If you are craving a dessert that perfectly balances tart and sweet with a delightfully cakey texture, this Cranberry Cobbler Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Featuring tangy sugared cranberries nestled atop a buttery, crisp-edged batter, this dish brings warmth and comfort to your table with every bite. Whether you’re using fresh or frozen cranberries, this quick and easy cobbler makes for a charming, crowd-pleasing treat all year round.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cranberry Cobbler Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the tangy cranberries providing a vibrant pop of flavor and color, to the salted butter creating those irresistible crisp, golden edges. The combination of sugar, flour, and baking powder gives the cobbler its soft and cakey texture, making every spoonful a delight.
- Cranberries (1 ¼ cups): Fresh or frozen, these tart berries bring a punch of color and flavor to your cobbler.
- Granulated white sugar (3 tablespoons for cranberries): Helps to balance the tartness of the cranberries by giving them the perfect sweet coating.
- Salted butter (⅓ cup): Adds richness and creates those amazing crispy edges you’ll love.
- Granulated white sugar (½ cup for batter): Sweetens the batter just enough without overpowering the tart berries.
- All-purpose flour (¾ cup): Provides structure and a tender, cakey crumb for the cobbler topping.
- Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Ensures your cobbler rises properly and stays light and fluffy.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the dish.
- Milk of choice (¾ cup): Keeps the batter moist and helps bring all the dry ingredients together for the perfect texture.
How to Make Cranberry Cobbler Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Cranberries
First, preheat your oven to 350°F to get it ready to create magic. If you’re using frozen cranberries, make sure they’re partially thawed and rinsed before you start. This step ensures they bake evenly and won’t make your batter soggy.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and the ½ cup of granulated sugar. This dry mixture forms the base of your batter and working these ingredients well together is key to creating the cobbler’s light, cakey texture.
Step 3: Add Milk and Whisk Batter
Pour in your choice of milk and whisk the batter until it’s smooth and slightly thin. The consistency is important here—it needs to be pourable, but not watery, so that it bakes up into fluffy, tender cakey goodness.
Step 4: Melt Butter in Baking Dish
Place the salted butter into your baking dish or cast iron skillet and put it in the oven while it heats up, just until the butter melts completely. This step makes sure every bite gets those signature salty, crisp edges that make this cobbler so special.
Step 5: Pour Batter and Add Sugared Cranberries
Once the butter is melted, take the baking dish out and pour the batter over the melted butter without stirring them together. Then toss the cranberries with the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar until fully coated, and scatter them evenly over the batter. Again, no stirring! This layered effect creates the beautiful cobbler top.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Crisp
Return the dish to the oven and bake for 45 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges turn crisp and a dark golden brown, and the top of the cobbler showcases a gorgeous golden color. This slow baking allows the flavors to meld and the cranberries to soften to juicy perfection.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
After baking, let the cobbler cool in the dish for about 10 minutes. This cooling period helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to serve. If you’re feeling indulgent, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top takes this dessert from wonderful to unforgettable.
How to Serve Cranberry Cobbler Recipe
Garnishes
While the cobbler is delicious on its own, a few thoughtful garnishes can elevate the experience. Consider a sprinkling of powdered sugar, a spoonful of vanilla ice cream, or a puff of whipped cream. A fresh sprig of mint not only adds color but also a refreshing contrast to the warm cobbler.
Side Dishes
This cobbler pairs beautifully with comforting beverages and light bites. Try serving it alongside a warm cup of spiced tea or a rich coffee to complement the tartness of the cranberries. For a decadent twist, pair it with a sharp cheddar cheese slice, which nicely balances sweetness with a savory note.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve your cranberry cobbler in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets. Layer with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for a fancy touch. Alternatively, transform it into a trifling dessert by layering it with custard and fresh berries for a stunning visual and taste combination.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cranberry cobbler at room temperature for up to two days in an airtight container to keep the crunchy edges intact. For longer freshness, refrigerate it for up to five days; just be aware the texture may soften slightly in the fridge.
Freezing
This Cranberry Cobbler Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then store in the freezer for up to three months. You can thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it gently to enjoy that fresh-baked feeling any day.
Reheating
To reheat, place cobbler slices or the whole dish in a preheated 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes until warmed through. This method helps restore those crisp butter edges and the cobbler’s cakey texture much better than a microwave would.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to partially thaw and rinse them first to avoid excess moisture that could affect the batter. Frozen cranberries work just as well and deliver that perfect tart punch.
Is it possible to make this cobbler gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup for cup. The texture may vary slightly, but you’ll still get a lovely cakey topping and delicious flavor.
Can I substitute the milk with a non-dairy alternative?
Definitely! Almond milk, oat milk, or any non-dairy milk of your choice will work beautifully here, keeping the batter moist and tender while accommodating different dietary preferences.
How do I know when the cobbler is done?
Look for golden brown, crisp edges and a lightly browned top. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out mostly clean, with just a few moist crumbs from the cakey batter.
Can I add other fruits to the cranberry cobbler?
Yes! Mixed berries like blueberries or raspberries pair wonderfully with cranberries. Just toss them in with the sugared cranberries for a delicious medley, but keep in mind this may alter cooking time slightly.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about enjoying a warm, homemade cobbler fresh from the oven, and this Cranberry Cobbler Recipe captures that feeling perfectly. It’s easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests, making it a versatile addition to your dessert rotation. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with those bright cranberries and buttery edges just as much as I have!
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Cranberry Cobbler Recipe
- Total Time: 60 to 75 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
This Cranberry Cobbler recipe offers a delightful combination of tart and tangy sugared cranberries atop a slightly cakey base with crisp, salty edges from melted butter. Perfect as a sweet dessert, this cobbler is quick and easy to prepare and can be made with either fresh or frozen cranberries, making it a versatile treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Fruit Topping
- 1 ¼ cups of cranberries, partially thawed if frozen
- 3 tablespoons granulated white sugar, for cranberries
Batter
- ⅓ cup salted butter
- ½ cup granulated white sugar
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- ¾ cup milk of choice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Rinse cranberries under cool water and if using frozen cranberries, allow them to partially thaw before use.
- Prepare Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: ½ cup granulated sugar, flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Pour in the milk and whisk the mixture until it is smooth and has a thin consistency.
- Melt Butter: Place the ⅓ cup of salted butter into your baking dish or cast iron skillet and put it in the preheated oven until the butter is fully melted. Carefully remove the dish from the oven.
- Assemble Batter: Pour the prepared batter directly over the melted butter in the baking dish without stirring. The butter will create a crisp edge during baking.
- Prepare Cranberries: In a separate bowl, toss the cranberries with 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar until they are completely coated.
- Top Batter: Evenly sprinkle the sugared cranberries over the batter in the baking dish without stirring them in.
- Bake Cobbler: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for 45 to 60 minutes. The cobbler is ready when the edges turn crisp and dark golden brown and the top takes on a golden hue.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cobbler to cool in the baking dish for 10 minutes before serving. For an extra indulgent touch, serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Storage: Store any leftovers at room temperature for 1-2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- You can use either fresh or frozen cranberries; allow frozen cranberries to partially thaw before using.
- Using a cast iron skillet can enhance the crispiness of the cobbler edges.
- Serve warm for best flavor and texture, especially with ice cream or whipped cream.
- Ensure not to stir the batter after pouring it over melted butter to achieve the classic cobbler texture.
- Adjust sugar levels depending on your preference for sweetness and tartness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 to 60 minutes
- Category: Cobbler, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
