliced almonds or pecans to the topping before baking for added crunch and flavor. If you enjoy this, you might also love these delectable cherry pie bars.

How to Serve Your Cherry Cobbler

This dessert truly shines when served warm. The classic pairing is a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, which melts into the warm, bubbly filling. A dollop of fresh whipped cream or a drizzle of heavy cream are also excellent choices that complement the rich flavors without overpowering them.

For more dessert inspiration, check out our recipes for strawberry shortcake cake or a stunning lemon blueberry tart.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Have leftovers? Lucky you! To store your cherry cobbler, allow it to cool completely to room temperature. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 4-5 days.

To reheat, you can warm individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds. For the best results and to revive the crispy topping, reheat the cobbler in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cherries for this cobbler recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before tossing them with the sugar and cornstarch. You may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

What’s the difference between a cherry cobbler and a cherry crisp?

The main difference is the topping. A cobbler has a soft, biscuit-like or cake-like topping dropped in mounds over the fruit. A crisp has a crunchy, streusel-like topping, usually made with oats, flour, sugar, and butter.

How do I know when my cherry cobbler is done baking?

Your cobbler is done when the fruit filling is thick and bubbling vigorously around the edges, and the topping is a deep golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center of a biscuit should come out clean.

Should I use fresh or canned cherries for cobbler?

Both work wonderfully! Fresh cherries will give you a tarter, brighter flavor, while canned cherry pie filling is a great, convenient option that provides consistent results and saves you the step of pitting cherries.

Can I make this cherry cobbler recipe ahead of time?

You can assemble the cobbler a few hours ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator before baking. For best results, however, we recommend baking it fresh. Leftovers store beautifully in the fridge for up to 5 days.

The Perfect Cherry Cobbler Recipe for Any Occasion

This easy cherry cobbler recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. The sweet aroma filling your kitchen, the sight of the bubbling fruit, and the first warm, delicious bite make it a recipe you’ll return to again and again. It’s the perfect way to celebrate summer’s bounty or to bring a taste of sunshine to any time of year.

We hope you love making this recipe as much as we do! If you try it, please leave a comment below and share your creation with us on Pinterest. For another fruity favorite, don’t miss our famous award-winning pumpkin pie.