This cherry cobbler made with cake mix is an easy dessert that is oh so delicious. Canned pie filling is baked under a buttery cake topping. It's best served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a big dollop of whipped cream!
Cobblers are a great fruit dessert option without the hassle of pie crusts, and I'd argue they taste even better. This recipe is similar to my Cake Mix Apple Cobbler recipe, but is made even easier by using canned pie filling.
While I use store-bought cake mix to make actual cakes, I find myself using them in recipes like this one, apple cobbler, and Pistachio Bread as a great shortcut ingredient. I find these mixes to be a valuable pantry staple that can be used in a variety of ways.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Simple - Basic and store-bought ingredients make this recipe so simple and easy to make.
- Enjoy year round - Using canned pie filling allows this dessert to be enjoyed year-round instead of waiting for certain fruits to be in season.
- Delicious - The tartness and sweetness of the cherry filling works perfectly with the buttery topping to create a dessert that is sure to please!
Ingredient Notes
Here are some tips & tricks for the ingredients needed for this recipe. Find exact measurements in the recipe card below!
- Cherry pie filling - You want to choose a good quality canned pie filling as it's the star of the show. An all-natural or a no sugar added kind will also work. Be sure to use canned pie filling, not just canned cherries, as the pie filling has thickening agents that are needed in this recipe.
- Lemon juice - Canned pie fillings can have the reputation of being overly sweet. Adding some lemon juice will cut some of the sweetness and freshens up the canned pie filling.
- Yellow cake mix - Gives the cobbler topping a rich, buttery flavor. White cake mix could also be used, but I prefer the richness of yellow.
- Salted melted butter - Mixes with the cake mix for an irresistible topping.
- Nuts (optional) - For some crunch and added flavor, add some chopped almonds, walnuts or pecans.
Step-by-Step Instructions
In less than 10 minutes, you'll have dessert baking! Here's how to make the cobbler:
Step 1 - Prep - Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease bottom and sides of 8x8 or 9x9 pan. These pans can be used interchangeably with a slightly thicker or thinner finished product.
Step 2: Filling - Spread canned pie filling into the bottom of baking dish. Sprinkle lemon juice over the filling.
Step 3: Topping - In a small mixing bowl combine dry cake mix, melted butter and nuts (if using). The mixture will be crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over the cherries. Some fruit peeking out is okay.
Step 4: Bake - Bake the cobbler for 40-45 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbly. I usually put a baking sheet under the baking dish just in case any cherry filling leaks over!
That's it!
Serving Tips
Cherry cobbler is best served warm. Serve plain or elevate this dessert by topping a serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a big dollop of whipped cream.
Warm leftovers in the microwave in 30 second intervals until just warm.
FAQ
The idea of refrigerating cobbler has more to do with quality than food safety. The ingredients used do not need to be refrigerated after baking for safety purposes. The cobbler will last covered on the counter for up to 2 days. You can extend that up to 4 days if you refrigerate it.
It all comes down to the topping. Cobblers use a biscuit or cake-like topping that usually doesn't completely encase the top of the pan (some fruit still peeks out). Crisps use an oatmeal-based streusel topping that is crunchier and usually covers all of the filling.
A homemade cherry pie filling can be used along with the cake mix cobbler topping. The cherries need to have some sort of thickening agent so your cobbler doesn't fall apart. There are lots of homemade pie filling recipes out there!
Yes! This recipe is adaptable to many different flavors of pie filling. Apple, peach or berry to name a few!
Other Dessert Recipes You'll Love
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Easy Cherry Cobbler (With Cake Mix)
Ingredients
- 21 oz. canned cherry pie filling
- 1 tsp. lemon juice
- 1 pkg. yellow cake mix
- ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter melted
- ½ cup chopped nuts (almonds, pecans or walnuts) optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease the bottom and sides of a 8x8 or 9x9 baking dish.
- Spread pie filling in the bottom of pan. Sprinkle with lemon juice.
- In a small mixing bowl combine cake mix, melted butter and nuts (if using). The mixture will be crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over the pie filling.
- Bake 40-45 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbly. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Iris fields
Awesome
Barb
So easy and delicious! Thank you.
Ashley
So glad you liked it!