Cherry Cobbler with Buttery Biscuit Crust

Cherry Cobbler is a timeless dessert that captures the essence of home-style baking — simple, comforting, and full of flavor. This version features juicy, sweet-tart cherries bubbling beneath a golden, buttery biscuit crust that’s soft and flaky on the inside, with just the right amount of crispness on top.

It’s the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug — rustic, cozy, and deeply satisfying. The natural tartness of the cherries pairs beautifully with the richness of the buttery topping, and when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it becomes pure magic.

❤️ Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines two dessert favorites in one — fruity filling and biscuit topping. It’s delightfully simple to make, requires no fancy equipment, and always fills the kitchen with the most comforting aroma of baked fruit and butter.

The biscuit topping is rich and tender, soaking up some of the cherry juices while maintaining a deliciously crisp top. The cherry filling, sweetened just right and spiced with a hint of vanilla, bursts with juicy flavor in every bite.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• A classic comfort dessert with irresistible flavor and texture.
• Simple ingredients, big payoff.
• Perfect for any season — especially cherry season or holidays.
• The biscuit crust gives a delightful homemade, rustic charm.
• Ideal for crowd-pleasing family desserts or dinner parties.

This Cherry Cobbler is one of those recipes that everyone should have in their baking repertoire — once you make it, it’ll become a regular request at every gathering.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35–40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Servings

Serves 6–8 people

Calories

Approximately 320 calories per serving

Cuisine

American (Southern-inspired)

Course

Dessert

Ingredients

For the Cherry Filling:

• 4 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries (sweet or tart)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp almond extract (optional, enhances cherry flavor)
• A pinch of salt

For the Buttery Biscuit Crust:

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• ½ cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar as substitute)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Topping:

• 1 tbsp coarse sugar (for sprinkling)
• A little melted butter (for brushing the crust)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Make the cherry filling.
2. Prepare the biscuit dough.
3. Spoon cherries into a baking dish.
4. Top with biscuit dough.
5. Bake until golden and bubbling.
6. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Filling

1. In a saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla, almond extract, and a pinch of salt.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble (about 5–7 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
4. Pour the cherry filling into a 9-inch baking dish or ovenproof skillet.

Step 2: Make the Biscuit Crust

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Add the cold butter cubes and cut them into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Pour in buttermilk and vanilla extract, stirring gently until a soft dough forms.
4. Do not overmix — a slightly shaggy dough gives the best texture.

Step 3: Assemble the Cobbler

1. Drop spoonfuls of biscuit dough evenly over the cherry filling.
2. (Optional) Brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse sugar for extra crispness.

Step 4: Bake the Cobbler

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the cherry filling is bubbling and the biscuit topping is golden brown.
3. Let it cool for 10–15 minutes before serving — the filling will thicken as it rests.

How to Serve

Serve this Cherry Cobbler warm, straight from the oven!

Serving Ideas:

• Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combo.
• Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream or Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
• Sprinkle toasted almonds or oats on top for a bit of crunch.

This cobbler is best enjoyed fresh but tastes just as good slightly chilled the next day.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use cold butter: It ensures a flaky, tender biscuit topping.
• Don’t overmix the dough: This keeps the crust soft and airy.
• Balance the sweetness: Adjust sugar depending on the cherries (tart cherries need a bit more).
• If using frozen cherries: Don’t thaw completely — just simmer longer to cook off excess liquid.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy flavor twist.

Variations

1. Mixed Berry Cobbler: Replace half the cherries with blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries.
2. Cherry Almond Cobbler: Add sliced almonds to the biscuit topping.
3. Chocolate Cherry Cobbler: Mix in 2 tbsp cocoa powder into the biscuit dough for a chocolaty twist.
4. Mini Cobblers: Bake in ramekins for individual servings.
5. Gluten-Free Version: Substitute flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend.

Freezing and Storage

Storage:

• Store leftover cobbler in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes to crisp up the topping again.

Freezing:

• You can freeze the unbaked assembled cobbler for up to 2 months.
• Bake directly from frozen — just add 10 extra minutes to the baking time.
• Baked cobbler can also be frozen (wrap tightly) and reheated when needed.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9-inch baking dish or ovenproof skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Saucepan (for cherry filling)
• Pastry cutter or fork (for biscuit dough)
• Spatula and spoon

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use canned cherry pie filling?
Yes, but the flavor will be sweeter and less fresh. Homemade filling tastes richer and more natural.

Q2: Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely — use vegan butter and non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk) with 1 tsp vinegar to mimic buttermilk.

Q3: Can I make the biscuit dough ahead?
Yes, prepare and refrigerate the dough up to 24 hours before baking.

Q4: Why did my topping turn soggy?
This can happen if the cherry filling is too runny. Make sure to thicken it properly with cornstarch before baking.

Q5: What if I don’t have buttermilk?
Mix ½ cup milk with 1 tsp lemon juice or vinegar — let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Conclusion

Cherry Cobbler with Buttery Biscuit Crust is the definition of comfort in a dish — golden, bubbling, and filled with fruity goodness. The warm, juicy cherries contrast beautifully with the flaky biscuit topping, creating a dessert that’s both nostalgic and timeless.

It’s perfect for family gatherings, holiday dinners, or cozy weekends at home. One spoonful of this heavenly dessert — especially topped with melting ice cream — and you’ll understand why cobblers are beloved across generations.