Imagine a warm, bubbly dessert, topped with a fluffy biscuit crust and bursting with sweet, juicy cherries. Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, and suddenly, every day feels like a sun-drenched summer afternoon! Our Bisquick Cherry Cobbler isn’t just a recipe; it’s an invitation to pure, effortless delight. This incredible Bisquick dessert is a true time-saver, simplifying the baking process without sacrificing an ounce of homemade flavor. You’ll be amazed at how sweet, succulent, and utterly irresistible this classic fruit cobbler turns out.
What Exactly is a Cobbler?
The culinary world is rich with delightful fruit desserts, and the cobbler holds a special, cherished place. Often compared to an upside-down pie, a cobbler is a baked fruit dessert typically topped with a batter or biscuit-like dough. Unlike pies, which are enclosed in a pastry crust, cobblers boast a more rustic, homey charm with their dropped biscuit or scone-like topping.
While the fruit fillings for cobblers and pies are quite similar, often featuring fresh or canned fruits sweetened with sugar and sometimes thickened with cornstarch or flour, the defining difference lies in the topping. Pie crust is characterized by its buttery, flaky layers, requiring precise technique to achieve that perfect crispness. Cobbler topping, on the other hand, is distinctly more biscuit-like in texture – soft, tender, and slightly chewy, providing a delightful contrast to the sweet fruit underneath. This unique topping, especially when made with a convenient mix like Bisquick, is what makes cobblers so approachable and beloved by home bakers.
If you find yourself captivated by the simple elegance of fruit cobblers, then you’re in for a treat! Expand your dessert repertoire with our equally delightful Bisquick Peach Cobbler recipe and our vibrant Bisquick Blueberry Cobbler recipe. Both offer the same easy-to-make experience with different fruity twists, proving just how versatile and time-saving Bisquick can be in your kitchen.
This Bisquick Cherry Cobbler recipe isn’t just for casual cravings; it’s a versatile dessert perfect for a cozy date night, impressing guests at a dinner party, or simply elevating an everyday family meal into something extraordinary. With its rich, comforting flavors and an inherently elegant presentation, it’s guaranteed to charm anyone at your table. For more seasonal culinary delights and comforting recipes, be sure to explore our collection of February recipes, brimming with ingredients and flavors that celebrate the heart of winter.
Why You’ll Adore This Bisquick Cherry Cobbler
There are countless reasons why this particular cherry cobbler has become a fast favorite, earning its permanent spot in our recipe rotation. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a joyful baking experience that delivers incredible results with minimal fuss.
- Explosion of Flavor with Minimal Effort: This modest Bisquick dessert is absolutely packed with flavor! We believe in generous portions, which is why this recipe calls for two cans of cherry pie filling, ensuring every spoonful is bursting with luscious fruit. Paired with the right toppings, like a scoop of premium vanilla ice cream or a cloud of freshly whipped cream, it tastes incredibly decadent and indulgent – yet requires surprisingly little effort to prepare. It truly embodies the concept of “gourmet made easy.”
- Unbeatable Versatility in Cookware: One of the best aspects of this recipe is its adaptability. Whether you have a trusty cast-iron skillet or a classic casserole dish on hand, this cobbler will bake beautifully. This flexibility means no last-minute stress or searching for specific bakeware; simply use what you have, and achieve perfect results every time. This makes it an ideal dessert for any kitchen, big or small.
- Perfect for Any Temperature or Occasion: This cherry cobbler truly shines in its versatility. It’s fantastic served warm straight from the oven, offering a comforting embrace with every bite. It’s equally delightful at room temperature, making it ideal for potlucks, picnics, or summer gatherings. And if you’re a fan of chilled desserts, you’ll be pleased to know it’s wonderfully refreshing when cold, making it perfect for satisfying those late-night sweet cravings or as a refreshing treat on a hot day. Plus, it freezes beautifully, allowing you to prepare it in advance and enjoy a taste of summer whenever the mood strikes.
Cherry desserts strike a perfect balance between tart and sweet, offering a vibrant flavor profile that’s hard to resist. However, if you’re seeking a slightly less sweet summer dessert option, we highly recommend exploring our delightful apple sourdough coffee cake for a tangy, comforting bake, or our classic eggless chocolate chip cookies recipe for a timeless and universally loved treat.
Essential Ingredients & Smart Substitutions
Crafting the perfect Bisquick Cherry Cobbler starts with understanding each ingredient and knowing your options for substitutions. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and how you can adapt the recipe to your pantry and preferences:
- Canned Cherry Pie Filling: This is truly the star of the show and the ultimate shortcut to an effortlessly easy cobbler. Using canned filling not only saves time but ensures a consistent, perfectly sweet, and thick cherry base.
- Substitution Option 1: Canned Cherries: If you prefer to use plain canned cherries (often packed in water or light syrup), grab two 20-ounce cans. Drain them well, and then for the right cobbler consistency, add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch along with your sugar to the cherries before baking. This will help create that signature thick, glossy filling.
- Substitution Option 2: Frozen Cherries: Frozen cherries are also an excellent choice! For maximum convenience, you can even leave them frozen when adding them to your baking dish. As they bake, they will release their juices and cook down into a delightful filling. Just like with canned cherries, you’ll want to add about 2-3 tablespoons of cornstarch and your desired amount of sugar to create a luscious, thickened filling.
- Milk: The milk in this recipe contributes to the rich flavor and proper rise of your biscuit topping.
- Recommended: Whole milk or 2% milk work best, providing enough fat content for a tender, fluffy biscuit.
- Avoid: Skim or nonfat milk. The lower fat content in these milks can result in a tougher, less risen biscuit, compromising the texture of your cobbler topping.
- Non-Dairy Alternatives: While non-dairy alternatives like almond milk or oat milk typically don’t have enough fat to achieve the desired rise and texture in this particular recipe, coconut milk (especially full-fat canned coconut milk) might work due to its higher fat content. However, please note: this recipe has not been specifically tested with coconut milk, so results may vary.
- Bisquick Mix: The foundation of our quick and easy biscuit topping!
- Varieties: Regular Bisquick, Heart-Healthy Bisquick, and even Gluten-Free Bisquick versions all perform wonderfully in this recipe, allowing everyone to enjoy this classic dessert.
- Homemade Option: If you don’t have Bisquick on hand or prefer to make your own mix from scratch, it’s incredibly simple to do. You can find detailed instructions and proportions for homemade Bisquick in our comprehensive guide, What to Make with Bisquick.
- Sugar: Sweetens the biscuit topping, balancing the tartness of the cherries.
- Sweetener Substitutes: If you’re looking to reduce sugar, sweetener substitutes can be an option. However, it’s crucial to use a granulated sweetener specifically designed for baking, as these are formulated to behave similarly to sugar in terms of volume and structure.
- Important Note: Do NOT use regular Splenda as a direct 1:1 substitute for sugar in this recipe, as it can affect the texture and browning. If using Splenda, opt for the variety explicitly labeled for baking, or use a combination of half regular Splenda and half granulated sugar to ensure proper consistency and flavor development.
Crafting Your Perfect Cherry Cobbler: Expert Tips & Techniques
While this Bisquick Cherry Cobbler recipe is remarkably straightforward, a few key tips can elevate your dessert from delicious to absolutely unforgettable. Pay attention to these insights for a perfect bake every time.
- Achieving the Perfect Biscuit Topping Distribution: The secret to a well-cooked cobbler lies in how you arrange the biscuit topping. It’s essential to remember that both the sweet cherry filling and the Bisquick dough need ample space and heat to cook through properly.
- Avoid Over-Covering: Resist the urge to completely cover the surface of the fruit filling with batter. If the topping forms an unbroken seal, the moisture from the fruit can’t evaporate, and the heat won’t penetrate evenly. This can lead to an undercooked, goopy fruit soup rather than a beautifully set cobbler with a golden-brown crust.
- Strategic Spacing: Aim to leave at least a couple of inches of space between each drop or scoop of dough. This allows the fruit filling to breathe, bubble, and thicken, while also giving the biscuit topping the necessary exposure to heat for a beautiful golden-brown finish and a tender, fully cooked interior. Think of it as creating little “windows” for steam to escape and for the filling to achieve its ideal texture.
- Ensuring Optimal Doneness – No Underbaking! Knowing exactly when your cobbler is ready to come out of the oven is crucial for a perfectly textured dessert.
- Visual Cues: When your cherry cobbler is done, the biscuit topping should boast a rich, golden-brown hue. Additionally, you’ll see the fruit filling actively bubbling, especially around the edges of the baking dish. These bubbles indicate that the fruit is hot enough, its juices have thickened, and it has cooked through.
- The Thermometer Test (for ultimate confidence): If visual cues aren’t quite enough to assure you, an instant-read thermometer is your best friend. Carefully insert the thermometer into the fruit filling between the biscuit drops. When the filling reaches an internal temperature of 200°F (93°C), your cherry dessert is perfectly cooked and ready to be removed from the oven. This method eliminates guesswork and guarantees a safe, delicious outcome.
Craving more easy and delightful summer dessert ideas? Our culinary archives are brimming with inspiration! Don’t miss out on our delectable recipe for a Peach Cobbler Pound Cake, a fantastic fusion of two classic comfort foods. And for a truly festive and refreshing treat perfect for any gathering, be sure to try our vibrant Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake Salad recipe – it’s as beautiful as it is delicious!
🎯 Pro Tip: Balancing Sweetness
For those who prefer their desserts a little less sweet, or to add an intriguing layer of flavor, consider offering a heaping spoonful of cream cheese or sour cream alongside their portion. The delightful tanginess of either of these ingredients provides a wonderful counterpoint, beautifully toning down and balancing the inherent sweetness of the cherry pie filling. It’s a simple trick that adds a sophisticated twist!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cherry Cobbler
The simplest way to achieve a beautifully thick fruit filling for your cobbler is by adding a touch of cornstarch. If you’re working with fresh or plain canned fruit (not pie filling), you’ll typically need to combine the fruit with sugar and a splash of lemon juice, then cook it gently on the stovetop until the fruit begins to break down and release its juices. At this point, whisk in 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch (depending on the amount of fruit) mixed with a little cold water to create a slurry, and stir it into the warm fruit mixture. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the filling thickens. A warmer fruit filling will always thicken more effectively with cornstarch than one that is cool or at room temperature, ensuring a rich, luscious base for your cobbler.
Proper storage ensures your Bisquick cherry cobbler remains delicious for days. First, allow the cobbler to cool completely to room temperature before covering it tightly or transferring it to an airtight container. This step is crucial to prevent condensation from forming inside the container, which can make the biscuit topping soggy. Once cooled, store the cobbler in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
To reheat individual portions, simply microwave for 20 to 30 seconds, or until warmed through. For a larger portion or if reheating from frozen, preheat your oven to 350ºF (175°C) and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the topping is warmed. This easy Bisquick dessert also freezes exceptionally well! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container, and it will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven as directed.
Serving Suggestions for Your Cherry Cobbler
A warm Bisquick cherry cobbler is a comforting dessert on its own, but it truly transforms into an unforgettable experience with the right accompaniments. We can barely imagine serving this delightful treat without pairing it with either a generous dollop of velvety homemade whipped cream, which adds a light, airy contrast to the rich fruit, or a glorious scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The melting ice cream creates a luscious sauce that mingles beautifully with the warm cherries and tender biscuits, making every bite pure bliss. For those who enjoy a little extra tang, don’t forget our Pro Tip: serve it with a cool spoonful of cream cheese on the side for a delightful flavor balance.
Do you have a cherished summer dessert that prominently features cherries or cherry pie filling? We’d absolutely love to hear about your culinary creations! Please share your favorite recipes and sweet memories in the comments section below this post – your ideas might just inspire our next baking adventure!
More Irresistible Bisquick Recipes To Love…
Bisquick isn’t just for pancakes and cobblers; it’s a versatile pantry staple that can simplify countless recipes, from savory meals to sweet indulgences. Explore more of our favorite Bisquick creations:
- An Array of Bisquick Dessert Recipes
- Moist and Flavorful Bisquick Banana Bread
- Classic Bisquick Buttermilk Biscuits
- Hearty Bisquick Cheeseburger Pie
If you tried this wonderful Bisquick Cherry Cobbler recipe or any other delightful recipe from our website, please don’t hesitate to leave a 🌟 star rating and share your experience in the 📝 comments section below. Your feedback truly brightens our day and helps fellow bakers! Thank you for visiting and happy baking!
Bisquick Cherry Cobbler
By Renae Gerhardstein
Bisquick Cherry Cobbler is a lazy summer dessert that tastes extraordinary! Wow your guests with this juicy, tasty 30-minute fruit cobbler that’s unbelievably easy to make.
Pin Recipe
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: 407 kcal
Equipment
- skillet – or 2-quart casserole dish
- small bowl
- medium cookie scoop – disher, or spoon
Ingredients
- 42 ounces cherry pie filling (2 x 21-ounce cans) – see notes for substitutions
- 1 ½ cups Bisquick baking mix (homemade or store bought)
- ⅓ cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 ½ tablespoons sugar (or granulated sweetener substitute for baking)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 400º F (200°C) and grease a large cast-iron skillet or 2-quart casserole dish. (Preheating the oven is not strictly necessary for this recipe, but recommended for best results).
- Add the cherry pie filling to the greased skillet or casserole dish and bake for 10 minutes to allow it to warm up.
- While the cherry pie filling is baking, combine the Bisquick baking mix, milk, sugar, and melted unsalted butter in a small bowl. Stir until just combined to form the biscuit topping batter.
- Carefully remove the cherry cobbler from the oven. Using two spoons or a medium cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough on top of the warm cherry filling. Ensure to evenly space the drops on top of the casserole, leaving some gaps for steam to escape and for the topping to brown.
- Return the Bisquick cobbler to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes. The cobbler is done when the biscuits are beautifully golden brown and the cherry filling is visibly bubbling, especially around the edges of the dish.
- Allow the cobbler to cool slightly before serving for the best texture and flavor. Serve warm with a generous dollop of homemade whipped cream, cool whip, or a scoop of luscious vanilla ice cream. For an extra tangy and unique treat, enjoy a bowl of cobbler with a cool spoonful of cream cheese on the side.
Notes
- If serving someone who prefers less sweet desserts, offer a heaping spoonful of cream cheese or sour cream alongside their portion. The tanginess will beautifully balance the sweetness of the pie filling.
- Ingredient Notes:
- For canned cherries (not pie filling): Use two 20-ounce cans, drained. Add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and desired sugar to the cherries for thickening.
- For sweetener substitution: Use Splenda specifically made for baking (1:1 substitution). Do NOT use regular Splenda, as the fruit cobbler will not thicken properly. If only regular Splenda is available, use 1/2 regular Splenda and 1/2 regular sugar.
- Storing Instructions:
- Allow the Bisquick cherry cobbler to cool completely to room temperature before storing to prevent condensation. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
- This easy Bisquick dessert freezes very well for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, bake in the oven at 350ºF (175°C) for 30 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 407kcal | Carbohydrates: 78g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 424mg | Potassium: 279mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 550IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 93mg | Iron: 1mg