This recipe is a true party classic, beloved for its simplicity and irresistible flavor. With only three ingredients, it creates a dessert that feels homemade and indulgent without requiring complicated steps or precise measurements. Once you’ve made it a few times, you’ll find yourself assembling it instinctively, guided by sight and taste rather than exact quantities. The result is a golden-brown cobbler with a luscious cherry filling and a tender, cake-like topping that delights guests every time.
The charm of this cobbler lies in its balance: the cherries provide a vibrant, fruity sweetness, the cake mix forms a crisp yet soft crust, and the butter ties everything together with richness. It’s a dish that looks impressive, tastes indulgent, and yet is so easy to prepare that it quickly becomes a go-to recipe for gatherings, potlucks, or casual family dinners.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
INSTRUCTION
- Prepare the baking dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a rectangular baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Layer the cherries: Spread the cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the dish. This forms the fruity base of the cobbler.
- Add the cake mix: Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the cherries. Do not stir; the mix will bake into a golden crust as it absorbs moisture from the filling and butter.
- Drizzle with butter: Pour melted butter evenly over the cake mix. This step ensures the topping becomes crisp and golden during baking.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cobbler to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
SERVINGS
This recipe yields 8–10 servings, depending on portion size. It can easily be doubled for larger gatherings.
NOTE
This three-ingredient cherry cobbler is a reminder that great desserts don’t have to be complicated. The combination of pie filling, cake mix, and butter creates a dish that feels indulgent yet approachable. The cherries provide a burst of flavor, the cake mix forms a tender crust, and the butter adds richness. Together, they create a dessert that is both comforting and celebratory.
The recipe emphasizes ease and flexibility. You don’t need to measure precisely—once you’ve made it a few times, you’ll know how much butter to drizzle and how thickly to layer the cake mix. That instinctive approach makes it perfect for parties, where you can prepare it quickly and focus on enjoying time with guests.
This cobbler embodies the joy of communal dining. It is simple to make, easy to share, and universally appealing. Whether served at a festive gathering or enjoyed casually at home, it brings warmth, sweetness, and a sense of tradition to the table. The act of baking it becomes part of the celebration, connecting you to the pleasure of creating something delicious with minimal effort.