Cherry Cobbler

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I make this cherry cobbler every chance I get—especially when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

But here’s the twist: instead of the usual biscuit topping, we’ve got a smooth brown butter batter that makes everything way more exciting.

Yep, I’m talking about brown butter! Once that golden goodness hits the oven, you’ll wonder why you ever baked anything else.

The smell alone will have you salivating before it’s even done. And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to put together.

No complicated steps here—just juicy cherries, a simple batter, and a whole lot of yum. Trust me, this cobbler will be gone before you know it.

Table of Contents

Cherry Cobbler Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups frozen cherries (you can use fresh cherries if preferred)
1 cup self-rising flour (or use a gluten-free flour blend)
1 cup white sugar (or use coconut sugar)
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 cup milk (use almond milk or oat milk for vegan options)
4 oz clarified butter (ghee) or coconut oil (as a dairy-free alternative)
Optional: Any preferred ice cream to serve

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the brown butter (or ghee) by melting it in a pan on low heat, stirring occasionally until it becomes golden and aromatic. Let it cool down.
In a mixing bowl, combine the frozen cherries with the brown sugar (or palm sugar). Stir well to coat the cherries evenly.
In another bowl, add 1 cup of white sugar, self-rising flour, and milk. If you are using a gluten-free flour blend, make sure it is designed for baking. Whisk everything together until smooth.
Once the butter or ghee has cooled slightly, add it to the batter and mix until everything is well combined.
Grease a baking dish with a little butter or oil to prevent sticking.
Layer the cherries: Pour half of the sugared cherries into the baking dish, making sure to include any juices from the bowl. Then, pour the batter over the cherries, spreading it evenly.
Top it off: Add the remaining cherries on top of the batter, distributing them evenly. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sugar over the top for a nice finish.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the cobbler is golden and bubbly. You can check by inserting a toothpick—if it comes out clean, it’s done.
Once baked, let it cool down for a few minutes before serving. For an extra treat, serve with ice cream.

Expert Tips For A Perfect Cherry Cobbler

To make sure your cherry cobbler turns out absolutely delicious, follow these expert tips:

Balance the sweetness: Cherries can be tart, so make sure to taste them before baking. If they’re too sour, add a bit more sugar or honey to the filling. But don’t go overboard—balance is key!
Thicken the filling: If you want a thicker, more pie-like filling, add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the cherries before mixing in the sugar. This will help the juices thicken while baking.
Don’t overcrowd the cherries: For even distribution, scatter the cherries evenly over the batter. If they’re piled too high in one spot, the cobbler may bake unevenly.
Use cold butter for the batter: For a lighter, flakier texture, use cold butter in the batter. You can even freeze the butter beforehand and cut it into small cubes for better results.
Check the edges: The edges of the cobbler batter should be golden brown and crisp. If the top isn’t browning enough, you can increase the temperature by 10-15°F for the last 10 minutes of baking.
Let it cool: Allow the cobbler to cool slightly before serving. This gives the filling time to set and makes it easier to cut clean slices.

Variations For Cherry Cobbler

If you’re feeling creative, here are some fun ways to tweak your cherry cobbler recipe:

Add spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the batter gives it a warm, cozy flavor.
Mix in other fruits: Add blueberries, peaches, or apples along with the cherries for a fruity twist.
Swap the sugar: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, use a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey in place of white sugar.
Top with nuts: Chopped almonds or pecans sprinkled on top before baking add a crunchy texture.
Try a dairy-free version: Replace regular milk with almond milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free option.

What To Serve With Cherry Cobbler?

Looking for something to serve alongside your cherry cobbler? Here are some perfect pairing ideas:

Whipped cream
Vanilla ice cream
Coconut ice cream
Fresh mint leaves
Yogurt (plain or flavored)

How To Store Cherry Cobbler?

If you have leftovers or want to save it for later, here’s how to store your cherry cobbler:

Room Temperature: If you plan to eat it within 1-2 days, you can leave it at room temperature. Just cover it with plastic wrap or foil to keep it fresh.
Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep your cobbler in the fridge. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and it will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer: To freeze, let the cobbler cool completely. Wrap it in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just heat it in the oven until warmed through.

How To Tell When Your Cherry Cobbler Is Done?

Knowing when your cobbler is perfectly baked can make all the difference between a soggy dessert and a golden, perfectly cooked treat. Here’s how to check:

Golden and bubbly: The cobbler is done when the top is golden brown, and you see bubbling juices around the edges of the filling. This is a good sign that the batter has cooked through and the fruit has released its juices.
Test with a toothpick: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cobbler batter. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your cobbler is ready. If there’s wet batter stuck to it, bake for a few more minutes.
Filling consistency: The filling should be thickened and should hold its shape when served, not runny. If it’s too liquidy, it needs more time in the oven to set.
Oven temperature: If you notice that the top isn’t browning after about 45-50 minutes, you can increase the temperature slightly to help it finish cooking.

How To Prevent Cobbler From Getting Soggy?

Soggy cobbler is a common issue, but it’s easy to prevent with a few simple tips. Here’s how you can keep your cobbler crispy and perfect:

Use a thickener: Add cornstarch or arrowroot powder to the fruit filling to help thicken the juices. This prevents the filling from becoming watery as it bakes.
Avoid excess liquid: If you’re using frozen fruit, make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the cobbler. Excess liquid will make the filling soggy.
Don’t skip the pre-bake step: For fruit fillings, sometimes it helps to bake the fruit with sugar and thickener for 10-15 minutes before adding the topping. This allows the juices to start thickening up before the batter is added on top.
Use a sturdy dish: Bake your cobbler in a dish that allows heat to distribute evenly. A shallow, wide dish works best for ensuring the batter crisps up properly and prevents too much moisture buildup.
Serve right away: While cobbler is delicious even after it cools, the longer it sits, the soggier it can become. Try to serve it soon after it’s done baking, or at least let it cool for only a few minutes before serving.