Cherry Cobbler Recipe

Cherry Cobbler is a classic, comforting dessert that combines sweet, juicy cherries with a buttery, golden crust. This delightful treat is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, holiday celebration, or a simple weeknight dessert. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of making a delicious Cherry Cobbler from scratch, including the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for achieving the best results. Let’s dive into the world of Cherry Cobbler and create a dessert that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

What is Cherry Cobbler?

Cherry Cobbler is a baked dessert that features a rich cherry filling topped with a biscuit-like crust. The cherries are typically sweetened and thickened with a bit of cornstarch, while the topping can be a simple drop biscuit dough, a more cake-like batter, or even a lattice pie crust. This dessert is known for its combination of tart and sweet flavors, along with the contrasting textures of the juicy fruit and the crisp, buttery topping.

Ingredients List for Cherry Cobbler

For the Cherry Filling:

• 6 cups of pitted cherries (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• ¼ cup of cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon of almond extract
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice

For the Cobbler Topping:

• 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
• ½ cup of granulated sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• ½ cup of unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• ½ cup of milk
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 egg, lightly beaten

For the Optional Garnish:

• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream

Substitutions and Variations

Here are some ways to customize your Cherry Cobbler:

• Fruit: Substitute cherries with other fruits like peaches, blueberries, or a combination of berries.
• Sugar: Use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a deeper flavor.
• Spices: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cherry filling for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Cobbler Topping: Use a premade pie crust, biscuit mix, or even a cake mix for the topping.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

How to Cook Cherry Cobbler: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the Cherry Filling:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • In a large bowl, combine the pitted cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, almond extract, and lemon juice. Mix well until the cherries are evenly coated.
2. Transfer the Filling to a Baking Dish:
   • Pour the cherry mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish or a deep-dish pie plate, spreading it out evenly.
3. Prepare the Cobbler Topping:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
   • Add the chilled, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • In a small bowl, combine the milk, vanilla extract, and lightly beaten egg. Pour this mixture into the flour and butter mixture, stirring until just combined.
4. Assemble the Cobbler:
   • Drop spoonfuls of the cobbler topping over the cherry filling. Spread the topping slightly, but do not worry if it doesn’t cover the entire surface.
5. Bake the Cobbler:
   • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling.
6. Cool and Serve:
   • Remove the cobbler from the oven and let it cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This will allow the filling to thicken slightly.
   • Serve warm, topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the Topping: Mix the topping ingredients just until combined to avoid a tough, dense topping.
• Skipping the Lemon Juice: Lemon juice helps balance the sweetness of the cherries and enhances their flavor.
• Not Letting the Cobbler Cool: Allow the cobbler to cool slightly before serving to let the filling set properly.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Cherry Cobbler

• Warm and Fresh: Serve the cobbler warm, straight from the oven for the best taste and texture.
• With Ice Cream: Top each serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing.
• With Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and airy contrast to the rich cobbler.

Presentation Ideas for Cherry Cobbler

• Rustic Charm: Serve the cobbler directly from the baking dish for a rustic, homey presentation.
• Individual Portions: Bake the cobbler in individual ramekins or small baking dishes for personalized servings.
• Garnish: Garnish with a sprig of mint or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

Cherry Cobbler Recipe Tips

• Use Fresh or Frozen Cherries: Both fresh and frozen cherries work well. If using frozen, thaw and drain them before using.
• Butter Consistency: Keep the butter cold and work quickly to ensure a flaky, tender topping.
• Even Topping: Spread the topping as evenly as possible over the cherry filling to ensure even baking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Cherry Cobbler ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the cherry filling and the topping separately, then assemble and bake just before serving. Alternatively, you can bake the cobbler and reheat it before serving.

Q: Can I use canned cherry pie filling?
A: Yes, you can use canned cherry pie filling for a quicker version. However, the flavor and texture of fresh or frozen cherries are typically superior.

Q: How long does Cherry Cobbler last in the refrigerator?
A: Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Q: Can I freeze Cherry Cobbler?
A: Yes, you can freeze Cherry Cobbler. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

Q: What if my topping is too dry?
A: If the topping appears too dry, add a bit more milk until the dough comes together.

Conclusion

Cherry Cobbler is a delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its sweet, juicy cherries and buttery, golden topping, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Follow this guide to create a delicious cobbler that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this classic dessert. Happy baking!

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