A warm, buttery cherry dessert with juicy cherries and a soft, golden cake topping. Perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or an easy homemade dessert!
Recipe Information
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 40–50 minutes
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Total Time: 55–65 minutes
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Servings: 8
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Course: Dessert
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Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Cherry Filling
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4 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries
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½ cup granulated sugar
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
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½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cake Topping
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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1½ teaspoons baking powder
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¼ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted
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½ cup milk
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
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Powdered sugar for dusting
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Vanilla ice cream for serving
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9 × 13-inch baking dish or use a suitably sized baking dish.
2. Prepare the cherries: In a bowl, combine the pitted cherries, ½ cup sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Toss gently until the cherries are evenly coated.
3. Make the batter: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, ¾ cup sugar, baking powder, salt, and optional cinnamon.
4. Add wet ingredients: Stir in the melted butter, milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until a smooth, thick batter forms. Avoid overmixing.
5. Assemble the dessert: Spread the cherry mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Spoon the batter over the cherries, distributing it across the surface. Some cherries may remain visible.
6. Bake: Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling bubbles around the edges. Check the center for doneness.
7. Cool slightly: Let the cobbler rest for 10–15 minutes so the filling can thicken.
8. Serve: Serve warm, optionally topped with powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Nutritional Information
Estimated per serving, based on 8 servings without ice cream.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320–360 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Total Carbohydrates | 55–60 g |
| Total Fat | 10–12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6–7 g |
| Fiber | 2–3 g |
| Total Sugars | 38–43 g |
| Sodium | 120–180 mg |
Nutrition values are estimates and will vary depending on the cherries, ingredients, and portion sizes used.
Recipe Q&A
Q1: Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes! Use frozen pitted cherries without thawing them first. You may need a few extra minutes of baking time.
Q2: Can I use canned cherry pie filling?
Yes. Replace the homemade cherry filling with approximately 3–4 cups of cherry pie filling. Reduce or omit the extra sugar because canned filling is already sweetened.
Q3: How do I know when the cobbler is ready?
The topping should be golden brown, and the cherry filling should bubble around the edges. A toothpick inserted into the cake topping should come out without wet batter.
Q4: How should I store leftovers?
Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the baking dish in the oven.
Q5: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. Bake it ahead, refrigerate once cooled, and reheat before serving for the best texture.
Q6: Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes. Substitute a good-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for the all-purpose flour.
Q7: Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes. You can reduce the sugar in the filling and topping to suit your taste, although this may make the dessert less sweet and slightly change its texture.
Q8: Is this a cobbler or a cake?
It is a cake-style cobbler. The juicy fruit filling and soft, golden topping combine the best features of a fruit cobbler and a simple homemade cake.