Cherry Vanilla Skillet Cobbler

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Sweet, jammy cherries baked under golden vanilla cake — all in one skillet

Hey there!

There’s just something so comforting about a warm cobbler straight from the oven. This Cherry Vanilla Skillet Cobbler is one of my all-time favorites. It’s easy, rustic, and packed with juicy cherries and that vanilla-kissed, buttery topping that bakes up golden and slightly crisp on the edges.

It comes together in one pan and tastes even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you’re craving something cozy, fruity, and simple — this one’s for you.

🍒 Servings & Time

Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: About 55 minutes

❤️ Why I Love This Recipe

I made this for the first time on a rainy Sunday with a bowl of fresh cherries and no plan. I wanted something easy and warm that didn’t require rolling dough or fancy prep. This cobbler totally delivered—and then some.

All made in one skillet (less mess!)
The vanilla cake top is rich but not heavy
Fresh cherries turn jammy and sweet
It’s great warm or cold
Makes the house smell amazing

🔬 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)

Butter melted in the skillet adds richness and helps the crust get crispy edges.
Baking powder gives the batter lift, creating a soft, tender cake top.
Tossing cherries with sugar and cornstarch helps them bubble into a thick filling.
Vanilla enhances the natural sweetness of the cherries.

🧠 Meal Plan Ideas

Serve as dessert after grilled chicken or a summer dinner
Enjoy leftovers cold with coffee for breakfast (yes, really)
Add to a brunch spread as a sweet baked option
Reheat and serve with yogurt or ice cream

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the cornstarch — your filling will be too runny
Not preheating the skillet — affects the rise of the batter
Overbaking — the top gets dry, and the filling thickens too much
Using cold butter — it must be fully melted in the skillet first

🍽 What You’ll Need

Cherry Filling:

4 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Batter:

½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
1 cup all-purpose flour
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

🧰 Tools You’ll Need

10-inch cast-iron skillet (or oven-safe skillet)
Mixing bowls
Whisk or fork
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon or spatula

🔁 Substitutions & Variations

Fruit: Use peaches, blackberries, or a mix of berries
Butter: Swap for plant-based butter to make it dairy-free
Milk: Use almond, oat, or coconut milk
Flavor twist: Add almond extract instead of vanilla

⏳ Make-Ahead Tips

Mix the cherry filling and batter ahead and keep chilled separately
Bake just before serving for the best texture
Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave

👣 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the cherry filling

In a bowl, toss halved cherries with ½ cup sugar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and ½ teaspoon vanilla. Let it sit while you prep the batter.

halved cherries being tossed with granulated sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract in a glass bowl, juices starting to release, on white marble counters

Step 2: Melt butter in skillet

Place butter in the skillet and set in the oven at 350°F to melt while you mix the batter. Once melted, remove from oven.

tick of butter melting in a cast-iron skillet, bubbly and golden around the edges, skillet handle visible, on a modern stainless steel double oven,

Step 3: Make the batter

In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add milk and vanilla and mix until smooth.

flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt being whisked in a mixing bowl, followed by milk and vanilla being poured in and whisked into a smooth

Step 4: Pour batter over melted butter

Carefully pour the batter into the hot skillet over the melted butter. Do not stir — the butter will float up around the edges.

smooth vanilla batter being gently poured into cast-iron skillet over melted butter, yellow edges forming around the batter as it settles

Step 5: Add cherries on top

Spoon cherry mixture evenly over the batter — again, no stirring! Just scatter them across the top.

uicy, sugared cherries being spooned evenly over the batter in the skillet, fruit gently sinking into the mixture, glossy and vibrant

Step 6: Bake until golden and bubbly

Bake at 350°F for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.

cherry vanilla skillet cobbler rising and bubbling in the oven, golden cake top forming with cherries poking through, crisped edges, on a modern stainless steel double oven

Step 7: Cool slightly and serve

Let cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Best enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

aked cherry vanilla cobbler in a cast-iron skillet, golden brown crust and juicy cherries visible, served with a wooden spoon and scoop of melting vanilla

🧊 Leftovers & Storage Tips

Store leftovers covered in the fridge for 3–4 days
Reheat in the oven at 300°F or microwave until warm
Enjoy cold for breakfast with yogurt (trust me)

🔢 Exact Macros (Per serving, based on 8)

Calories: 260
Protein: 3g
Fat: 11g
Carbs: 39g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 25g

🍨 What to Serve With

A big scoop of vanilla ice cream
Whipped cream or Greek yogurt
Fresh mint leaves
Glass of iced tea or a dessert wine

❓ FAQ

Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes! Just thaw and drain them first so the filling isn’t watery.

What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?
Use any oven-safe 9-inch round or square baking dish.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yep—use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Use a larger skillet or a 9×13 baking dish and bake 5–10 minutes longer.

Cozy, Easy, and So Delicious 🍒

This Cherry Vanilla Skillet Cobbler is one of those go-to desserts that feels like a hug in a skillet. It’s simple, warm, and tastes like summer (or cozy season, honestly). Make it once, and I promise—it’ll be on repeat. Let me know if you try it, or tag me with your twist! 💬🫶