Hey there, dessert lovers! Are you ready to bake up a storm with a cobbler so incredibly delicious, it’ll transport you straight to grandma’s kitchen? This Old-Fashioned Cherry Cobbler is the epitome of comfort food. Imagine sinking your spoon into a warm, bubbly topping, cradling juicy, sweet cherries bursting with flavor. That’s the magic we’re creating here.
What makes this recipe so special? It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart, the irresistible crunch of the buttery topping against the soft, tender cherries. It’s a classic for a reason! This recipe is surprisingly quick to prepare, meaning you can enjoy this comforting treat without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for a weeknight dessert or a special occasion. The aroma alone will fill your home with the warm, inviting scent of baking – guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Seriously, you’ll taste the love in every bite!
This cobbler evokes feelings of nostalgia, family gatherings, and happy memories. It’s simple enough for beginner bakers but impressive enough to wow even seasoned dessert enthusiasts. It’s the kind of dessert that disappears quickly, leaving everyone wanting more. So, grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and let’s get baking! You deserve this deliciousness.
What You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients to create a truly unforgettable cherry cobbler. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Fresh or Frozen Cherries (4 cups): Fresh cherries are ideal, but frozen work just as well (no need to thaw them!).
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Sweetness is key for balancing the tartness of the cherries.
- All-Purpose Flour (1/4 cup): Helps to thicken the cherry filling and adds structure.
- Lemon Juice (2 tablespoons): Enhances the cherry flavor and adds a lovely brightness.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): A warm spice that complements the cherries perfectly.
- Butter (1/2 cup, unsalted and cold, cut into cubes): The star of the buttery, crumbly topping.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 cup): Forms the base of our delicious topping.
- Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and helps create a golden-brown topping.
- Baking Powder (1 teaspoon): Provides lift and a delightful texture to the topping.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Binds the topping together beautifully.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to create your delicious cherry cobbler:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This ensures easy removal and prevents sticking.
- Prepare the cherry filling: In a large bowl, gently combine the cherries, 1 cup of sugar, 1/4 cup flour, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Tip: If using frozen cherries, don’t thaw them completely; slightly frozen cherries work best here.
- Pour the cherry mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly for consistent baking.
- Make the topping: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of flour, 1/2 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt. Tip: Make sure your baking powder is fresh for the best rise.
- Cut in the cold butter: Using a pastry blender or your fingers, cut the cold butter cubes into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Tip: Keep the butter very cold for a flakier topping.
- Stir in the milk: Add the milk to the crumb mixture and stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix.
- Crumble the topping over the cherries: Sprinkle the topping evenly over the cherry filling.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Tip: Check for doneness around 30 minutes; every oven is different.
- Let cool slightly before serving. This allows the cobbler to set a little and prevents burns.
Tips for Success
For the perfect Old-Fashioned Cherry Cobbler, keep these tips in mind:
Don’t overmix the topping; a slightly lumpy topping is desirable for a better texture. Ensure your butter is very cold when cutting it into the dry ingredients – this contributes to a flakier crust. If using frozen cherries, don’t thaw them completely before adding them to the filling. For extra flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract to the cherry filling. Overbaking can lead to a dry topping, so keep an eye on it and check for doneness around the 30-minute mark.
Variations to Try
Feel free to experiment with this recipe! For a spicier kick, add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the cherry filling. To make a gluten-free version, substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour for both the filling and the topping. For a vegetarian adaptation, this recipe is already vegetarian! You could also substitute other berries, like blueberries or raspberries, for the cherries. If you prefer a less sweet cobbler, reduce the sugar in both the filling and the topping by about 1/4 cup.
Storing and Reheating
Store leftover cobbler in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, let the cobbler cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or warm slices in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. For best results, reheat gently to avoid drying out the filling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use canned cherries instead of fresh or frozen? A: Yes, you can, but be sure to drain them well first. You might need to adjust the amount of sugar depending on the sweetness of the canned cherries.
Q: How long does the cobbler keep? A: At room temperature, it’s best within 2 days. In the refrigerator, it will last up to 4 days, and in the freezer, up to 3 months.
Q: Can I make this cobbler ahead of time? A: You can prepare the filling and topping separately ahead of time and assemble them just before baking. However, baking is best done fresh for optimal flavor and texture.
Q: What can I substitute for milk in the topping? A: You can substitute buttermilk or cream for the milk. Buttermilk will add a slight tang, while cream will make the topping richer.
The Final Word
This Old-Fashioned Cherry Cobbler is a true testament to simple baking done right. The combination of sweet cherries and a buttery, crumbly topping is irresistible. It’s a recipe that’s easy to follow, yields amazing results, and is sure to become a family favorite. So, what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think in the comments below! Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share your delicious creations on social media. Happy baking!
Old-Fashioned Cherry Cobbler
A classic dessert with sweet cherries and a buttery, crumbly topping.
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
Filling
- 4 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter (cut into cubes)
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon. Mix well.
- Pour cherry mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and baking powder.
- Cut in cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the cherry filling.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
For a richer flavor, use a combination of fresh and frozen cherries. You can also add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the filling for extra brightness.