Easy Tart Cherry Cobbler Recipe: A Simple and Delicious Dessert
If you’re looking for a quick and easy dessert that’s perfect for any time of year, this Easy Tart Cherry Cobbler is the answer. Made with Montmorency tart cherries and a box of cake mix, this semi-homemade cobbler comes together in no time and delivers a deliciously sweet and tangy flavor that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re serving it plain or with a scoop of ice cream, this cobbler is sure to satisfy your dessert cravings.
Ingredients: A Simple and Flavorful Combination
Tart Cherries (2 cans, 14.25 oz each)
Montmorency tart cherries are the star of this cobbler, providing a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the cake mix. These cherries are typically canned in juice, which adds extra flavor to the filling. If you can’t find canned tart cherries, you can use frozen cherries—just be sure to thaw them before using.
Tart Cherry Juice (½ cup)
The reserved tart cherry juice enhances the cherry flavor in the filling and helps to thicken it when combined with the cornstarch and sugar.
Granulated Sugar (1⅓ cups)
Sugar balances the tartness of the cherries, sweetening the filling to create a delicious contrast between the sweet topping and the tangy fruit.
Cornstarch (½ cup)
Cornstarch is used to thicken the cherry filling, giving it a glossy, rich consistency that’s perfect for cobbler.
Yellow Cake Mix (1 package, 14-16 oz)
A box of yellow cake mix makes this cobbler incredibly easy to prepare. It forms a sweet, tender topping that bakes up golden and slightly crisp. If you prefer, you can experiment with other flavors of cake mix, such as white or butter pecan.
Lemon Lime Soda (12 oz)
Lemon lime soda is poured over the dry cake mix, creating a bubbly, moist topping that complements the cherries perfectly. The carbonation helps to leaven the cake mix, making it light and fluffy.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Easy Tart Cherry Cobbler
1. Prepare the Cherry Filling
Start by draining the tart cherries, reserving ½ cup of the juice. Discard any remaining juice or save it for another use. In a medium saucepan, combine the reserved cherry juice, granulated sugar, and cornstarch. Place the saucepan over medium-low heat and whisk the mixture until smooth.
Continue stirring constantly as the mixture heats up. It will begin to thicken as it reaches a boil. Once the mixture has thickened and is bubbling, remove it from the heat and stir in the drained cherries. This will create a thick, luscious filling for your cobbler.
2. Assemble the Cobbler
Pour the cherry filling into a 9×9-inch baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Allow the filling to cool slightly while you preheat your oven to 350°F.
Once the oven is preheated, sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the cherry filling. Then, slowly pour the lemon lime soda over the top of the cake mix. Use a fork to lightly mix the soda and dry mix together—just enough to moisten the cake mix without fully incorporating it. This ensures that the topping will bake up with a light, airy texture.
3. Bake the Cobbler
Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the top is light golden brown and the filling is bubbly. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven and the size of your baking dish. If you’re using a larger 9×13-inch baking dish, the baking time may be shorter, so keep an eye on it.
4. Serve and Enjoy
Once the cobbler is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. The cherry filling will thicken as it cools, making it easier to serve. This cobbler is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips for the Best Tart Cherry Cobbler
- Use Quality Cherries: Montmorency tart cherries are recommended for this recipe because of their bright, tangy flavor. If you can’t find canned tart cherries, frozen cherries are a good alternative—just be sure to thaw them before using.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling. Taste the filling as it thickens and adjust the sugar to your liking.
- Experiment with Cake Mix Flavors: While yellow cake mix is classic, you can switch things up by using different flavors of cake mix. White, butter pecan, or even spice cake mix can add a unique twist to the cobbler.
- Customize the Topping: For added flavor, consider mixing a teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract into the cherry filling after removing it from the heat. You can also sprinkle the top of the cobbler with chopped nuts or a bit of cinnamon sugar before baking.
- Serve Fresh: This cobbler is best served fresh from the oven, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for a quick and delicious dessert.
Variations to Try
- Peach Cherry Cobbler: Add a can of sliced peaches (drained) to the cherry filling for a peach-cherry twist. The combination of sweet peaches and tart cherries is irresistible.
- Chocolate Cherry Cobbler: Use a chocolate cake mix instead of yellow cake mix for a rich, chocolatey version of this cobbler. The combination of chocolate and cherries is always a winner.
- Cherry Almond Cobbler: Stir a teaspoon of almond extract into the cherry filling and sprinkle sliced almonds over the top before baking for a nutty, aromatic twist.
Storing and Reheating
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place a serving in the microwave and heat on medium power until warmed through. The topping may soften slightly in the fridge, but reheating will bring back some of its crispness.
Enhancing Your Tart Cherry Cobbler Experience
If you’re looking to take your Tart Cherry Cobbler to the next level, here are some additional tips and ideas to elevate this already delightful dessert:
1. Add a Crunchy Topping
While the cake mix topping is delicious on its own, you can add an extra layer of texture by incorporating a crunchy element:
- Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds over the top before baking. The nuts will toast in the oven, adding a wonderful crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the tart cherries.
- Oats: Mix a handful of rolled oats into the cake mix before sprinkling it over the cherries. The oats will bake up crispy, giving the topping a more rustic, cobbler-like texture.
- Streusel: Create a simple streusel by combining a bit of the dry cake mix with melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture over the cobbler for a sweet, buttery crumble on top.
2. Incorporate Spices
Spices can add warmth and depth to your cobbler, making it even more comforting:
- Cinnamon: A classic spice for cobblers, cinnamon adds warmth and complements the tartness of the cherries. Add a teaspoon to the cake mix or sprinkle it over the top before baking.
- Nutmeg: A pinch of freshly grated nutmeg adds a subtle, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with cherries.
- Ginger: Ground ginger can add a slight zing to the cobbler, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
3. Serve with Homemade Whipped Cream
While ice cream is a popular topping for cobbler, homemade whipped cream can be just as delightful:
- Classic Whipped Cream: Whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Serve a dollop on top of each serving of cobbler.
- Cinnamon Whipped Cream: Add a dash of cinnamon to your whipped cream for a spiced twist that complements the cherry filling.
- Bourbon Whipped Cream: For an adult twist, add a splash of bourbon to your whipped cream. The subtle hint of alcohol pairs well with the tart cherries.
4. Layering Flavors
For a more complex flavor profile, consider adding layers of flavor to your cobbler:
- Chocolate Chips: Scatter a handful of chocolate chips over the cherry filling before adding the cake mix. The chocolate will melt into the cherries, creating a rich, gooey layer.
- Citrus Zest: Add the zest of a lemon or orange to the cherry filling for a bright, citrusy note that enhances the tartness of the cherries.
- Vanilla or Almond Extract: Stir a teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract into the cherry filling for an extra layer of flavor.
5. Presentation Tips
Enhance the presentation of your cobbler for special occasions:
- Individual Servings: Bake the cobbler in individual ramekins or small baking dishes. This makes for an elegant presentation, perfect for dinner parties or special occasions.
- Rustic Look: Serve the cobbler straight from the baking dish for a rustic, homey feel. Place the dish on a wooden cutting board and let guests serve themselves.
- Garnishes: Top each serving with a sprig of mint, a few fresh cherries, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a polished, restaurant-worthy presentation.
Pairing Ideas for Tart Cherry Cobbler
Pairing your cobbler with the right beverage can enhance the dessert experience:
- Coffee: The slight bitterness of coffee pairs well with the sweetness of the cobbler. Serve with a hot cup of espresso, cappuccino, or a simple brewed coffee.
- Tea: A black tea, such as Earl Grey, complements the flavors of the cobbler without overpowering it. For a more floral note, try pairing with a chamomile or jasmine tea.
- Red Wine: A light red wine, like Pinot Noir, can enhance the flavors of the cherries, creating a more sophisticated dessert experience. The wine’s slight acidity complements the tartness of the cherries.
- Sparkling Wine: For a celebratory touch, serve the cobbler with a glass of sparkling wine or Champagne. The bubbles and slight sweetness of the wine make it a refreshing complement to the rich dessert.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have leftovers, storing and reheating the cobbler properly ensures it stays delicious:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover cobbler in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cherry filling will thicken as it chills, but the cobbler will still be delicious when reheated.
- Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, or until warmed through. If reheating a larger portion, cover the cobbler with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes. For a crispier topping, uncover the cobbler for the last few minutes of baking.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cobbler for up to 3 months. To freeze, allow the cobbler to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as directed above.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Tart Cherry Cobbler is a versatile dessert that can be customized and dressed up for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight treat or a dessert to impress guests, this cobbler delivers with its sweet and tangy filling and tender, golden topping. Experiment with the variations and serving suggestions to make this recipe your own, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic dessert all year round. Happy baking!