Cherry Cobbler

The sweet and tangy cherries matched with the buttery, crumbly topping is simply irresistible. To make this delicious Cherry Cobbler dessert, start by pitting and halving fresh cherries. Then, toss them with some sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch to create a thick, luscious filling. In a separate bowl, mix together flour, sugar, and cold butter to make the perfect crumbly topping.

Once the cherries are ready, spread them evenly in a baking dish and sprinkle the crumbly topping over it. Pop it in the oven, and in no time, your kitchen will be filled with the aroma of warm, bubbling cherry cobbler. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly delightful treat. Trust me; you won’t be able to resist seconds!

Ingredients Needed for This Recipe

• 1/4 cup salted butter
• 1 cup cake flour (all-purpose flour works too)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup milk
• 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling

Instructions for Making Cherry Cobbler

1. Preheat oven to 350° F. Pour melted butter in the bottom of a 2.5 quart baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and milk until combined.
3. Pour batter over the butter in the baking dish. Do not stir. Then pour the cherry pie filling over the batter. Again, do not stir.
4. Bake for 45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Tips for Perfecting the Recipe

Understand Your Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients can significantly affect the outcome of your cherry cobbler. Using fresh cherries when they are in season can elevate the flavor profile of your dessert. However, if fresh cherries are not available, high-quality canned cherry pie filling can also yield delicious results. For the batter, ensure your baking powder is not expired to guarantee a perfect rise.

Butter and Flour: The type of butter and flour you use can make a difference. Unsalted butter allows you to control the amount of salt in your recipe, but if you only have salted butter, you can adjust the recipe by omitting any additional salt. When it comes to flour, cake flour gives a lighter texture to the cobbler crust, but all-purpose flour is a perfectly acceptable substitute if sifted well.

Oven Temperature Accuracy: Oven temperatures can vary, so using an oven thermometer to ensure the correct baking temperature is crucial for the perfect bake. The right temperature ensures that the cobbler crust becomes golden and crispy while allowing the cherry filling to bubble up nicely.

Do Not Overmix: When mixing the batter, do so until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough crust because it develops the gluten in the flour. A light hand ensures a tender, cake-like crust that complements the soft cherry filling.

Baking Dish Size: The size of the baking dish can affect the thickness of the crust and the filling. A 2.5-quart baking dish is recommended for this recipe to achieve the perfect balance between crust and cherry filling. If you use a dish that’s too large, the crust may be too thin, and if it’s too small, the filling may not cook evenly.

Serving Suggestions

Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of a warm serving of cherry cobbler makes for a classic combination. The cold, creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the warm, fruity filling and the soft crust.

Nutty Crunch: For an added texture, sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans over the cobbler before baking. This will add a delightful crunch that complements the softness of the baked cobbler.

Chocolate Drizzle: For chocolate lovers, drizzling melted chocolate over the cobbler before serving can add an extra layer of decadence. Dark chocolate works well with the sweetness of the cherries.

Fresh Berries: Adding fresh berries, such as raspberries or blueberries, alongside the cherry cobbler can introduce a fresh, tart contrast to the sweet and warm dessert.

Mint Leaves: A few mint leaves can add a refreshing note to the dessert, enhancing its flavors without overpowering them.

Storage Tips

Cooling Before Storage: Allow the cherry cobbler to cool completely before storing it. This prevents condensation from forming inside the container, which can make the crust soggy.

Refrigeration: Store the cobbler in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cold temperature will keep the cobbler fresh while preventing the growth of bacteria.

Freezing: For longer storage, the cherry cobbler can be frozen. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: To maintain the texture of the crust, reheat the cobbler in the oven at 350°F until it is warmed through. Microwaving can make the crust soggy, so it’s best avoided if possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other fruits for this recipe? Yes, this recipe is versatile. You can substitute cherries with peaches, blueberries, or apples. Adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the fruit you choose.

What if I don’t have cake flour? You can make a substitute for cake flour by measuring out 1 cup of all-purpose flour, removing 2 tablespoons, and then adding 2 tablespoons of cornstarch back in. Sift together to ensure it’s well mixed.

Can I make the cobbler in advance? Yes, you can prepare the cobbler a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just leave the baking step for when you’re ready to serve, ensuring the crust is at its crispiest.

How do I know when the cobbler is done? The cobbler is done when the crust is golden brown, and the cherry filling is bubbling around the edges. Inserting a toothpick into the crust (not the filling) should come out clean.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, to make this cherry cobbler gluten-free, substitute the cake flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure to check that your baking powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free.