Old Fashioned Cherry Cobbler – Sweet, Juicy & Perfectly Comforting!

Looking for a warm, gooey, and comforting dessert that brings back memories of family dinners and cozy evenings? This Old Fashioned Cherry Cobbler is exactly what you need. With its bubbling cherry filling, soft cakey topping, and golden brown crust, this classic cobbler delivers all the nostalgic flavor of traditional Southern desserts—without any fancy techniques or complicated steps.

Perfect for holiday meals , summer gatherings , or when you’re craving something sweet and satisfying, this easy-to-make cobbler uses pantry-friendly ingredients like fresh or frozen cherries, flour, butter, and sugar to bring bold flavor into your kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting guests, or simply love warm fruit desserts, this cherry cobbler will quickly become a household favorite.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make this perfect old-fashioned cherry cobbler from scratch , explore ingredient substitutions, offer serving ideas, and answer your most common questions. Let’s get baking!

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Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Cherry Cobbler

This isn’t just any old baked fruit dish—it’s a sweet, juicy, melt-in-your-mouth delight made with real ingredients that bring bold flavor and comforting texture together beautifully.

Here’s why it stands out:

• 🍒 Juicy cherry filling : Made with ripe, sweet-tart cherries for natural depth.
• 🍰 Golden cake topping : Bakes into a soft, rich crust without needing pie dough.
• 🧈 Buttery richness : Adds flavor and moisture in every bite.
• 🍽️ One-dish dessert : Minimal cleanup, maximum convenience.
• ⏱️ Ready in under an hour
• 🧁 Great for meal prep or freezer storage
• 🧼 Easy to customize : Add vanilla, spices, or swap cherries for other berries

Whether you’re making it for yourself, your kids, or guests at a dinner party, this cherry cobbler will quickly become a go-to dessert for any occasion.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cherry Filling:

• 4 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries (about 2 lbs)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar (or low-carb alternative like erythritol for keto version)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp almond extract (optional, for authentic cherry flavor)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder (to thicken juices)
• Pinch of salt

For the Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or powdered sweetener for low-carb option)
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup milk or unsweetened almond milk (for dairy-free)
• 1/4 cup melted butter or coconut oil

Optional: Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) . Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar size pan.

Tip: Use a cast iron skillet for even baking and rustic presentation.

Step 2: Prepare the Cherry Filling

In a large bowl, mix:

• Pitted cherries
• Sugar or sweetener
• Lemon juice
• Almond extract
• Cornstarch
• Salt

Toss well until evenly combined.

Pour into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

Pro Tip: If using frozen cherries, do not thaw first—they hold their shape better.

Step 3: Make the Topping

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:

• Flour
• Sugar or powdered sweetener
• Baking powder
• Salt

Add milk and melted butter. Stir until just combined—do not overmix.

The batter should be slightly thick and pourable.

Step 4: Pour the Topping Over Cherries

Gently spoon or pour the topping over the cherry mixture—don’t stir!

Let it settle naturally over the top.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes , or until the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling around the edges.

The topping should be lightly crisp on top while staying soft underneath.

Step 6: Let Cool and Serve

Let the cobbler cool slightly before serving—this allows the filling to set and enhances flavor.

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream , whipped cream, or on its own for a comforting dessert.

Enjoy every warm, fruity bite of your Old Fashioned Cherry Cobbler !

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Makes 8 Servings)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~320 kcal
Total Fat	~10 g
Saturated Fat	~5 g
Cholesterol	~30 mg
Sodium	~200 mg
Total Carbs	~55 g
Dietary Fiber	~2 g
Net Carbs	~53 g
Protein	~4 g

Note: Values may vary based on brand and exact measurements.

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Tips for the Best Old Fashioned Cherry Cobbler

1. Use tart-sweet cherries – Balances the sugar and gives depth of flavor.
2. Don’t overmix the topping – Keeps the texture light and fluffy.
3. Let it rest before serving – Enhances juiciness and prevents burning mouths!
4. Top with quality vanilla ice cream – Classic combo that elevates the whole experience.
5. Double the recipe for batch cooking – Great for potlucks or freezing leftovers.

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Variations & Customizations

Want to switch things up? Try these tasty variations:

Low-Carb/Keto Option

Replace sugar with erythritol or monk fruit, use almond flour in the topping, and opt for a keto-friendly thickener like xanthan gum.

Mixed Berry Cobbler

Swap some cherries for raspberries, blackberries, or blueberries for a colorful twist.

Spiced Cobbler

Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or clove to the cherry filling for deeper warmth.

Coffee Cake Style

Mix in streusel topping or crumble for extra crunch on top.

Vegan Option

Use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk for a vegan-friendly version.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use canned cherries?

Yes! Drain well before using and adjust sugar to taste—canned cherries are often sweeter than fresh.

What kind of cherries work best?

Sweet cherries (like Bing or Rainier) are ideal for a juicy, sugary finish. Tart cherries add more acidity—great for balance.

How do I store leftover cobbler?

Store cooled portions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days . Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Can I freeze this cobbler?

Wrap individual servings tightly and place in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat directly from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes .

What can I serve with cherry cobbler?

Great served with:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream
• Greek yogurt
• Custard
• A tall glass of cold milk

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Why This Recipe Works So Well

This Old Fashioned Cherry Cobbler works because of its perfect balance of textures and bold flavors:

• The cherries release sweet, thickened juices during baking, creating a sauce-like base.
• The topping bakes into a golden cake layer that soaks up the cherry goodness.
• And the natural buttery aroma fills your home with comforting warmth.

It’s the kind of dessert that makes eating seasonal fruit feel indulgent—because it tastes so good.

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Serving Suggestions

Looking for creative ways to serve your cherry cobbler beyond just a plate? Here are some ideas:

In Mason Jars

Layer warm cobbler with whipped cream and toasted almonds in small jars.

At a Party

Cut into squares and arrange on a platter with toothpicks for appetizer-style bites.

With Coffee or Tea

Pair with herbal tea, black coffee, or hot chocolate for a cozy afternoon snack.

As Breakfast Bites

Warm up a slice and pair with eggs or bacon for a breakfast-dessert hybrid.

Gift-Worthy Packaging

Wrap slices in parchment paper and tie with twine for thoughtful homemade gifts.

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Health Benefits of Key Ingredients

Let’s take a quick look at the health benefits of what makes this dish special:

Cherries

Packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds—supports joint and heart health.

Butter

Contains fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K—important for brain and hormone function.

Eggs & Milk

Provide protein and calcium—support muscle growth and bone strength.

Even though this is a dessert, it’s packed with nutrients that make it more than just a treat—it’s a smart addition to your balanced lifestyle when enjoyed mindfully.

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Final Thoughts: A Must-Try Comfort Dessert

This Old Fashioned Cherry Cobbler proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With its bubbly cherry center, soft cakey crust, and bold summer flavor, it’s the kind of dessert that turns simple ingredients into something truly special.

Whether you’re new to baking, looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert, or want to impress with homemade flair, this cherry cobbler deserves a spot in your kitchen. It’s easy to make, customizable, and loved by kids and adults alike.

So go ahead—whip up a batch, share it with family, or savor it solo. Either way, you’re treating yourself to something worth celebrating.

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