A warm, bubbly cherry cobbler skillet is the ultimate comfort dessert. Made in just one pan, this easy one-pot recipe delivers a golden biscuit topping over a rich, flavorful cherry filling.
With minimal prep and cleanup, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or a cozy weekend treat.
The sweet and tangy cherries combined with a hint of spice create a perfectly balanced dessert that’s both rustic and indulgent.
Why This One-Pot Recipe Works
This cherry cobbler skillet is a simple yet impressive dessert. Since everything comes together in one pan, the flavors meld beautifully, creating a rich, thick cherry base with a buttery, golden-brown topping.
Using jarred cherries saves time while ensuring the perfect balance of tart and sweet. Plus, the biscuit topping is quick to prepare and bakes up light and fluffy.
No need to roll out dough or fuss with separate baking—just scoop, bake, and enjoy!
The Secret to a Perfect Cherry Filling
The key to a great cherry cobbler is getting the filling just right. This one-pot dessert uses sour cherries for a tangy, vibrant flavor, complemented by warm spices like nutmeg and allspice.
A touch of vanilla enhances the natural sweetness of the cherries, while cornstarch thickens the filling to create that classic, syrupy consistency.
Tips for the Best Cherry Filling:
- Simmer the filling first – This ensures the flavors develop fully before baking.
- Use sour cherries – They balance the sweetness and provide a rich, tart flavor.
- Stir frequently – This prevents lumps and creates a smooth, thick texture.
Fluffy Biscuit Topping Made Easy
Unlike traditional cobblers that require rolling or layering dough, this one-pot recipe keeps things simple. The biscuit topping is made with a combination of flour, buttermilk, and a touch of sugar for the perfect balance of light and sweet.
Baking powder and baking soda help the biscuits rise beautifully, creating a golden, crisp exterior with a soft, airy center.
How to Achieve the Perfect Biscuit Topping:
- Use buttermilk – It reacts with the baking soda to create a tender, fluffy texture.
- Drop the dough by spoonfuls – No need to roll or cut; just scoop and place on top.
- Sprinkle with sugar – Turbinado sugar adds a delightful crunch and caramelized flavor.
Serving & Pairing Ideas
- Vanilla ice cream – Melts into the warm cobbler for a creamy, rich finish.
- Whipped cream – Adds a light, airy contrast to the warm filling.
- Powdered sugar dusting – A simple way to enhance presentation.
- Drizzle of honey – Complements the tartness of the cherries.
Tips for the Best One-Pot Cobbler
- Use an oven-safe skillet to seamlessly transition from stovetop to oven.
- Let the filling thicken before adding the biscuit topping to prevent a runny cobbler.
- Space the biscuit dough evenly to allow room for rising and even baking.
- Rotate the skillet halfway through baking for an evenly golden topping.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently for the best texture.
This cherry cobbler skillet is the ultimate one-pot recipe—easy, delicious, and perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re making it for a special gathering or just a simple weeknight treat, it’s a foolproof way to enjoy the comforting flavors of a classic cobbler with minimal effort.
Best Cherry Cobbler One-Pot Recipe Easy Skillet Dessert
Equipment
- 12-inch oven-safe skillet
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 6 cups jarred sour cherries in light syrup drained (reserve 2 cups syrup)
- ½ cup 3½ ounces granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- Pinch ground nutmeg
- Pinch table salt
For the Topping:
- 1½ cups 7½ ounces all-purpose flour
- 5 tablespoons 2¼ ounces granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon table salt
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar or granulated sugar for substitution
Instructions
- For the filling: Adjust oven rack to the middle position and preheat oven to 400°F. In a 12-inch oven-safe skillet, whisk together cherry syrup, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla, allspice, nutmeg, and salt until well combined. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, whisking frequently, until slightly thickened (about 5 to 7 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in drained cherries.
- For the topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir in buttermilk and melted butter until just combined. Using a small ice cream scoop or two large spoons, drop 1-inch pieces of dough onto the filling, spacing them about ½ inch apart. Sprinkle biscuits with turbinado sugar.
- Bake the cobbler: Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, rotating the skillet halfway through, until biscuits are golden brown and filling is thick and glossy. Let cool for 15 minutes before serving.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.