Easy Fruit Cobbler is a timeless dessert that captures the comfort of home in every bite. With a golden, buttery crust and a warm, bubbling fruit filling, this dish delivers nostalgia and flavor in equal measure. Best of all, it’s simple to prepare with pantry staples and your favorite fresh or frozen fruits—no complicated steps, no stress. Whether you’re craving cherry, peach, apple, or a medley of berries, this cobbler adapts effortlessly to the seasons. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, and you’ll have a dessert everyone will ask for again.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Fruit Cobbler
There’s something undeniably satisfying about a dessert that’s both rustic and rich in flavor. This cobbler is the ultimate crowd-pleaser—simple enough for weeknights, yet elegant enough for dinner parties. Here’s why it’s a go-to:
- Customizable – Use whatever fruit you have on hand.
- No mixer required – Just a couple of bowls and a baking dish.
- Family-friendly – A hit with kids and adults alike.
- Freezer-friendly – Great for prepping ahead.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Fruit Filling
- 4 cups chopped fresh or frozen fruit (peaches, berries, cherries, apples, etc.)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or flour, for thickening)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
For the Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (or half brown sugar for deeper flavor)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- ¾ cup milk (whole milk or buttermilk work best)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Fruit Filling
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish.
In a mixing bowl, combine your fruit with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir until evenly coated, then pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out.
Tip: If using frozen fruit, add it straight from the freezer without thawing. This helps avoid excess moisture.
Step 2: Make the Topping
In another mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
Pour in the milk and melted butter. Stir just until the mixture comes together. The batter should be slightly lumpy and thick but pourable.
Tip: Overmixing the batter will result in a dense topping. Stop mixing once you no longer see dry flour.
Step 3: Assemble the Cobbler
Drop spoonfuls of the batter over the fruit filling, leaving a few gaps. Don’t try to spread it out; it will naturally expand and cover the fruit during baking.
Those golden, exposed patches of bubbling fruit add flavor and texture you won’t want to miss.
Step 4: Bake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling along the edges.
If the topping browns too quickly, loosely cover it with foil for the final 10–15 minutes.
Step 5: Let It Rest and Serve
Remove the cobbler from the oven and let it sit for 10–15 minutes. This cooling time helps the filling thicken and makes it easier to serve.
Serve warm with:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- A dollop of whipped cream
- Or even a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt for a tangy contrast
Tips for Success
- Fruit Selection: Softer fruits like berries and peaches cook quickly, while apples or pears may need to be diced smaller for even baking.
- Texture Control: Prefer a crispier topping? Sprinkle a little coarse sugar on the batter before baking.
- Make Ahead: The fruit filling can be prepped a day in advance and refrigerated until ready to bake.
- Pan Size Options: You can also use a 9-inch round baking dish or even ramekins for individual servings—just reduce the bake time slightly.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)
Based on 6 servings:
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 30g
- Protein: 3g
Delicious Variations to Try
Spiced Apple Cobbler
Use tart apples (like Granny Smith), add a touch of nutmeg and clove, and serve with caramel drizzle.
Berry Bliss
Combine strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries. Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest for a citrusy pop.
Cherry Delight
Use fresh pitted cherries or a good-quality canned cherry pie filling. Add a splash of almond extract for depth.
Gluten-Free Version
Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure your baking powder is certified gluten-free.
FAQs
Can I use canned fruit for this recipe?
Yes, but drain it well to avoid excess moisture. You may want to reduce the added sugar since canned fruit is often sweetened.
Do I need to peel apples or peaches?
Peeling is optional. If you prefer a smoother filling, peel them. Leaving the skin on adds texture and fiber.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Use a 9×13-inch baking dish and adjust the baking time by 5–10 extra minutes. Keep an eye on the topping.
How do I store leftovers?
Store covered at room temperature for 1 day or in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or a low oven.
Can I freeze fruit cobbler?
Yes. Freeze after baking and cooling. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20–25 minutes.
What’s the difference between a cobbler and a crisp?
Cobbler has a biscuit-like or cake-style topping, while a crisp has a streusel topping made with oats and butter.
Final Thoughts
With its warm, bubbling filling and soft, buttery topping, this Easy Fruit Cobbler is a no-fuss dessert that always satisfies. Whether you’re using peaches in summer, apples in fall, or berries year-round, you can whip up this cobbler in under an hour. The smell of fruit caramelizing in the oven is just the beginning—one bite and you’ll understand why this is a beloved classic.