Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish.

2. Make the Cherry Filling

1. In a large bowl, toss the cherries with sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and optional lemon zest or almond extract until evenly coated.
2. Pour the cherry mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
   

   3. Prepare the Cobbler Topping

   1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
   2. Stir in the melted butter and milk until the batter is smooth and slightly thick. It should resemble a soft cookie dough.

   4. Assemble the Cobbler

   1. Drop spoonfuls of the cobbler topping over the cherry filling, spreading gently to cover most of the surface (it doesn’t need to be perfect—it will expand as it bakes).
   2. Optional: Sprinkle the top with cinnamon or coarse sugar for added texture and flavor.

   5. Bake the Cobbler

   1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the cherry filling is bubbling around the edges and the topping is golden brown.
   2. If the topping begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil.

   6. Cool and Serve

   1. Remove the cobbler from the oven and let it cool for 10–15 minutes to allow the filling to set slightly.
   2. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy every bite of this sweet-tart, buttery delight!

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   Serving Suggestions

   • With Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla, cherry, or even coconut ice cream takes this cobbler to the next level.
   • Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans over the topping before baking for extra crunch.
   • Pair with Beverages: Serve with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk for a cozy dessert experience.
   • Make It Seasonal: Swap cherries for other fruits like peaches, blueberries, or apples depending on the season.

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   Pro Tips for Success

   • Use Frozen Cherries: No need to thaw them—just toss them directly into the filling with a bit more cornstarch to absorb extra liquid.
   • Adjust Sweetness: Taste your cherries before adding sugar. Sweet cherries may need less sugar, while tart cherries might need more.
   • Don’t Skip the Lemon Zest: It adds a bright, citrusy note that balances the richness of the dessert.
   • Store Properly: Cover leftovers with plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

   Final Thoughts

   This Old-Fashioned Cherry Cobbler is a timeless dessert that’s simple, satisfying, and utterly delicious. With its juicy cherry filling and buttery, golden topping, it’s a dessert that brings people together and evokes feelings of nostalgia. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just because, this cobbler is sure to become a family favorite.

   So grab your cherries, mix up that topping, and bake your way to dessert perfection. One bite of this warm, gooey, cherry-packed cobbler, and you’ll understand why it’s a recipe worth holding onto for years to come. 🍒