Individual Cherry Cobblers
Savor the taste of summer with a timeless classic: fresh cherry cobbler. Beloved for generations, this comforting dessert originated in the United States back during the pioneer era. Its popularity soared as families embraced its rustic charm, simplicity, and fruity sweetness.
Crafting a cherry cobbler is a breeze – all you need is fresh ripe cherries (I prefer fresh over frozen), which get topped with a buttery biscuit-like dough that will draw you in like a warm hug. Bake until golden and bubbly for a dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.
Cobblers, Crisps and Crumbles
The big, often asked question is what sets a cobbler apart from other fruit desserts like crisps and crumbles? While a crisp typically features a streusel-like topping made from oats and flour, a crumble boasts a crumbly mixture of flour, butter, and sugar, and a cobbler stands out with its biscuit-like topping that “cobbles” together as it bakes, giving it a distinctively comforting texture.
Fresh or Frozen?
The honest answer is, both work. Fresh cherries, when in season, offer a vibrant, juicy flavor that can’t be beat. They provide a burst of sweetness and a slightly firm texture, adding a delightful freshness to the cobbler. However, they require pitting, which can be time-consuming.
Frozen cherries, on the other hand, are typically picked at their peak ripeness and immediately frozen, locking in their flavor and juiciness. They are convenient to use since they come pre-pitted, saving time in the kitchen. While frozen cherries may have a slightly softer texture compared to fresh ones, they still provide excellent flavor and are available year-round, making them a convenient option for cobbler-making any time of the year.
Ultimately, whether you choose fresh or frozen cherries for your cobbler depends on personal preference and seasonal availability. Both options can result in a deliciously satisfying dessert that celebrates the luscious sweetness of cherries in every bite.
As temperatures rise, fruit cobblers, of any variety, emerge as the quintessential summer dessert. Their juicy fruit filling and golden crust evoke memories of lazy afternoons and last-minute backyard gatherings. Plus, it’s a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or a swirl of fresh whipped cream. No matter how you serve it, a classic cherry cobbler is a wonderful dessert that captures the essence of summer in every single bite.
Cherry Cobbler
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 3 cups fresh sweet cherries, pitted
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
For the Topping:
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Vanilla ice cream, or whipped cream for serving (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place four standard-size ramekins on a baking sheet and place them near your work station.
- For the Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, add the pitted cherries, sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and flour, and toss well to coat. Divide the cherry mixture into the ramekins, packing the cherries down to flatten.
- For the Topping: In a medium mixing bowl, add the sugar, flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon, followed by the vanilla extract, almond extract, and melted butter. Mix well until combined. Note: The mixture will look similar to a soft cookie dough.
- Using your hands, take small pieces of the topping and use your fingers to form small flat-shaped pieces. Place the pieces of topping, slightly overlapping, all over the top of the cherries for a "cobbled" effect.
- Place the cobblers on the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 28-30 minutes, until the topping is light golden brown. Remove the cobblers from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream.
