Cherry Cobbler

Cherry cobbler is a delightful dessert that perfectly captures the essence of summer. With its rich, sweet cherry filling and fluffy topping, this dish is ideal for gatherings, picnics, or simply enjoying at home. Whether you’re using fresh or frozen cherries, this recipe ensures a comforting treat that’s easy to make and absolutely delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to Prepare: This cherry cobbler requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy days.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can use fresh or frozen bing cherries, ensuring year-round enjoyment.
• Deliciously Sweet: The combination of cherries and sugar creates a mouthwatering flavor that everyone loves.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve it warm at family dinners or cold as a refreshing summer snack.
• Customizable Topping: Adjust the dough’s sweetness or add spices like cinnamon for a personal touch.

Tools and Preparation

To successfully make cherry cobbler, having the right tools will streamline your cooking process. Here are the essentials you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Heavy bottom saucepan
• 2 1/2 quart baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Fork
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Heavy bottom saucepan: This distributes heat evenly, preventing scorching while cooking the cherry mixture.
• Baking dish: A 2 1/2 quart size allows ample space for the cobbler to expand as it bakes.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without mess.

Ingredients

Cherry cobblers made with bing cherries is summer perfection in one dish!

For the Cherry Filling

• 4 cups pitted bing cherries (frozen or fresh)
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 1/2 TBSP cornstarch
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1-2 teaspoons lemon juice (to taste)

For the Cobbler Topping

• 1 cup flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 cup + 2 TBSP sugar (divided)
• 3 TBSP cold butter
• 2 TBSP buttermilk
• 1 egg

How to Make Cherry Cobbler

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready for baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Cherry Filling

1. Place the cherries in a heavy bottom saucepan.
2. In a small bowl, mix the water and cornstarch together until smooth.
3. Pour this mixture over the cherries in the pan.
4. Add the sugar to the cherries.
5. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Flavor the Filling

Once thickened:
1. Taste your cherry mixture and stir in 1-2 teaspoons of lemon juice according to your preference.
2. Cover the pan and keep warm until you are ready to assemble.

Step 4: Make the Cobbler Dough

1. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, 1/4 cup sugar, and baking powder.
2. Cut in cold butter until crumbly textures form.
3. In another bowl, mix together egg and buttermilk quickly before adding them to the flour mixture.
4. Stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep it light and fluffy.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

1. Pour your hot cherry mixture into a greased 2 1/2 quart baking dish.
2. Use a fork to drop pieces of dough over the top of the cherries randomly.
3. Sprinkle any remaining sugar over the dough for added sweetness.
4. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown on top.

Step 6: Serve

Enjoy your cherry cobbler either hot from the oven or chilled for a refreshing treat!

How to Serve Cherry Cobbler

Cherry cobbler is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your cherry cobbler experience.

A La Mode

• Serve warm cherry cobbler with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combination that adds creaminess to the tart cherries.

With Whipped Cream

• Top your serving with freshly whipped cream. This light and airy addition balances the sweetness of the cobbler beautifully.

Over Pancakes

• For a unique breakfast twist, spoon cherry cobbler over fluffy pancakes. The fruit sauce adds a deliciously fruity flavor to your morning meal.

With Greek Yogurt

• Pair cherry cobbler with a dollop of Greek yogurt. The tangy yogurt complements the sweet cherries, making it a healthier option.

As a Milkshake

• Blend leftover cherry cobbler with milk and ice cream to create a refreshing milkshake. This fun treat is perfect for summer days.

How to Perfect Cherry Cobbler

To ensure your cherry cobbler turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Choose the right cherries: Fresh or frozen Bing cherries yield the best flavor and texture.
• Balance sweetness: Adjust the sugar based on the tartness of your cherries for optimal taste.
• Don’t overmix dough: Mix just until combined to keep the topping light and fluffy.
• Use cold ingredients: Incorporating cold butter and buttermilk helps create a tender biscuit-like topping.
• Let it cool slightly: Allow the cobbler to cool for about 10 minutes before serving for easier slicing.
• Experiment with spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra flavor dimension in your filling.

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Cobbler

Cherry cobbler pairs well with several side dishes that can complement its sweet and tart profile. Here are some great options.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream
   A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream enhances the flavors of cherry cobbler, creating a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.

2. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness, balancing out the richness of the cobbler.

3. Cheese Platter
   A selection of mild cheeses, such as brie and goat cheese, pairs nicely with sweet desserts like cherry cobbler.

4. Granola
   Sprinkle granola on top of your serving for added crunch and texture, making each bite even more enjoyable.

5. Coconut Whipped Cream
   For a dairy-free option, serve with coconut whipped cream. It offers a tropical flair that complements the cherries well.

6. Savory Biscuit Scones
   Light savory biscuits provide an interesting contrast to sweet desserts without overpowering them.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Cherry Cobbler even better. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the pitting step: Make sure all cherries are pitted before cooking. This ensures a more enjoyable texture and avoids any unpleasant surprises.
• Not adjusting sweetness: Taste the cherry mixture before adding lemon juice. This will help you balance the sweetness and acidity properly.
• Overmixing the dough: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cobbler instead of a light, fluffy topping.
• Baking at the wrong temperature: Ensure your oven is preheated to 375°F. Baking at too low a temperature can result in an undercooked topping.
• Neglecting to cover: If your cobbler starts browning too quickly, consider loosely covering it with foil for the remainder of the baking time.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Cherry cobbler can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Cherry Cobbler

• Use a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Cherry Cobbler

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual portions for about 30-60 seconds on high until warm.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Cherry Cobbler that may help you.

Can I use frozen cherries for Cherry Cobbler?

Yes, frozen cherries work well! Just ensure they are thawed and drained before using them in your recipe.

What types of cherries are best for Cherry Cobbler?

Bing cherries are ideal due to their sweet flavor. However, tart cherries can also be used if you prefer a tangier taste.

How do I make my Cherry Cobbler filling thicker?

You can add more cornstarch or try using a combination of cornstarch and agar-agar as a gelling agent.

Can I customize this Cherry Cobbler recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or mix in other fruits such as blueberries or peaches.

Final Thoughts

This Cherry Cobbler is perfect for summer gatherings or cozy nights in. Its sweet cherry filling paired with a fluffy topping makes it delightful. Plus, you can easily customize it by adding different fruits or spices. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy every delicious bite!