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Crispy Cranberry Cobbler Recipe

4.9 from 123 reviews

This crispy cranberry cobbler is a delightful holiday dessert featuring a tart and juicy cranberry filling topped with a golden, buttery, and crispy cobbler crust. Easy to prepare with pantry staples, it offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors with a satisfying crunch, making it an ideal festive treat for family gatherings or cozy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

Cranberry Filling

  • 3 cups (about 330g) fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp (16g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp orange zest
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Golden Cobbler Topping

  • 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg (room temperature)
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Optional Finishing Touches

  • 2 tbsp coarse sugar (like turbinado sugar)
  • Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch (23cm) square baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to ensure easy release of the cobbler topping after baking.
  2. Make the Cranberry Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups cranberries, 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 1 tsp orange zest, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Toss until the cranberries are evenly coated and glossy. If using frozen cranberries, use them straight from frozen and expect a slightly longer bake time.
  3. Layer the Filling: Pour the cranberry mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, spreading it gently to cover the base without pressing down hard.
  4. Prepare the Topping: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt. In another small bowl, whisk 1 large egg and 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter until smooth. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry and mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the topping tender yet crispy.
  5. Apply the Topping: Spoon dollops of the topping over the cranberry filling and gently spread it out using a spatula. It’s fine if some cranberries peek through, as this adds to the rustic charm of the cobbler.
  6. Add Optional Crunch: Sprinkle 2 tbsp coarse sugar evenly over the topping to add extra sparkle and crunch if desired.
  7. Bake the Cobbler: Place the baking dish in the center of the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cranberry filling bubbles vigorously at the edges. If the topping browns too quickly before the filling is set, tent loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.
  8. Cool and Serve: Allow the cobbler to cool for 10-15 minutes so the filling can thicken properly. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.

Notes

  • Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend to make this cobbler gluten-free.
  • Substitute melted coconut oil or plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.
  • Do not thaw frozen cranberries; bake them directly and add extra baking time as needed.
  • Sprinkle coarse sugar or chopped nuts on the topping for added texture and crunch.
  • Let the cobbler cool before serving to allow the filling to thicken fully.
  • If the topping is too runny, add a tablespoon of extra flour; if too thick, add a splash of milk.
  • To achieve an extra-crispy topping, broil the cobbler for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking—watch closely to avoid burning.
  • Prepare fillings and topping in advance and assemble just before baking for convenience.

Keywords: cranberry cobbler, holiday dessert, easy cobbler, tart dessert, crispy topping, Thanksgiving dessert, Christmas dessert, fruit cobbler, comfort food