Spring Cherry Cobbler: A Delicious & Easy Dessert Recipe

Spring Cherry Cobbler, bursting with the sweet and tart flavors of fresh cherries, is the dessert you’ve been waiting for! Imagine sinking your spoon into a warm, bubbly filling of juicy cherries, perfectly complemented by a golden, biscuit-like topping. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will transport you straight to a sunny spring afternoon.

Cobblers, in their essence, are a celebration of simple, rustic baking. Their origins can be traced back to early American settlers who ingeniously used readily available ingredients to create comforting and satisfying desserts. While the exact history is debated, the spirit of resourcefulness and the desire for a sweet treat are undeniably at the heart of every cobbler. This Spring Cherry Cobbler recipe honors that tradition while showcasing the vibrant flavors of the season.

What makes a cherry cobbler so irresistible? It’s the delightful combination of textures – the soft, yielding fruit filling against the slightly crisp and buttery topping. The sweetness of the cherries, balanced by a touch of tartness, creates a flavor profile that’s both refreshing and comforting. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make! This recipe requires minimal effort and yields maximum deliciousness, making it perfect for weeknight desserts or weekend gatherings. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delightful spring treat!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Cherry Filling:
• 6 cups fresh sweet cherries, pitted (about 2 pounds)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• Pinch of salt
• For the Cobbler Topping:
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons milk, for brushing
• 2 tablespoons coarse sugar, for sprinkling (optional)

Preparing the Cherry Filling:

1. Pit the Cherries: This is the most time-consuming part, but trust me, it’s worth it! I like to use a cherry pitter, but you can also use a paring knife or even a paperclip in a pinch. Just make sure you get all those pits out!
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently toss the pitted cherries with the granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, almond extract, and salt. Make sure the cherries are evenly coated. The cornstarch will help thicken the filling as it bakes, and the lemon juice and almond extract add a lovely brightness and depth of flavor.
3. Let it Sit: Allow the cherry mixture to sit for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the sugar to draw out some of the juices from the cherries, creating a delicious, syrupy base for the cobbler. You’ll notice the bottom of the bowl will start to fill with a beautiful red liquid.

Making the Cobbler Topping:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined. The baking powder is crucial for giving the cobbler topping its light and fluffy texture.
2. Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be in small pieces, about the size of peas. This step is important for creating flaky layers in the cobbler topping. If you’re using your fingertips, work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.
3. Add the Cream: Gradually add the heavy cream to the flour and butter mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cobbler topping. The dough should be slightly shaggy and a little sticky.
4. Shape the Dough (Optional): On a lightly floured surface, gently pat the dough into a disc about 1 inch thick. You can use a biscuit cutter or a knife to cut out individual cobbler biscuits, or you can simply drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the cherry filling. I personally like the rustic look of dropped biscuits, but feel free to get creative!

Assembling and Baking the Cobbler:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure your oven is properly preheated before baking the cobbler, as this will ensure that the topping rises properly and the cherries cook through evenly.
2. Pour Filling into Baking Dish: Pour the cherry filling into a 9-inch square baking dish or a similar-sized oven-safe dish. The filling should be evenly distributed in the dish.
3. Top with Cobbler Dough: Drop spoonfuls of the cobbler dough evenly over the cherry filling. Leave a little space between each spoonful to allow for expansion during baking. If you cut out biscuits, arrange them evenly over the filling, slightly overlapping if desired.
4. Brush with Milk and Sprinkle with Sugar: Brush the tops of the cobbler biscuits with milk. This will help them brown beautifully in the oven. Sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar, if desired. The coarse sugar adds a nice crunch and sparkle to the finished cobbler.
5. Bake the Cobbler: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the cobbler topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbly. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil to prevent it from burning.
6. Cool Slightly: Let the cobbler cool slightly before serving. This will allow the filling to thicken a bit and prevent it from being too runny. It’s also less likely to burn your mouth if you let it cool for a few minutes!

Serving Suggestions:

This Spring Cherry Cobbler is delicious served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of honey. It’s also great on its own! I love to serve it for dessert after a spring barbecue or as a special treat on a weekend afternoon. You can even enjoy it for breakfast with a cup of coffee or tea. The possibilities are endless!

Tips and Variations:

• Use Frozen Cherries: If fresh cherries are not in season, you can use frozen cherries. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before using them in the filling. You may also need to adjust the amount of cornstarch, as frozen cherries tend to release more liquid than fresh cherries.
• Add Other Fruits: Feel free to add other fruits to the cherry filling, such as blueberries, raspberries, or peaches. This will create a delicious and colorful mixed berry cobbler.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cherry filling for a warm and comforting flavor.
• Make it Gluten-Free: To make this cobbler gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum, as this will help to bind the ingredients together.
• Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, over the cobbler topping before baking for added crunch and flavor.
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the cherry filling and the cobbler topping ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake the cobbler, simply assemble it and bake as directed.
• Adjust Sweetness: Taste the cherry filling before adding the cobbler topping and adjust the amount of sugar to your liking. Some cherries are sweeter than others, so you may need to add more or less sugar depending on the variety.

Troubleshooting:

• Cobbler Topping is Too Dry: If your cobbler topping is too dry, add a little more heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
• Cobbler Topping is Too Wet: If your cobbler topping is too wet, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough is no longer sticky.
• Cherry Filling is Too Runny: If your cherry filling is too runny, you can thicken it by whisking together a little cornstarch with cold water and stirring it into the filling while it’s still hot.
• Cobbler is Burning: If your cobbler is browning too quickly, you can tent it with foil to prevent it from burning.

Storage Instructions:

Store leftover Spring Cherry Cobbler in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

• Calories: Approximately 350-400 per serving
• Fat: 15-20 grams
• Saturated Fat: 10-12 grams
• Cholesterol: 50-60 mg
• Sodium: 200-250 mg
• Carbohydrates: 50-60 grams
• Fiber: 2-3 grams
• Sugar: 30-40 grams
• Protein: 3-4 grams

Enjoy your delicious Spring Cherry Cobbler! I hope you love it as much as I do!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Spring Cherry Cobbler is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of the season, bursting with the bright, tangy sweetness of fresh cherries and the comforting warmth of a golden, buttery topping. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves simple, delicious baking. It’s the kind of dish that evokes memories of sunny afternoons and family gatherings, and it’s guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face.

Why is it a must-try, you ask? Well, beyond the incredible flavor, it’s also surprisingly easy to make. You don’t need to be a seasoned baker to whip up this cobbler. The ingredient list is short and sweet, and the instructions are straightforward. Plus, the rustic charm of a cobbler means it’s perfectly imperfect – no need to stress about perfectly symmetrical slices or flawless presentation. It’s all about the taste!

But the best part? The versatility! While I’ve shared my go-to recipe, feel free to get creative and adapt it to your own preferences. For a richer flavor, try adding a splash of almond extract to the cherry filling. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, incorporate other seasonal fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry cobbler. A sprinkle of chopped almonds or pecans over the topping before baking adds a delightful crunch.

Serving suggestions? Oh, the possibilities are endless! A scoop of vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing that perfectly complements the warm, fruity cobbler. But don’t stop there! A dollop of freshly whipped cream, a drizzle of honey, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon can elevate this dessert to new heights. For a truly decadent experience, try serving it with a scoop of mascarpone cheese – the creamy, tangy flavor is a match made in heaven. And if you happen to have any leftovers (though I highly doubt you will!), it’s delicious cold straight from the fridge the next day.

I’m so excited for you to try this Spring Cherry Cobbler recipe. I know you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s the perfect dessert for a casual weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or simply a sweet treat to brighten your day.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a little bit of springtime magic. And please, don’t be shy! I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Share your photos, your variations, and your thoughts in the comments below. Did you add any special ingredients? Did you serve it with a unique topping? I’m always looking for new ideas and inspiration, and I can’t wait to see what you create. Happy baking! Let me know how your Spring Cherry Cobbler turns out!