Winter Cherry Cobbler

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Seasonal flavors: The cherries bring a burst of sweet-tart flavor, and the hint of cinnamon and nutmeg adds warmth to the filling, making it perfect for winter.

• Easy to make: This cobbler comes together quickly and requires minimal ingredients, making it a stress-free dessert to prepare.

• Perfectly balanced: The biscuit-like topping is slightly crisp on the edges and soft in the middle, creating the perfect contrast to the juicy, flavorful cherry filling.

• Versatile: Whether you use fresh, frozen, or canned cherries, this cobbler works year-round and can easily be adjusted to fit what’s available.

Ingredients

For the filling:

• 4 cups fresh or frozen cherries (pitted)

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 2 tbsp cornstarch

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

For the topping:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tbsp granulated sugar

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp salt

• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes

• 1 large egg

• ½ cup milk

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the filling:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch baking dish or a 9×9-inch square pan.

2. Prepare the cherries: In a large bowl, combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss everything together until the cherries are evenly coated.

3. Assemble the filling: Pour the cherry mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Set aside while you prepare the topping.

For the topping:

1. Make the biscuit dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Add the cold butter cubes to the dry ingredients and use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.

2. Add the wet ingredients: In a separate small bowl, beat the egg and milk together. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The dough will be thick.

3. Top the cherries: Using a spoon or your hands, drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough over the cherry filling. It doesn’t need to be perfectly even—some of the cherries will peek through, which is fine.

4. Bake the cobbler: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.

5. Cool and serve: Let the cobbler cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8 servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Berry mix: Add some mixed berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries, for a more complex flavor profile.

• Almond flavor: Add a teaspoon of almond extract to the filling for an extra layer of flavor that complements the cherries beautifully.

• Coconut topping: Add shredded coconut to the biscuit topping for a fun texture and a hint of tropical flavor.

• Vegan version: Use a plant-based butter substitute and non-dairy milk (such as almond or oat milk) to make the cobbler vegan.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover cobbler in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, until warmed through.

• Freezing: This cobbler freezes well! To freeze, let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until warmed through.

• Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen cherries work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them before using and drain any excess liquid.

Can I make this cobbler ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cobbler up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight. When ready to bake, simply increase the baking time by a few minutes to ensure it’s heated through.

Can I use other fruits for the filling?

Yes! This recipe is versatile and works well with other fruits such as peaches, plums, or even apples. Adjust the sugar amount depending on the sweetness of the fruit you’re using.

How do I know when the cobbler is done?

The cobbler is done when the topping is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbling around the edges. If the filling is not bubbling, the cobbler likely needs more time in the oven.

Can I make the topping gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend to make the topping gluten-free. Be sure to check the flour blend’s instructions for best results, and add a bit of xanthan gum if required.

Can I use a different type of milk?

Yes, you can substitute the milk with any non-dairy milk such as almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Just make sure to use the unsweetened variety for a more neutral flavor.

How do I make the topping more crisp?

For a crispier topping, you can brush the dough with a little melted butter before baking or sprinkle the top with a little extra sugar.

Can I make this cobbler in individual portions?

Yes, you can make mini cobblers in ramekins. Just divide the cherry filling and biscuit dough evenly between the ramekins and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the topping is golden.

How can I make the filling less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet filling, you can reduce the sugar in the filling by about ¼ cup and taste it before baking. The cherries will still provide natural sweetness, and you can adjust the sugar to your liking.

Conclusion

This Winter Cherry Cobbler is the perfect dessert to enjoy during the colder months, with its comforting spiced cherry filling and buttery, biscuit-like topping. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or just looking for a cozy treat, this easy and delicious cobbler will warm you up from the inside out. With options for variations and simple storage instructions, it’s a dessert you’ll want to make again and again!