Irresistible Cherry Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream

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Are you looking for the ultimate pudding, the kind that feels like a comforting embrace in a bowl? A classic bake that evokes warm memories of family meals and long summer days? We think we have just the thing. For us, nothing compares to the moment a bubbling, golden-brown cherry cobbler emerges from the oven, its delightful aroma filling the entire house. In this guide, we’ll show you how to create the most Irresistible Cherry Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream – Sweet & Juicy! you’ve ever had. It’s an enduring treat that strikes a perfect chord between tart, plump cherries and a soft, biscuit-like topping, made even more sublime by a scoop of cold, creamy vanilla ice cream melting over it.

Why We Adore This Cherry Cobbler Recipe

Over the years, we have experimented with countless pudding recipes, but this is the one we return to time and again. It’s a firm favourite for a multitude of reasons, and we are quite sure you will fall in love with it too. Here is what makes this particular recipe so special:

Wonderfully Straightforward: You needn’t be a master baker to achieve a brilliant result. The steps are clear-cut, and the ingredients are common kitchen staples. It is the ideal recipe for a relaxed weekend baking project.
A Harmony of Flavours: We have carefully perfected the balance between the sweet topping and the slightly tangy cherry filling. The result is a dessert that isn’t cloyingly sweet, which allows the glorious flavour of the cherries to take centre stage.
Adaptable and Reliable: Whether you’re using fresh cherries at their seasonal peak, a bag from the freezer, or even tinned ones from the larder, this recipe performs beautifully. It is a wonderful easy cherry dessert that can be enjoyed all year round.
Pure Comfort in a Dish: Warm, fruity, and deeply satisfying, this cobbler is the very definition of comfort food. It’s the perfect finish to a Sunday roast, a lovely way to mark a special occasion, or simply to cheer up a grey afternoon.

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Cobbler

Gathering your components is the first step towards a successful bake. We have divided them into two parts: the sumptuous cherry filling and the tender, fluffy topping. Using good-quality ingredients will always make a noticeable difference to the final taste.

For the Sweet & Juicy Cherry Filling

Cherries: 900g, fresh or frozen. If you are using fresh ones, ensure they are pitted.
Caster Sugar: 100g (you can adjust this depending on the sweetness of your fruit).
Cornflour: 2 tablespoons, to help thicken the lovely juices.
Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon, preferably freshly squeezed, to lift the fruit’s flavour.
Almond Extract: ½ teaspoon (this is optional, but we highly recommend it for that classic marriage of flavours).
A Pinch of Salt: Just a little, to bring out all the other tastes.

For the Fluffy Cobbler Topping

Plain Flour: 250g.
Caster Sugar: 75g.
Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons.
Salt: ½ teaspoon.
Unsalted Butter: 115g, cold and cut into small cubes.
Milk: 180ml, full-fat works best for a richer texture.
Demerara Sugar: 1 tablespoon, for scattering over the top to give a wonderful, crunchy finish.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Irresistible Cherry Cobbler

With our ingredients all measured out, it is time for the enjoyable part! Follow these simple instructions to create a show-stopping pudding that everyone is sure to love.

Prepare Your Oven and Dish: First things first, preheat your oven to 190°C (170°C Fan / Gas Mark 5). Lightly grease a 2-litre baking dish; a 9×9 inch square dish or a similar oval one is ideal.
Make the Cherry Filling: In a large bowl, mix together the cherries, 100g of caster sugar, cornflour, lemon juice, almond extract, and the pinch of salt. Gently stir until the cherries are evenly coated. Tip this fruity mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out.
Create the Cobbler Topping: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the plain flour, 75g of caster sugar, baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Add the cold, cubed butter. Using just your fingertips or a pastry blender, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
Finish the Topping Dough: Pour the milk into the flour and butter mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold everything together until it is just combined. Be careful not to overmix—a slightly lumpy dough creates a much more tender topping.
Assemble Your Cobbler: Drop large spoonfuls of the topping mixture over the cherry filling. Do not worry about covering all the fruit; we want to see some of that vibrant red filling bubbling up through the gaps as it bakes. Sprinkle the demerara sugar evenly over the topping for a lovely crunch.
Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the baking dish onto a baking tray (this will catch any potential drips) and bake for 35-45 minutes. You will know it is ready when the filling is thick and bubbly and the topping has turned a deep golden-brown.
Rest and Serve: This is a vital step! Let the cobbler stand for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the filling time to set and thicken slightly. We recommend serving it warm with a generous helping of vanilla ice cream.

Pro Tips for the Best Cherry Cobbler Recipe

Keen to take your cobbler from great to absolutely unforgettable? Here are some of our favourite tips and tricks that we have picked up along the way.

Choosing the Right Cherries: While any type will work, a fresh cherry recipe is simply glorious when the fruit is in season. We love using a blend of sweet and sour cherries (such as Morello) to create a more complex flavour. If using frozen cherries, there is no need to thaw them first! For more information on different cherry varieties, the experts at British Cherries have a fantastic guide.
Don’t Overmix the Topping: We cannot stress this enough! Overworking the dough develops the gluten in the flour, which results in a tough, dense topping rather than a light and fluffy one. Mix only until the ingredients are just incorporated.
The Almond Extract Secret: Almond and cherry are a classic pairing for good reason. Just a tiny drop of almond extract enhances the natural fruitiness of the filling, giving it a wonderful depth of flavour.
Patience is a Virtue: Allowing the cobbler to rest after it comes out of the oven is essential. It gives the cornflour a chance to work its magic and thicken the juices, so that you get a perfect spoonful every single time.

Customising Your Sweet & Juicy Cobbler

One of the best things about baking with cherries is how wonderfully they pair with other flavours. We encourage you to get creative and make this recipe your own!

Add a Pinch of Spice: A little ground cinnamon or nutmeg mixed into the topping can add a lovely, gentle warmth.
Boost the Crunch: Try sprinkling some flaked almonds or chopped pecans over the topping along with the demerara sugar for extra texture.
Mix Your Fruits: Feel free to swap out about a third of the cherries for other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or chopped peaches to make a mixed-berry cobbler.

If you enjoy experimenting with fruit in your baking, you will absolutely adore our Blueberry Heaven Cookies The Definitive Recipe For Soft Chewy Perfection. They are soft, chewy, and bursting with flavour!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen or tinned cherries?

Of course! If using frozen cherries, add them directly to the filling mixture without thawing. They might release a little more water, but the cornflour will take care of it. If you’re using tinned cherries, be sure to drain them well and consider reducing the sugar in the filling, as they are often packed in a sweet syrup.

How do I know when my cobbler is done?

Your cobbler is ready when the topping is a rich golden-brown and you can see the fruit filling bubbling thickly around the edges. You can also test it by inserting a skewer into the centre of the topping; it should come out clean.

Can I make this cherry cobbler ahead of time?

You can prepare the filling and the topping separately up to a day in advance. Store the filling covered in the fridge and keep the dry topping mixture in an airtight container at room temperature. When you are ready to bake, simply assemble and pop it in the oven. The baked cobbler is best enjoyed fresh, but it is still delicious the next day.

How should I store leftover cobbler?

Cover any leftovers tightly and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds or warm the entire dish in the oven at 160°C for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

Why is my cobbler topping soggy?

A soggy topping on a homemade cherry cobbler is usually caused by one of two things: either the topping was overmixed, or there was too much liquid in the fruit filling. Ensure you measure your cornflour correctly to thicken the juices, and mix the topping dough as little as possible to keep it light and airy.

The Perfect Pairing: Why Vanilla Ice Cream is a Must

We have mentioned it a few times, but this really deserves its own moment in the spotlight. Serving this warm cherry cobbler with a scoop of high-quality vanilla ice cream is non-negotiable in our household. The contrast is simply divine: the warm, sweet-tart fruit and soft topping meet the cold, creamy vanilla, which melts into a luscious sauce that mingles with the cherry juices. It is a sensory experience that elevates this humble pudding into something truly special. For those who enjoy light and airy desserts, our Cloud Cake Recipe is another treat that pairs wonderfully with cream or fruit.

Your New Favourite Dessert Awaits

We are so excited for you to try this recipe for an irresistible cherry cobbler with vanilla ice cream. It is more than just a dessert; it is a comforting, joyful experience that is perfect for sharing with the people you love. With its bubbly, sweet and juicy filling and perfectly tender topping, it is a classic for a reason and is sure to become a favourite in your home.

What are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake something truly wonderful. We would love to hear how your cobbler turns out, so please leave a comment below or share a photo with us on social media!