Fresh Cherry Cobbler is a simple, summertime classic dessert recipe. It is the perfect treat to serve to a crowd with an easy-to-make filling and buttery, drop biscuit dough made from scratch. Serve it as is or with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for the ultimate summer indulgence.
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While most fresh fruits are available year-round thanks to transportation and importing, fresh cherries are one that you still usually only find for a brief period of time in spring and summer.
It goes without saying that when you finally see them show up at your local stores, usually some time between May and August, you should definitely buy them!
I have to admit that I am one to kind of forget about cherries, unless it’s a maraschino cherry on top of an ice cream sundae. I’m trying to be more aware of what’s in season so that I can make the absolute best-tasting recipes.
Just like with my similar recipe for Apricot Cobbler, homemade summer desserts with the season’s freshest produce really do taste the best.
I’ve been in a unique, but temporary, living situation for months now due to a fire at our home (everyone is good!) and have been creating recipes without the use any small appliances. Cobblers have been one of my go-to dessert recipes because they are really easy to make and don’t require any fancy equipment.
Sweet, delicious cherries are yet another tasty fruit that are perfect to use in cobbler, plus they are packed with antioxidants and may have many other health benefits.
The from scratch, buttery drop dough biscuit topping gets crispy and golden in the oven, and perfectly complements the homemade cherry filling in this dish.
Why This Recipe Works
Cobbler is one of the easiest dessert recipes out there; you only need to create two mixtures – a fruit filling and a dough topping. Most of the time spent making this dish is just waiting for it to finish baking.
The homemade cherry filling really lets the fresh fruit flavor shine. A traditional drop biscuit topping provides a nice crunch, but also a tender crumb which soaks up all the delicious, flavorful fruit juice.
Cherry Cobbler is the perfect spring or summer dessert and could also be enjoyed as an indulgent breakfast treat. Serve fresh cobbler, warm out of the oven, with ice cream or fresh whipped cream to impress your family, friends and guests.
How To Make Cherry Cobbler With Fresh Cherries
Ingredients
- Cherries: I use sweet cherries, like Bing or Rainier, for this recipe. If you choose to use sour cherries, you may need to add a bit more sugar to the filling to balance out the tartness.
- Lemon: using just a little fresh squeezed lemon juice really enhances the flavor of the cherries.
- Cinnamon: a touch of cinnamon gives the filling a bit of spicy, warmth.
- Pantry staples: flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, butter, milk and eggs
The entire recipe and instructions can also be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. You can also print the recipe from the card, if needed.
Prep!
Pitting the cherries and juicing the lemon are the majority of the prep work for this recipe.
Pitting cherries isn’t always the most fun. If you have a cherry pitter, it will be much quicker and easier to do. If not, you can reference this post on how to pit cherries.
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Create!
Combine cherries, lemon juice, sugar and cinnamon. Gently stir in the flour.
Spread the cherries evenly into the bottom of a medium baking dish. I use a 9.5-inch square baking dish for this recipe.
Combine flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. Cut in the butter with a pastry blender or fork until bits of butter, no larger than a pea, remain.
Whisk together the egg and milk and add to the flour mixture. Gently stir until just combined.
Dollop spoonfuls of the dough onto the top of the cherries. Sprinkle on extra sugar, if desired.
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
Present!
Serve as is, with whipped cream or ice cream. Cobbler pairs deliciously with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea.
Tips and Techniques
- Fresh cherries work best, but you can use canned or frozen cherries. If you choose to use canned cherries, you can omit all of the ingredients for the filling or just add the cinnamon.
- If using sour cherries, you may want to add more sugar to the filling.
- Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator. Consume within 4-5 days for best results.
FAQ’s
Can You Use Frozen Cherries for Cherry Cobbler?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries to make cherry cobbler, however, you must let them thaw first.
Can You Use Canned Cherry Pie Filling To Make Cherry Cobbler?
Yes, you can use canned cherry pie filling to make cherry cobbler. You won’t need to add anything additional to it, but can add cinnamon or other spices, if desired.
Can You Use Other Fruits In Cherry Cobbler?
You can replace the cherries with other fruits to make different cobbler recipes. You can also mix other fruit with the cherries. Apricots and peaches pair well with cherries.
More Cobbler Recipes
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Fresh Cherry Cobbler
Ingredients
Cherry Filling
- 2 pounds cherries (pitted, about 6-8 cups)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (see notes)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
Drop Biscuit Dough
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter (cold, cut into pieces)
- 1 egg
- 2/3 cup whole milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Combine cherries, lemon juice, sugar and cinnamon. Gently stir in the flour.
- Spread the cherries evenly into the bottom of a medium baking dish.
- Combine flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. Cut in the butter with a pastry blender or fork until bits of butter, no larger than a pea, remain.
- Whisk together the egg and milk and add to the flour mixture. Gently stir until just combined.
- Dollop spoonfuls of the dough onto the top of the cherries. Sprinkle on extra sugar, if desired.
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Serve as is, with whipped cream or ice cream.
Notes
Tips and Techniques
- Fresh cherries work best, but you can use canned or frozen cherries. If you choose to use canned cherries, you can omit all of the ingredients for the filling or just add the cinnamon.
- If using sour cherries, you may want to add more sugar to the filling.
- Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator. Consume within 4-5 days for best results.
Beth says
My hubby and kids just got done picking our fresh cherries, and I’m so excited to make this cherry cobbler. Looks so delicious and going to be a new favorite here!
Liz says
My mom LOVES Cherries so this was such a perfect dessert for my family! Thanks for the recipe!
Jacque Hastert says
I love how simple this dish is to make! The topping is pure genius by using drop biscuits. Can’t wait to get this in the oven.
Kate says
One of my favourite desserts and the drop biscuit topping is just genius, lovely recipe – thanks!
Natalie says
Beautiful. Looks beyond delicious. Summery with fruity fressnes. I must make this asap. Thanks for the lovely recipe.