Cherry Cinnamon Cobbler: A Taste of Nostalgia

My grandmother’s kitchen was a portal to pure joy, filled with the comforting aroma of baking spices and simmering fruit. Among the many treasured treats she baked, her cobblers always held a special place in my heart. While she never used this exact recipe, the combination of juicy cherries and warm cinnamon in this Cherry Cinnamon Cobbler brings back floods of memories of her cozy kitchen and the simple pleasure of sharing a homemade dessert with loved ones. With every bite, I’m transported back to those cherished moments.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 55-60 minutes
• Servings: 8-12
• Yield: 1 (8×8) inch cobbler
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian (Can be made vegan with substitutions)

Ingredients

For the Cherry Filling:

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2-4 tablespoons French’s Red Cinnamon Candies
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 (1 lb) can sour pie cherries, undrained

For the Cinnamon Rounds:

• 1 1/2 cups sifted Pillsbury’s Best All-Purpose Flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons brown sugar, divided
• 1/3 cup pecans, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup shortening
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 tablespoon soft butter
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Optional:

• Glaze (powdered sugar and milk) for drizzling after baking.

Equipment Needed

• 8×8 inch baking dish
• Saucepan
• Mixing bowl
• Sifter
• Pastry blender or fork
• Rolling pin
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cherry Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, cinnamon candies, cornstarch, and water. Ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved to prevent lumps.
2. Cook the Filling: Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and becomes translucent. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add Cherries: Stir in the can of sour pie cherries (with their juice) into the thickened mixture. Gently combine to distribute the cherries evenly.
4. Pour into Baking Dish: Pour the prepared cherry filling into an 8×8 inch baking dish. Set aside while you prepare the cinnamon rounds.
5. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting ensures a light and airy texture for the cinnamon rounds.
6. Add Sugar and Pecans: Add 3 tablespoons of the brown sugar and the finely chopped pecans to the sifted dry ingredients. Stir to combine.
7. Cut in the Shortening: Using a pastry blender or a fork, cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The smaller the shortening particles, the more tender the cinnamon rounds will be.
8. Combine Egg and Milk: In a separate small bowl, combine the beaten egg and the milk. Whisk together until well combined.
9. Add Wet Ingredients to Dry: Add the egg and milk mixture to the flour mixture. Stir gently until just moistened. Be careful not to overmix. If the dough seems too dry, add a few drops of milk until it comes together.
10. Roll Out the Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface. Turn the dough out onto the floured surface and gently roll it into a 14×12 inch rectangle.
11. Brush with Butter: Brush the entire surface of the dough rectangle with the softened butter.
12. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the remaining 3 tablespoons of brown sugar and the cinnamon.
13. Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
14. Roll Up the Dough: Starting with the 12-inch side, tightly roll up the dough into a log.
15. Slice the Rounds: Using a sharp knife, cut the dough log into 3/4 inch thick slices.
16. Arrange on Filling: Place the cinnamon round slices on top of the cherry filling in the baking dish. Arrange them closely together, slightly overlapping if necessary.
17. Bake the Cobbler: Bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cinnamon rounds are golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbly.
18. Cool Slightly: Let the cobbler cool slightly before serving.
19. Glaze (Optional): If desired, prepare a simple glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm cobbler.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, use brown butter instead of regular melted butter to brush the dough. Simply melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, swirling occasionally, until it turns a nutty brown color and smells fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
• If you don’t have French’s Red Cinnamon Candies, you can use a teaspoon of cinnamon extract in the cherry filling for a similar flavor.
• To prevent the edges of the cinnamon rounds from browning too quickly, you can tent the baking dish with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
• For a crispier topping, brush the tops of the cinnamon rounds with melted butter or an egg wash before baking.
• If your oven tends to bake unevenly, rotate the baking dish halfway through the baking time.
• Make the cherry filling a day ahead of time. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes for an even quicker assembly.
• If the cinnamon rounds are browning too quickly, lower the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) for the remaining baking time.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Cherry Cinnamon Cobbler warm, preferably with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The warmth of the cobbler combined with the cold ice cream creates a delightful contrast in temperatures and textures.

Leftover cobbler can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 30-60 seconds.

For longer storage, the cobbler can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or store it in an airtight container. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	320 kcal	16%
Total Fat	14g	22%
Saturated Fat	5g	25%
Cholesterol	35mg	12%
Sodium	200mg	9%
Total Carbohydrate	45g	15%
Dietary Fiber	2g	8%
Sugars	25g
Protein	4g	8%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegan Cobbler: Substitute the butter with vegan butter, the egg with an egg replacer or applesauce (1/4 cup), and the milk with almond or soy milk.
• Gluten-Free Cobbler: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the cinnamon rounds. You may need to add a little extra liquid to achieve the right consistency.
• Other Fruit Fillings: Substitute the cherries with other fruits like peaches, blueberries, apples, or raspberries. Adjust the sugar and spices accordingly.
• Nut-Free: Omit the pecans or substitute them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
• Spice Variations: Add a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mixture for a different flavor profile.
• Citrus Zest: Add lemon or orange zest to the cinnamon rounds for a bright, refreshing twist.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use frozen cherries instead of canned?
A: Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the filling. You may need to adjust the amount of cornstarch depending on how juicy the cherries are.

Q: Can I make this cobbler ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the cobbler ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add about 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Q: How do I know when the cobbler is done?
A: The cobbler is done when the cinnamon rounds are golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbly. A toothpick inserted into the center of a cinnamon round should come out clean.

Q: Can I use a different size baking dish?
A: Yes, you can use a slightly larger or smaller baking dish, but you may need to adjust the baking time accordingly. Keep a close eye on the cobbler to prevent it from burning.

Q: Can I add oats to the cinnamon round topping?
A: Yes, adding 1/4 cup of rolled oats to the dry ingredients for the cinnamon rounds will give them a more rustic texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Cherry Cinnamon Cobbler is a delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re craving a taste of nostalgia or simply looking for a comforting treat, this recipe is sure to please. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and substitutions to create your own unique version. I encourage you to gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a baking adventure. Share your creations and feedback, and perhaps pair this warm cobbler with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a steaming mug of spiced cider for the ultimate indulgence. Happy baking!