Dessert

Old Fashioned Cherry Cobbler (Cast Iron) Recipe

Byluca Carter April 16, 2026April 16, 2026

Introduction

Old Fashioned Cherry Cobbler is a comforting dessert combining juicy cherries with a tender biscuit topping. Baked in a cast iron skillet, this classic treat is perfect for sharing and easy to prepare using fresh or frozen cherries.

The image shows a black cast iron skillet filled with cherry cobbler sitting on a white plate. Inside the skillet, there are five large, golden-brown crumbly biscuit-like topping pieces arranged in a rough circle, leaving spaces between them where bright red cherries and a dark red juicy cherry sauce can be seen bubbling. A silver spoon rests inside the skillet, partially submerged in the sauce near one of the biscuit pieces. Around the skillet, there are a few fresh whole cherries on the white marbled surface, a white small bowl with some coarse salt and a spoon in it, and a white bowl full of fresh cherries partially visible on the right side. A blue-gray cloth is placed on the left side of the skillet. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 cups fresh or frozen cherries (pitted)
1 cup granulated sugar (adjust based on sweetness of cherries)

2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 cup all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
1/2 cup milk (or buttermilk)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine cherries, 1 cup sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Mix well and set aside to macerate for about 10 minutes.

Step 2: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, 1/4 cup sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 3: Stir in the milk until just combined to form the biscuit topping dough.
Step 4: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the cherry mixture into a cast iron skillet.

Step 5: Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough over the cherries, covering them partially.
Step 6: Bake for 30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the cherries are bubbling.
Step 7: Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream.

Tips & Variations

Adjust sugar in the filling depending on the tartness of your cherries to balance sweetness.
Use buttermilk instead of milk for a richer, tangier biscuit topping.
For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the biscuit dough.

Frozen cherries can be used directly; no need to thaw before mixing.

Storage

Store leftover cobbler covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through. The topping is best enjoyed fresh but still delicious when reheated.

How to Serve

A black cast iron skillet holds a cherry cobbler with five large golden-brown crumbly biscuit pieces on top, each textured with a crunchy surface. Between the biscuit pieces, bright red cherries and deep red cherry filling peek through, looking juicy and syrupy with a glossy finish. The skillet is placed on a white plate, all set on a white marbled surface. A silver spoon rests inside the skillet, partially submerged in the dark red filling. Nearby, three fresh shiny cherries with stems lie on the white marbled surface next to a small white bowl with coarse white sugar in a silver spoon inside it. A light blue cloth is casually placed next to the skillet. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other fruits instead of cherries?

Yes, peaches, blueberries, or mixed berries work well in this recipe. Adjust the sugar and cornstarch as needed to suit the fruit’s sweetness and juiciness.

Do I have to use a cast iron skillet?

While a cast iron skillet provides even heating and a rustic presentation, you can use any oven-safe baking dish of similar size. The texture and baking time will be similar.