We’ve always loved the warm, comforting vibe of Cracker Barrel’s Cherry Cobbler, a timeless Southern favorite that evokes nostalgic family dinners. With its juicy cherries and golden, buttery topping, it’s the perfect easy dessert to brighten any meal.
In our kitchen, we’ve recreated this classic recipe so you can enjoy that homestyle charm at home. It’s straightforward and crowd-pleasing, proving that great flavors don’t need fancy ingredients. Join us as we share our take on this beloved treat.
Ingredients
To bring our homemade version of Cracker Barrel’s Cherry Cobbler to your kitchen, we’ve compiled a straightforward list of ingredients. We’ll organize them by the order they’re used in the recipe—starting with the juicy cherry filling and followed by the buttery topping—to ensure everything comes together seamlessly.
For the Cherry Filling
- 4 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved (we recommend using tart cherries for that authentic Cracker Barrel tang)
- 1 cup granulated sugar, to enhance the natural sweetness of the cherries
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch, for thickening the filling to a perfect, syrupy consistency
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed to add a bright, zesty balance
For the Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, sifted for a light and fluffy texture
- ¼ cup granulated sugar, to create a crisp, golden crust
- 1 teaspoon baking powder, for the topping’s rise and tender crumb
- ½ teaspoon salt, to amplify the flavors without overpowering
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted to achieve that irresistible buttery richness
- ½ cup milk, whole for added creaminess in the dough
These carefully selected ingredients capture the nostalgic essence of Cracker Barrel’s Cherry Cobbler, making it easy to recreate this Southern classic at home.
Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients gathered, let’s walk through the steps to create our Cracker Barrel Cherry Cobbler. We’ll use straightforward techniques to achieve that irresistible blend of juicy cherries and a golden, buttery topping.
Prepare the Cherries
First, rinse 4 cups of fresh or frozen tart cherries under cold water and pit them if using fresh. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cherries, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble, which takes about 5-7 minutes—the vibrant red color intensifies and releases a sweet-tart aroma that fills the kitchen. Once thickened, remove from heat and set aside for assembly.
Make the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, sift 1 cup of all-purpose flour to ensure it’s light and airy. Add ¼ cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt, whisking them together until evenly distributed. Pour in ½ cup of melted unsalted butter and ½ cup of whole milk, then stir with a wooden spoon until the batter forms a smooth, slightly thick consistency—imagine a fluffy, buttery topping that will crisp up perfectly in the oven.
Assemble the Cobbler
Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with a bit of butter or cooking spray for easy release. Pour the prepared cherry mixture evenly into the bottom of the dish, spreading it out with a spatula. Spoon the batter over the cherries in dollops, covering as much of the surface as possible without mixing it in—this creates distinct layers where the tart cherry filling bubbles up through the topping for a delightful contrast in textures.
Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the assembled cobbler on the middle rack and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the topping turns a golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges—test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the topping; it should come out clean. Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and the juices to thicken.
Equipment Needed
To bring our Cracker Barrel Cherry Cobbler to life with ease and precision, we rely on a few essential tools that streamline the preparation and baking process. These items align directly with the steps we’ve outlined, from prepping the cherry filling to mixing the batter and achieving that perfect golden bake.
Here’s a curated list of the key equipment we recommend, organized by the stage of the recipe for seamless workflow:
- Mixing Bowls: Two medium-sized bowls—one for combining the cherry filling ingredients and another for whisking together the topping batter—to ensure even mixing without cross-contamination.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: A set of standard measuring cups (1-cup, ½-cup, etc.) and spoons (teaspoons and tablespoons) for accurately measuring ingredients like sugar, flour, and lemon juice, which are crucial for the recipe’s balance.
- Saucepan: A 2-quart saucepan for cooking the cherry mixture on the stovetop, allowing us to thicken the cherries with sugar and cornstarch to that ideal juicy consistency.
- Whisk or Wooden Spoon: A sturdy whisk for blending the batter smoothly or a wooden spoon for stirring the cherry filling, helping us avoid lumps and achieve a uniform texture.
- Baking Dish: A 9×9-inch or 8×8-inch square baking dish (preferably oven-safe glass or ceramic) to layer and bake the cobbler evenly, ensuring the buttery topping bubbles perfectly.
- Oven: A standard preheated oven set to 375°F, which is essential for the final baking step to deliver that signature golden-brown finish.
- Colander: For rinsing and draining fresh or frozen cherries, making prep quick and mess-free before they hit the saucepan.
By gathering these tools beforehand, we make our Cracker Barrel Cherry Cobbler recipe even more accessible and enjoyable, turning your kitchen into a hub of homestyle baking success.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the joys of our Cracker Barrel Cherry Cobbler recipe is its flexibility for busy schedules—we can prepare key components in advance to save time without sacrificing that homestyle charm and juicy cherry goodness. This approach lets the flavors meld beautifully, making the dessert even more irresistible when you’re ready to bake.
Preparing the Cherry Filling Ahead
To get a head start, we recommend making the cherry filling up to 2 days in advance. Here’s how:
- Step 1: In a saucepan, combine 4 cups of fresh or frozen tart cherries, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and the cherries release their vibrant, tangy juices—about 5-7 minutes.
- Step 2: Remove from heat and let it cool completely. Transfer the filling to an airtight container and refrigerate it. This not only simplifies assembly later but also allows the sweet-tart cherry flavors to intensify, creating a more nostalgic Southern experience.
Preparing the Topping Ahead
The topping can be mixed and stored for up to 1 day, ensuring it’s ready to dollop when you need it:
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, sift 1 cup of all-purpose flour and whisk in ¼ cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Add ½ cup of melted unsalted butter and ½ cup of whole milk, stirring until you achieve a smooth, butter-rich batter.
- Step 2: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container, then refrigerate. The batter will hold its texture, ready to spread over the cherries for that golden-brown, crispy topping we love.
Storage and Reheating Tips
For optimal results, store your make-ahead components properly to maintain freshness and texture:
| Component | Storage Method | Duration | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cherry Filling | Refrigerate in an airtight container | Up to 2 days | Keeps the cherries plump and flavorful; stir before using. |
| Topping Batter | Refrigerate in a covered bowl or container | Up to 1 day | May thicken slightly—stir in a splash of milk if needed before baking. |
| Assembled Cobbler | Cover and refrigerate the unbaked dish | Up to 24 hours | Add 5-10 minutes to baking time to ensure it’s bubbling and golden. |
When you’re ready to bake, simply assemble the cobbler by greasing your baking dish, layering the cherry filling, and adding the topping. Bake at 375°F for 35-45 minutes until it’s bubbling with warmth and has a irresistible, buttery aroma. This make-ahead strategy ensures our Cracker Barrel Cherry Cobbler remains a crowd-pleasing favorite with minimal effort.
Conclusion
We’ve cherished recreating Cracker Barrel’s cherry cobbler in our own kitchens
It’s a straightforward way to capture that cozy Southern vibe
We’re confident this recipe will become a go-to favorite
Bringing warmth and smiles to every bite you share
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cracker Barrel Cherry Cobbler?
Cracker Barrel Cherry Cobbler is a classic Southern dessert known for its nostalgic, comforting appeal. It features juicy tart cherries in a sweet filling topped with a buttery, golden crust, evoking homestyle charm. This simple recipe recreates the restaurant’s favorite using fresh ingredients, making it perfect for family meals or gatherings.
How do I make Cherry Cobbler at home?
To make Cherry Cobbler, start by cooking 4 cups of tart cherries with sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice until thickened. Mix a batter with flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, melted butter, and milk. Layer the cherry filling in a greased baking dish, dollop the batter on top, and bake at 375°F for 35-45 minutes until bubbly and golden. It’s straightforward and uses basic ingredients.
What ingredients are needed for this recipe?
For the cherry filling, you’ll need 4 cups of tart cherries, 1 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. For the topping, use 1 cup flour, ¼ cup sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ cup melted butter, and ½ cup milk. These simple items capture the authentic Cracker Barrel flavor without fancy additions.
What equipment do I need to prepare Cherry Cobbler?
You’ll need mixing bowls for the filling and batter, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a saucepan to cook the cherries, a whisk or wooden spoon for mixing, a baking dish for even baking, and a colander for rinsing cherries. Gathering these tools ahead makes the process easy and enjoyable for home bakers.
Can I make Cherry Cobbler ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the cherry filling up to 2 days in advance to let flavors intensify, and mix the topping up to 1 day ahead. Store both in the fridge in airtight containers. When ready, assemble and bake as directed. This method saves time while keeping the cobbler fresh and delicious for your meal.
How should I store leftover Cherry Cobbler?
Store leftover Cherry Cobbler in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 2 months—cool completely first, then wrap tightly. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain its texture and flavor. Always check for freshness before serving.
Are there any tips for making the best Cherry Cobbler?
Use fresh or frozen tart cherries for the best tart-sweet balance. Ensure the batter is smooth and not overmixed, and bake until golden and bubbling for the perfect texture. For variations, try adding a dash of cinnamon or serving with vanilla ice cream. This recipe is forgiving and crowd-pleasing, ideal for beginners.