Celebrate National Cherry Cobbler Day with a Classic Old-Fashioned Cherry Cobbler

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There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a warm cherry cobbler baking in the oven, especially when it’s in honor of National Cherry Cobbler Day! Yesterday, May 17, 2025, marked this delightful occasion, but there’s no reason the celebration can’t continue today. This old-fashioned cherry cobbler recipe brings together the vibrant, tangy-sweet flavor of cherries with a golden, buttery biscuit topping that’s crisp on the outside and tender within. It’s the perfect dessert to share with family and friends, whether you’re winding down a weekend meal or simply craving a nostalgic treat. Topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, each bite of this bubbly, fruity dessert is pure comfort. Let’s dive into how to create this timeless classic that’s sure to become a favorite in your home.

Why Cherry Cobbler is a Timeless Dessert

Cherry cobbler has been a beloved dessert for generations, cherished for its simplicity and heartwarming flavors. The combination of juicy, tart cherries and a slightly sweet, biscuit-like topping creates a perfect balance of textures and tastes. Unlike pies, which require rolling out dough, cobblers are delightfully rustic—spoon the topping over the fruit and let the oven do the rest. This recipe uses either fresh or frozen cherries, making it accessible year-round, and adds a touch of lemon juice to brighten the filling. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this cherry cobbler is easy to make yet feels like a special occasion treat. It’s a fitting way to honor National Cherry Cobbler Day and celebrate the joy of homemade desserts.

Ingredients (Serves 6-8)

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delectable cherry cobbler. The recipe is divided into two parts: the cherry filling and the cobbler topping.

For the Cherry Filling:

• 4 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries (if using frozen, thaw and drain excess liquid to avoid a soggy cobbler)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust slightly depending on the sweetness of your cherries)
• 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice (enhances the cherries’ natural tartness)
• 2 tbsp cornstarch (to thicken the filling and create a jammy consistency)
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract (adds a warm, aromatic note to the filling)

For the Cobbler Topping:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (for a tender, fluffy biscuit topping)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar (plus an extra 1 tbsp for sprinkling on top)
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder (to help the topping rise and become airy)
• 1/4 tsp salt (to balance the sweetness)
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for a hint of warmth)
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed (creates a flaky, buttery texture)
• 1/2 cup whole milk or buttermilk (for a rich, tender dough)
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten (adds richness and helps with browning)

Optional for Serving:

• Vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream
• A few fresh cherries for garnish

Equipment Needed

• 9×9-inch or 8×8-inch baking dish (or a similar-sized oven-safe dish)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk and spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Zester or juicer (for the lemon)
• Pastry cutter or fork (for the topping)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. A well-prepared dish also helps the cobbler release cleanly when serving.
2. Prepare the Cherry Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pitted cherries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Stir gently until the cherries are evenly coated and the cornstarch is fully dissolved. The cornstarch will thicken the juices as the cobbler bakes, creating a luscious, syrupy filling. Pour the cherry mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. If you notice excess liquid from frozen cherries, drain a bit to avoid a watery filling.
3. Make the Cobbler Topping: In another mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingertips to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter pieces. This step is key to achieving a flaky, tender topping. In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and egg, then pour this into the flour mixture. Stir gently with a spatula until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms—be careful not to overmix, as this can make the topping tough.
4. Assemble the Cobbler: Using a spoon or your hands, drop dollops of the dough over the cherry filling, covering most of the surface but leaving some gaps for the filling to bubble through. The rustic, uneven look is part of the charm of a cobbler! Sprinkle the remaining 1 tbsp of granulated sugar over the topping to create a golden, slightly crunchy crust as it bakes.
5. Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish on a rimmed baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling around the edges. If the topping browns too quickly, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking. The cobbler is done when a toothpick inserted into the topping comes out clean and the filling has thickened.
6. Cool and Serve: Allow the cobbler to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving—this helps the filling set and makes it easier to scoop. Serve warm, with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. Garnish with a few fresh cherries for a pop of color, if desired. The contrast of the warm cobbler and cold ice cream is pure magic!

Prep and Baking Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Baking Time: 35-45 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour
• Calories: Approximately 320 kcal per serving (based on 8 servings, without ice cream)
• Servings: 6-8

Tips for the Best Cherry Cobbler

• Cherry Selection: If using fresh cherries, look for ripe, firm ones with a deep red color. Frozen cherries work just as well and are often more convenient—just be sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture.
• Adjust Sweetness: Taste your cherries before adding sugar to the filling. If they’re very tart, you might increase the sugar to 2/3 cup; if they’re very sweet, reduce it to 1/3 cup.
• Keep the Butter Cold: Cold butter is essential for a flaky topping. If your kitchen is warm, chill the butter cubes in the fridge until you’re ready to use them.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Stir the topping dough just until it comes together. Overmixing can lead to a dense, chewy texture instead of a light, tender biscuit.
• Check for Doneness: The filling should be bubbly and thickened, and the topping should be golden and cooked through. If the filling isn’t thickened enough, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Variations to Try

Make this cobbler your own with these creative ideas:

• Mixed Berry Cobbler: Swap out 1 cup of cherries for blueberries or raspberries for a mixed fruit twist.
• Almond Accent: Add 1/4 tsp almond extract to the filling and sprinkle sliced almonds over the topping before baking for a nutty flavor.
• Spiced Topping: Mix 1/4 tsp of ground nutmeg or cardamom into the topping for a warm, aromatic note.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for a gluten-free version.

Serving Suggestions

This cherry cobbler is delicious on its own, but these pairings take it to the next level:

• Classic Pairing: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream, as shown in the image, for a delightful hot-cold contrast.
• Beverage Match: Pair with a cup of hot coffee, herbal tea, or a glass of chilled rosé for a refreshing complement.
• Festive Touch: For a special occasion, drizzle with a bit of warm caramel sauce or sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Storage: Store leftover cobbler in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The topping may soften over time but will still be delicious.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or warm the entire dish in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Add a fresh scoop of ice cream after reheating.
• Freezing: You can freeze the baked cobbler for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

A Nod to National Cherry Cobbler Day

National Cherry Cobbler Day, celebrated annually on May 17, is the perfect excuse to indulge in this classic dessert. While the occasion may have passed for 2025, the spirit of the day lives on in every bite of this warm, bubbly cobbler. Cherries have long been a symbol of summer’s bounty, and cobblers date back to early American settlers who adapted their recipes to the ingredients they had on hand. This recipe honors that tradition with its simple ingredients and rustic charm, making it a fitting tribute to the day—and a delicious way to bring a bit of nostalgia to your table.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned cherries?
Yes, but drain them well and reduce the sugar in the filling to 1/4 cup, as canned cherries are often packed in syrup.

What if I don’t have cornstarch?
You can substitute with an equal amount of tapioca starch or 1 tbsp of all-purpose flour, though the texture may vary slightly.

Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the filling and topping separately up to a day in advance. Store them in the fridge, then assemble and bake when ready.

Final Thoughts

This old-fashioned cherry cobbler is a testament to the beauty of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. The juicy, tangy cherry filling paired with a buttery, golden topping is comfort food at its finest—a dessert that warms the heart as much as it satisfies the palate. Whether you’re celebrating National Cherry Cobbler Day, hosting a gathering, or simply treating yourself to a homemade delight, this recipe is sure to impress. So grab a spoon, scoop up a warm, cherry-filled bite, and savor the sweetness of tradition.

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