While savoring fruit cobblers is a year-round delight, May 17th presents a tempting reason to indulge in cherry cobbler — it's National Cherry Cobbler Day! This provides the perfect excuse for everyone to treat themselves to a generous slice, perhaps adorned with strategically placed whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. What better way to spend the day than enjoying this delectable treat in the company of friends and family?

History of National Cherry Cobbler Day

The cobblers date back to early American settlers who lacked the proper ingredients and equipment for traditional pies. As a result, they improvised by placing fruit fillings in a baking dish and covering them with biscuit dough, creating what we now know as cobbler.

Cobbler became a particularly popular dessert in the United States, with regional variations and different fruits used, such as peaches, apples, and, of course, cherries. The day was likely established to give cherry cobbler the recognition it deserves as a timeless dessert.

What is Cherry Cobbler?

Cherry cobbler is a baked dessert that typically features a cherry filling made from fresh, frozen, or canned cherries, along with sugar and a thickening agent like cornstarch or flour. The cherries are then topped with either a biscuit-like dough, pastry topping, or crumble made of flour, sugar, and butter.

Unlike pies, cobblers don’t have a bottom crust. Instead, the filling is placed directly in the baking dish, and the dough is added on top before baking. The result is a dessert that’s soft and juicy on the inside, with a golden and slightly crispy topping.

How to Make Cherry Cobbler

A classic cherry cobbler recipe is straightforward and easy to make, making it a popular choice for both experienced and novice bakers. Here's a basic outline of the steps involved:

Ingredients:

• Cherry Filling:
  • Fresh, frozen, or canned cherries
  • Sugar
  • Cornstarch (for thickening)
  • Lemon juice (optional, for added tang)
• Cobbler Topping:
  • Flour
  • Sugar
  • Baking powder
  • Butter or shortening
  • Milk or cream (to form the dough)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cherry Filling: In a saucepan, mix cherries with sugar and cornstarch, cooking until the mixture thickens and the cherries become tender. Pour the filling into a baking dish.

2. Make the Topping: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in milk or cream to create a dough.

3. Assemble the Cobbler: Drop spoonfuls of the dough over the cherry filling, covering as much or as little of the cherries as you like.

4. Bake: Place the cobbler in a preheated oven (around 375°F or 190°C) and bake until the topping is golden brown and cooked through, and the cherry filling is bubbly (about 30-40 minutes).

5. Serve: Let the cobbler cool slightly before serving. It’s often served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Celebrating National Cherry Cobbler Day

National Cherry Cobbler Day provides the perfect excuse to enjoy this delectable dessert. Here are some fun and tasty ways to celebrate:

1. Bake a Cherry Cobbler: Whether you use a family recipe or try a new one, baking a cherry cobbler is the best way to celebrate. Get creative with the topping and filling combinations, and enjoy the aroma of baked cherries filling your kitchen.

2. Host a Dessert Party: Invite friends or family over for a cherry cobbler-themed dessert party. You can prepare cherry cobbler alongside other fruit cobblers, allowing guests to taste different variations.

3. Try a Local Bakery: Visit a local bakery or restaurant that serves cherry cobbler and enjoy a professionally made version of this dessert. Some establishments might offer specials on cobbler in celebration of the day.

4. Share Your Creation: If you’re feeling creative in the kitchen, share your cherry cobbler creation on social media using the hashtag #NationalCherryCobblerDay. It’s a great way to connect with other dessert lovers and see how others are celebrating the day.

5. Experiment with Variations: While traditional cherry cobbler is always a hit, you can experiment by adding unique twists. Try adding a bit of almond extract to the filling for a deeper flavor, or mix cherries with other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a multi-berry cobbler.

Fun Facts About Cherry Cobbler

• Versatility: Cherry cobbler can be made with various types of cherries, including sweet cherries like Bing or sour cherries like Montmorency. The type of cherry used often influences the overall flavor of the dish.

• Historical Roots: Early American settlers in the 19th century are credited with creating cobblers as a simpler, more rustic version of pie.

• Popular Pairing: Cherry cobbler is often served with a side of vanilla ice cream, which provides a cool and creamy contrast to the warm, tart filling.

• Healthier Options: You can make healthier versions of cherry cobbler by reducing the sugar, using whole wheat flour in the topping, or incorporating oats for added fiber.

Conclusion

National Cherry Cobbler Day on May 17 is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a timeless dessert that combines sweet, juicy cherries with a warm and comforting topping. Whether you bake your own, try a new recipe, or enjoy it at a restaurant, cherry cobbler is a delicious way to celebrate this classic American treat.