Grandma’s Sweet Cherry Cobbler

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this cobbler because it’s simple, cozy, and made with everyday ingredients I already have in my kitchen. The filling is naturally sweet from the cherries with just a hint of cinnamon, and the topping has that classic biscuit-like texture that soaks up all the delicious juices. I also appreciate that it doesn’t take much effort, but it looks and tastes like something truly special.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

For The Cherry Filling
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp cornstarch
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup water
3 1/2 cups fresh, pitted sweet dark cherries roughly 14 ounces
1 tbsp salted butter

For The Topping
1 cup all purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar divided
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3 tbsp crisco
1/2 cup milk

Directions

1. I preheat my oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, I combine the sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and water. I cook this over medium heat, stirring until the mixture begins to thicken.
3. I add in the cherries and stir gently, letting them cook until they release their juices and the filling is glossy. I then stir in the butter until melted.
4. I pour the cherry mixture into a greased 8×8-inch baking dish.
5. For the topping, I whisk together the flour, 2 tablespoons of the sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
6. I cut in the crisco until the mixture looks crumbly.
7. I stir in the milk just until combined, being careful not to overmix.
8. I drop spoonfuls of the topping over the cherry filling, spreading slightly but leaving some gaps so the filling can bubble through.
9. I sprinkle the remaining sugar over the top for a little crunch.
10. I bake for about 35-40 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling at the edges.
11. I let it cool for a few minutes before serving warm, often with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings. It takes roughly 15 minutes to prepare and 35-40 minutes to bake, so I usually plan for just under an hour from start to finish.

Variations

I sometimes swap in frozen cherries when fresh aren’t in season, just making sure to thaw and drain them first. If I want a tangier flavor, I use tart cherries or mix half tart and half sweet. For a richer topping, I substitute butter for crisco. I’ve also added a splash of almond extract to the filling, which pairs beautifully with cherries.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I like to warm individual portions in the microwave for about 30-40 seconds, or reheat the whole dish in a 325°F oven until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?

Yes, I can use frozen cherries, but I make sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid extra liquid in the filling.

Do I need to peel the cherries?

No, I don’t peel the cherries just pit them and they’re ready to use.

Can I use tart cherries instead of sweet?

Yes, I can, but I usually add a little more sugar to balance the tartness.

What size baking dish works best?

I find that an 8×8-inch baking dish works perfectly, but a similar size will also do.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

I prefer baking it fresh, but I can prepare the filling ahead and refrigerate it, then add the topping just before baking.

Can I freeze cherry cobbler?

Yes, I can freeze it after baking. I let it cool completely, then wrap it well and freeze for up to 2 months.

How do I know when the cobbler is done?

I check that the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.

Can I use butter instead of crisco?

Yes, I often use butter for a richer flavor in the topping.

What can I serve with cherry cobbler?

I love serving it with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of cream.

Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?

Yes, I can cut back the sugar slightly, especially if I’m using very sweet cherries.

Conclusion

This Grandma’s Sweet Cherry Cobbler is one of those timeless desserts I turn to whenever I want something warm, comforting, and homemade. The juicy cherries paired with the tender topping make every bite irresistible, and I love how simple it is to prepare. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people together and never goes out of style.

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