Pineapple Cherry Cobbler

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
Servings: 8

The photo shows a golden, cake-like cobbler with pineapple pieces and cherries across the top. This recipe makes that style of dessert in an 8-inch square baking dish.

Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 can (20 oz) pineapple tidbits, well drained
• ⅓ cup maraschino cherries, drained and halved
• 1 tablespoon coarse sugar, optional

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the butter in an 8-inch square baking dish and put the dish in the oven for a few minutes, just until the butter melts. Carefully remove it from the oven.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the milk and vanilla, then stir until you have a smooth batter.
3. Pour the batter evenly over the melted butter. Do not stir the batter and butter together.
4. Scatter the drained pineapple over the batter, followed by the cherries. Sprinkle with coarse sugar if using.
5. Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the cake-like portions in the center are set. If the edges brown before the middle is done, loosely cover the dish with foil.
6. Let the cobbler rest for 15 minutes before serving. The fruit juices will settle as it cools.

Tips

Drain the pineapple and cherries well so the center bakes through. Leave the fruit on top when assembling; the batter rises around it in the oven. A glass baking dish works well for this recipe, but check the cobbler near the end of the baking time because ovens vary.

Storage

Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions briefly in the microwave or warm the covered dish in a 300°F (150°C) oven.

Serving Ideas

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a spoonful of plain yogurt. It is also good at room temperature with coffee.

Nutrition Benefits

Pineapple contributes some vitamin C, while this remains a sweet dessert with added sugar and butter. Using fruit gives each serving flavor and texture without needing frosting.

Questions and Answers

Can I use fresh pineapple?
Yes. Use about 2 cups of small pineapple pieces and pat them dry before adding them.

Can I use fresh cherries?
Yes. Pit and halve them first. Fresh cherries will give the cobbler a less sweet, slightly different flavor than maraschino cherries.

Why is the center still wet?
The fruit may have added extra liquid, or the cobbler may need more time. Bake for another 5–10 minutes, checking the cake-like portion near the center rather than a piece of fruit.