Oh my gosh, are you tired? Me too! Sometimes you just crave something warm, sweet, and totally worth the effort—but you certainly don’t have hours to spend, right? That’s when I reach for my secret weapon for instant gratification. Seriously, this Cherry Cobbler With Cake Mix is what I call a kitchen miracle. It’s the easiest dessert I’ve ever made, no joke.
I remember one Tuesday, my neighbor showed up totally unannounced, and I had nothing. Nothing! I swear, I threw this cobbler together in the time it took to boil water for tea. It came out bubbling hot, golden brown, and smelled like heaven. It saved me! This recipe takes less than five minutes of actual work, but it tastes like you fussed all afternoon. If you need a fast dessert solution that never fails, you’ve found your new go-to binder.
We’re making a fabulous cherry cobbler, and we’re not even starting from scratch. We’re using a boxed cake mix, and trust me, it creates the most amazing, tender crust imaginable. If you’re looking for more simple, hands-off baking solutions, you should definitely check out some other ideas I have for easy-to-make dump cakes too!
Why This Cherry Cobbler With Cake Mix Recipe Works So Well
Honestly, the magic here isn’t complicated—it’s just brilliant simplicity. This recipe has become my lifeline because it delivers on taste without demanding all my energy. It’s the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it treat, which is exactly what we need sometimes!
- It practically guarantees success. You just layer, pour, and bake. No weird folding or gentle mixing required!
- It gets you from zero to dessert perfection in under an hour total.
- It always tastes incredible, especially served warm.
- It’s so flexible! You can change the fruit, and it still sings.
If you are looking for more desserts that require almost zero thought but deliver huge flavor, I’ve got tons of other easy dessert recipes you’ll adore right here on the blog.
Quick Prep Time for Your Cherry Cobbler With Cake Mix
We are talking about five minutes, maybe less. That’s just enough time to grab that 8×8 dish, open up the can of filling, and get the butter melting. You barely have time to put on an apron! This speed makes it perfect for when dinner runs late or you suddenly remember you promised dessert for the potluck tomorrow morning.
Minimal Ingredient List for Easy Cherry Cobbler With Cake Mix
See those three ingredients listed? That’s it! Cherry pie filling, dry yellow cake mix, and butter. That’s the beauty of calling this a Cherry Cobbler With Cake Mix. Since you’re using the filling right from the can, there’s no pitting cherries or worrying about how much sugar to add. It’s three steps to the best topping you’ll ever have!
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Cherry Cobbler With Cake Mix
Okay, let’s talk fuel! Since this is a speedy bake, we are relying on the best shortcuts available, but even shortcuts need quality materials, right? You only need three things, and your pantry probably already has them lurking around. I always keep these on hand for spontaneous dessert cravings. Make sure you have that 21-ounce can of cherry pie filling—that’s our sweet, vibrant base. Don’t even worry about fresh cherries here; the filling is perfectly thickened and tart enough for this recipe!
Then you need about a cup of dry yellow cake mix straight from the box. That’s what gives us that incredible, crumbly crust imaginable. If you’re looking for more simple, hands-off baking solutions, you should definitely check out some other ideas I have for easy-to-make dump cakes too!
But here’s where I insist you pay attention: the butter. You need a half cup—a full stick—of real, unsalted butter, and you must melt it completely before starting. Cheap margarine just won’t give you the same rich, nutty flavor on top as pure butter, and trust me, the butter flavor really shines through on this crust!
If you want to see how these simple building blocks work in other quick recipes, check out my notes on easy-to-make dump cakes. They rely on that same three-ingredient magic!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Cherry Cobbler With Cake Mix
The beauty of this recipe is how forgiving it is, which is exactly what we want on a busy night. If you don’t have yellow cake mix, you can swap it out! White cake mix works just fine, though it might be slightly less buttery in taste. I’ve even experimented with a spice cake mix when I was feeling fancy, and the warm spice mixed with cherry was surprisingly wonderful.
As for the fruit, that’s where you can really play! While cherry is the star in this Cherry Cobbler With Cake Mix, grab an apple or blueberry pie filling next time you’re at the store. Just make sure you’re using the canned pie filling versions, not just plain fruit, because we need that thick syrup base to keep the cake mix from burning before the fruit bubbles underneath.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Cherry Cobbler With Cake Mix
Alright, time to get messy—but in the best way possible, because these steps are so quick, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with scratch recipes! We preheat the oven first, always. Get that thing warming up to 375 degrees F (that’s 190 degrees C for my international friends!). You don’t want to put a cold dish into a hot oven; that’s just asking for uneven baking, and we don’t want that drama here.
If you need some other recipes that you can just mix right in the pan, I seriously suggest checking out the guide on easy-to-make dump cakes. They follow a similar timeline!
Preparing the Baking Dish and Cherry Filling Layer
Next, grab that 8×8 inch baking dish. You don’t even need to grease it if the butter covers everything well, but I usually give it a quick spray just for insurance! Take your can of cherry pie filling—that beautiful, glistening red stuff—and dollop it right into the bottom of the pan. Your main task here is just spreading it out so it covers the entire bottom surface evenly. You want to make sure every bite of cobbler has a good, thick pool of those sweet cherries waiting for it.
Assembling the Cake Mix and Butter Topping for Cherry Cobbler With Cake Mix
Now for the star of the show: the dry cake mix. Take that cup of yellow mix and gently, carefully sprinkle it over the cherries. Don’t smoosh it down! We want it to stay light and fluffy so it can absorb the butter and turn crispy on top. Think of it like making a light blanket for your fruit. Once that’s done, you take your melted butter—remember, fully melted—and pour it slowly and steadily right over the surface of the cake mix. Pouring it evenly is huge here; if you dump it all in one spot, you’ll end up with one buttery section and one dry corner. Work your way around the dish slowly.
Baking and Resting Times for Optimal Cherry Cobbler With Cake Mix
Pop that dish into your preheated oven! It only needs 30 to 35 minutes in there. Don’t even open the door early unless you absolutely must! You’ll know it’s done because the edges of that cake topping will start getting gloriously golden brown, and you can see the cherry filling peeking through, bubbling like crazy! It should smell absolutely divine by this point. When it comes out, please, please let it rest for at least ten minutes before you try to serve it. If you cut it right away, the filling will just run everywhere. That little bit of cooling time lets it set up perfectly so you get those beautiful layers.
Tips for Success When Making Cherry Cobbler With Cake Mix
Even though this recipe is nearly foolproof, I have a couple of little secrets I learned from my first attempts to share with you. First off, don’t be tempted to stir anything once the butter is on top! We want distinct layers: fruit on the bottom, dry mix, and butter soaking down into the mix. If you stir it, you end up with a weird, dense cake batter instead of that beautiful, crisp cobbler topping.
Also, I know you are eager, but follow the resting time! If you serve it piping hot, the filling is basically cherry lava, and it will run all over your plate. Letting it sit for just ten minutes allows that syrupy filling to thicken up just enough. If you want extra crispiness on top, try baking it on the middle rack of your oven. And if you end up with a pan that seems too deep for the minimal ingredients, consider using a slightly larger 9×13 pan, but just make sure you sprinkle the cake mix mixture lightly so it coats the space gently. It’s all about that light hand!
If you’re looking for other fantastic, low-effort recipes, don’t forget to browse through the ones I have ready for easy-to-make dump cakes. They rely on just as little fuss as this cobbler!
Serving Suggestions for Your Cherry Cobbler With Cake Mix
Now that your amazing, easy cobbler has rested for a moment and isn’t actively trying to burn your mouth, it’s time for the very best part: the toppings! This dessert is delicious all by itself, but seriously, it transforms when you add something cold and creamy on top. My absolute favorite way to eat this Cherry Cobbler With Cake Mix is when it’s still warm, paired with a huge scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm, slightly tart cherries and the melting, creamy ice cream is just heavenly. It’s the classic combo for a reason!
But if ice cream isn’t your thing, don’t fret! A big dollop of freshly made whipped cream works wonderfully too. The lighter texture of the whipped cream complements the slightly crisp cake crust perfectly. If you want the recipe for that, I have a super simple one for easy whipped cream that takes about three minutes.
Storage and Reheating Instructions for Leftover Cherry Cobbler With Cake Mix
Oh, you made too much? Well, that’s a problem I certainly enjoy having! Luckily, this little miracle dessert keeps pretty well, though truthfully, it’s usually gone by the next morning in my house. If you do happen to have any of this wonderful Cherry Cobbler With Cake Mix left over, you need to treat it right so the topping stays as good as possible.
Once it’s completely cooled down from serving temperature, you should cover the baking dish tightly. Plastic wrap works, or you can transfer the leftovers into an airtight container if you prefer. It’s best kept at room temperature for maybe just one day, but if you think it’ll stick around longer than that, pop it into the fridge. It will keep safely in the fridge for up to four days if you cover it well.
Now, reheating is key because nobody wants cold, slightly stiff cobbler, right? You absolutely want to bring some of that warm, bubbly goodness back! My preferred method is using the oven or an air fryer if you have one. A few minutes at 350 degrees F, uncovered, is usually enough to warm it all the way through and crisp up that cake layer again. If you’re in a huge hurry, you can microwave a small square, but I gotta warn you—the topping tends to get a bit soft when microwaved. It’s still yummy, but less textural, so stick to the oven for the absolute best result!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cherry Cobbler With Cake Mix
You know I love hearing from you all about what you want to try next! When people make this super Cherry Cobbler With Cake Mix, a few questions always pop up. It’s only natural when you start playing around with such a wonderfully simple base recipe. Here are the things I hear most often when you’re getting ready to bake!
If you’re still looking for more inspiration using simple pantry items, don’t forget to check out my notes on easy-to-make dump cakes too!
Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling in this Cherry Cobbler With Cake Mix?
That is a fantastic idea if it’s cherry season! If you decide to swap out the canned filling for fresh cherries, you absolutely have some extra steps to manage. Fresh cherries don’t have that thick syrup the canned ones come with, so you’ll need to pit them first, naturally. Then, you’ll need to toss them with about a half cup of sugar and a tablespoon of cornstarch or flour to help create that gooey sauce while baking. Toss those prepared cherries into the bottom of your dish, and then proceed with the dry cake mix and melted butter just like normal. It’s delicious, but it definitely takes more prep time than the five-minute version!
What other cake mixes work well with this Cherry Cobbler recipe?
This is one of my favorite things to mess with! Yellow cake mix is the classic base because it has that buttery flavor that complements the cherry so well, but feel free to branch out! White cake mix is a perfectly fine substitute if that’s all you have on hand—it just gives you a slightly lighter topping flavor. If you want something warmer and spicier, try a spice cake mix! That little hint of cloves and nutmeg goes surprisingly well with the fruitiness of the filling. Just remember, no matter which dry mix you use, you still need the full half-cup of melted butter poured right over the top for that perfect crisp crust.
Estimated Nutritional Information for Cherry Cobbler With Cake Mix
Now, let’s be honest, this isn’t exactly spa food, is it? It’s a delicious, fast dessert made with cake mix, so we know we are getting some sugar and fat in there. But isn’t that worth it when you need cheering up on a busy Tuesday night? I’ve got the general estimates for you based on standard ingredient amounts, broken down per serving size.
Here’s a quick look at what you’re working with, recognizing that exact numbers can shift based on the specific brand of pie filling or cake mix you choose. These figures are just a guideline, but they certainly reflect that this is a treat worth savoring!
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: About 350
- Total Fat: Around 18 grams, with about 11 grams being the saturated kind—that’s from that lovely melted butter on top!
- Carbohydrates: Roughly 45 grams, primarily from the cake mix and the filling’s syrup.
- Sugar: Yes, about 45 grams, which is what makes it taste so good, honestly!
- Protein: Around 4 grams.
- Cholesterol: About 45 milligrams.
Remember, this is based on dividing the whole recipe into six generous servings. If you decide to share it with more folks—or maybe you have a slightly smaller portion that’s closer to 8 servings—those calorie and sugar counts will certainly come down! Never worry too much about the numbers when you’re using a recipe this delightfully simple, though. Just enjoy that warm, buttery crust!
Share Your Experience Making This Simple Cherry Cobbler With Cake Mix
Whew! We made it, and you managed to whip up one of the easiest, most satisfying desserts there is. Now that you’ve got that warm, bubbling Cherry Cobbler With Cake Mix sitting on your counter looking amazing, I absolutely want to hear about it!
Did you stick with the classic vanilla ice cream scoop, or did you get adventurous with a different topping? Did you use yellow cake mix, or did you try that spice mix variation I mentioned? Don’t keep all those tasty secrets to yourself!
Please take a minute to drop a comment below. I love seeing your results—maybe you even managed to snag a picture before everyone dove in? You can always reach out via my contact page if you have specific questions after baking, too. Just reach out to me if you have specific questions after baking! Your feedback helps me know which quick recipes are working for you all. Happy baking, and thanks for trusting this incredibly simple recipe!
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Simple Cherry Cobbler With Cake Mix
- Total Time: 40 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick dessert made with canned cherry pie filling and yellow cake mix.
Ingredients
- 1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling
- 1 cup yellow cake mix (dry)
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Spread the cherry pie filling evenly in the bottom of an 8×8 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the cherry filling.
- Pour the melted butter evenly over the cake mix layer.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- You can substitute the cherry filling with another canned fruit filling, such as apple or blueberry.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 35 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 45
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 11
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 45
Keywords: cherry cobbler, cake mix dessert, easy cobbler, cherry pie filling recipe, quick dessert