The 5-Ingredient Magic Cobbler: Easiest Cherry Dessert Ever
As a chef, I’m known for my long-simmered sauces and intricate holiday spreads, but honestly? There are days when I just need a dessert that delivers maximum comfort with minimum fuss. And that, my friends, is how this Easy Cherry or Other Fruit Cobbler recipe earned a permanent spot in my rotation.
It’s a dessert that feels like a warm, comforting hug, and it only requires five simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. No fancy mixing, no rolling pin, and no standing around. It’s a true dump-and-bake miracle where the magic happens all by itself in the oven.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the incredible way the cake-like batter rises up around the hot, bubbling fruit filling, creating a gorgeous, golden-brown crust. We’re using the “melted butter method,” which creates a rich, crispy base that’s incomparable. Whether you pick classic cherry, sweet peach, or tart blueberry, you’re just minutes away from a spectacular dessert.
Why I Love This Recipe
This cobbler is a classic for a reason. It is the definition of effortless Southern comfort, and it never fails to impress. Here’s why I’m obsessed with this particular version:
- Five Ingredients. That’s It: Butter, flour, sugar, milk, and canned pie filling. The shopping list couldn’t be simpler.
- The Golden Butter Crust: Melting the butter in the hot pan before adding the batter is the crucial step. The batter mixes with the melted butter, resulting in a crispy, brown edge and a moist, fluffy center as it bakes. It’s what separates a good cobbler from a great one.
- Zero Stirring Required: The cardinal rule of this recipe is do not stir the batter and the fruit together. The batter must be poured over the melted butter, and the fruit must be spooned over the top. This layering technique is what allows the batter to rise up and embrace the fruit.
- Endless Variations: While cherry is a vibrant classic, this recipe is a perfect canvas for literally any canned fruit pie filling you love. Apple, peach, blueberry—go wild!
Ingredients
This recipe is designed to be made in a standard 9×13 inch baking dish.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
| Butter | 1 stick (1/2 cup) | Unsalted is preferred, but salted works fine. |
| Self-Rising Flour | 1 cup | Essential for the rise! See notes for substitution. |
| Granulated Sugar | 1 cup | Provides sweetness and helps the crust brown. |
| Whole Milk | 1 cup | Any milk works, but whole milk gives the richest result. |
| Canned Pie Filling | 1 can (about 20-21 oz) | Cherry, Peach, Blueberry, or Apple are my favorites. |
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Swaps and Notes
- Self-Rising Flour Substitute: If you don’t have self-rising flour, don’t panic. You can make your own! Whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Use this blend in place of the self-rising flour.
- Sugar Adjustment: If your canned pie filling is on the sweeter side (like cherry), you can reduce the sugar in the batter to 3/4 cup without sacrificing the texture.
- Butter Flavor: For an extra layer of flavor, melt the butter and let it cool slightly. Whisk in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract with the milk mixture before pouring it into the pan.
- Fruit Filling Quality: Not all canned fillings are created equal. Look for a brand that uses whole fruit and minimal high-fructose corn syrup for the best flavor. Chef’s Recommendation: Peach or Apple pie filling is phenomenal with a small sprinkle of cinnamon mixed into the batter.
Step-by-Step Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Melt the Butter
- Place the 1 stick of butter directly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Place the dish with the butter into the cold oven. Allow the butter to fully melt as the oven preheats to 350°F. The goal is for the butter to be sizzling and hot when you pull it out.
Step 2: Make the Batter
- While the oven preheats, whisk together the 1 cup of self-rising flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 cup of milk in a medium bowl until just combined. A few small lumps are okay. Do not overmix.
Step 3: Layer and Bake
- Once the oven is preheated and the butter is fully melted, carefully remove the hot pan.
- Pour the cobbler batter directly over the melted butter.
- Carefully spoon the entire can of pie filling over the top of the batter. DO NOT STIR! This is the magic part where the batter rises through the fruit.
- Place the pan back in the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the crust is puffed up, golden brown, and the fruit is bubbling vigorously.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
- Remove the cobbler from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for about 15 minutes before serving. This allows the fruit filling to set slightly.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Touch the Fruit: I can’t stress this enough. The contrast in density is what makes the light batter float up and cook perfectly. Stirring will make a dense, soggy mess, not a light, crispy cobbler.
- Ensure Your Flour is Fresh: Self-rising flour relies on the leavening agents (baking powder) being active. If your self-rising flour has been sitting in the pantry for a year, buy a fresh bag or use the all-purpose flour substitute with fresh baking powder for a proper rise.
- Hot Butter is Key: The butter must be fully melted and hot. This initial heat creates a frying effect on the bottom layer of the batter, guaranteeing a rich, crispy base, not a pale, doughy one.
- Use a Glass or Ceramic Dish: These materials hold heat well, which contributes to the crispy crust texture. A metal pan can also work, but watch it closely as it may brown faster.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This cobbler is perfect warm, fresh out of the oven, or cooled to room temperature.
- Ice Cream: A scoop of high-quality vanilla bean ice cream is the quintessential topping. The cold creaminess melting into the hot fruit is pure heaven.
- Whipped Cream: For a lighter topping, a dollop of fresh, lightly sweetened whipped cream works beautifully.
- Beverage Pairings: A tall, cool glass of my favorite This Blueberry Lemonade Is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days is perfect for a summer cobbler, or pair it with a strong black coffee or a delicate herbal tea.
Nutritional Information Per Serving
Disclaimer: This is an estimated nutritional breakdown based on the recipe ingredients, assuming 12 servings and an average 20 oz can of cherry pie filling. Exact values may vary based on ingredients and portion size.
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 250−275 kcal |
| Total Fat | 8−10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5−6 g |
| Cholesterol | 20−30 mg |
| Sodium | 180−200 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 40−45 g |
| Sugars | 25−30 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
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Storage and Leftover Tips
- Cooling: Allow the cobbler to cool completely before covering it. Covering a hot cobbler will trap steam and make the crust soggy.
- Storage: Store leftovers, covered tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: The best way to bring the cobbler back to life is in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10–15 minutes until warmed through and the crust is crisp again. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the crust texture.
- Freezing: You can freeze leftover cobbler. Cut it into individual servings, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as directed above.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the ease and comfort of this cobbler, you’ll definitely want to try some of my other favorite simple sweet treats:
- If you’re looking for another comforting classic that feeds a crowd, try This Big Family Banana Pudding Is My Favorite Classic Dessert to Feed a Crowd.
- For a fun, no-bake option that satisfies chocolate cravings instantly, make This Brownie Batter Dip Is My Favorite No-Bake Dessert for Instant Chocolate Cravings.
- If you’re feeling ambitious and want another crowd-pleaser that’s easier than it looks, check out How This Unicorn Poke Cake Became My Favorite Party Trick.
- Need a decadent, bite-sized treat? I highly recommend These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs Are My Favorite Sweet Obsession.
Final Thoughts
This fruit cobbler is a reminder that the best desserts don’t need to be complicated. They just need to be honest, simple, and made with a little bit of love (and a lot of butter). It’s perfect for a weeknight dessert, a last-minute gathering, or just a quiet evening on the couch.
If you try this recipe, please let me know what fruit filling you chose! I’m always looking for new favorite combinations. Tag me on social media or leave a comment below!
Happy baking,
Jason Griffith
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