Desserts

Crispy Cranberry Cobbler

Name: Crispy Cranberry Cobbler
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh cranberries; 1 cup sugar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup butter, melted; 1 cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup oats; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

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Crispy Cranberry Cobbler is a bright, tangy dessert that balances tart fresh cranberries with a tender, biscuit-like batter and a crisp oat topping. It smells of warm cinnamon and buttery oats as it bakes, and the bubbling ruby filling looks beautiful against the golden crust. This recipe is simple, quick, and perfect for holidays or a cozy weeknight treat. For another cranberry cobbler-style idea, check out this cranberry cobbler smash recipe to compare textures and serving ideas.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

Approximate per serving (based on 6 servings):

Calories per serving: 410 kcal
Protein: 5 g
Carbohydrates: 58 g
Fat: 15 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 37 g
Sodium: 280 mg

Why Make This Crispy Cranberry Cobbler

This cobbler is a crowd-pleaser that highlights tart cranberries with a lightly sweet batter and a nutty oat topping. It’s quick to put together, uses pantry staples, and creates a warm, comforting aroma in your kitchen. The contrast between the juicy, glossy fruit and the crisp-tender topping gives you a pleasing mix of textures in every spoonful. It’s great for holiday tables, potlucks, or a simple dessert after dinner.

How to Make Crispy Cranberry Cobbler

The method is straightforward: toss the cranberries with sugar and lemon, make a simple batter, pour it over the fruit, sprinkle the oats and cinnamon, and bake until golden and bubbly. Keep the topping visible so it crisps up nicely. Use a shallow baking dish so the fruit cooks evenly and the edges caramelize.

Ingredients:

2 cups fresh cranberries
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup oats
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch or similar-sized baking dish so the cobbler won’t stick.

Step 2: Mixing

In a bowl, combine 2 cups fresh cranberries, 1 cup sugar, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice; mix well. In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup melted butter, 1 cup milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 3: Cooking

Pour the cranberry mixture into the greased baking dish. Pour the batter over the cranberries, spreading gently to cover the fruit. Sprinkle 1/2 cup oats and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon evenly on top. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbly.

Step 4: Finishing

Let the cobbler cool slightly for 10–15 minutes so the filling sets. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.

How to Serve Crispy Cranberry Cobbler

Serve warm to enjoy the contrast between the hot, juicy filling and the crisp topping. It pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a spoonful of Greek yogurt for a tangy counterpoint. For a festive touch, garnish with a few fresh cranberries and a light dusting of powdered sugar. This cobbler works well for holiday dessert plates, casual family dinners, or brunch when served alongside coffee or tea.

How to Store Crispy Cranberry Cobbler

At room temperature: Cover loosely and store up to 2 hours.
In the refrigerator: Cool completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
To reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 30–60 seconds or reheat the whole dish in a 325°F (165°C) oven for about 15–20 minutes until heated through.
To freeze: Freeze the baked cobbler in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until warmed and crisp on top.

Expert Tips for Perfect Crispy Cranberry Cobbler

Use fresh cranberries for bright color and tartness; frozen cranberries work too—no need to thaw.
If you prefer a less sweet filling, reduce sugar by 1/4 cup.
For a crispier top, use rolled oats rather than quick oats and brush the top lightly with a little melted butter before baking.
Avoid overmixing the batter—stir until combined so the topping stays tender.
Use a shallow dish for better caramelization and faster baking.
Rotate the dish halfway through baking if your oven has hot spots to ensure even browning.
Let it rest before serving so the filling thickens slightly and is easier to spoon.

Delicious Variations

Orange-Cranberry: Substitute half the lemon juice with orange juice and add 1 teaspoon of orange zest.
Nutty Crunch: Stir 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts into the oat topping for extra crunch.
Apple-Cranberry: Add 1 peeled and chopped apple to the cranberry mixture for more texture and sweetness.
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour and certified gluten-free oats.
Maple Cinnamon: Replace half the sugar with pure maple syrup and add 1/4 teaspoon additional cinnamon for warm flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes. Use frozen cranberries straight from the freezer—no need to thaw. Add a few extra minutes to baking time if the filling is quite cold. Frozen berries may release a bit more juice, but the cobbler will still set well.
How can I make the topping crunchier?
Use rolled oats (not instant) and brush the top with a little melted butter before baking. You can also sprinkle a tablespoon of brown sugar on top for extra crisp caramelization.
Is it possible to make this cobbler ahead of time?
You can prepare the cobbler up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for several hours. Bake from chilled, adding a few extra minutes to reach the proper internal temperature and color.
My filling is too runny—what went wrong?
If your filling is very watery, it could be due to extra juice from frozen fruit or too much sugar. Let the cobbler rest after baking; the filling will thicken as it cools. For future batches, briefly cook the cranberries with the sugar on the stove to reduce excess liquid before assembling.
Can I reduce the sugar for a less sweet dessert?
Yes. Reduce sugar by 1/4 to 1/3 cup to taste. Keep in mind that sugar affects texture and the balance of tartness from the cranberries, so adjust lemon juice slightly if you lower sugar significantly.
What size baking dish should I use?
A 9×9-inch square or similar shallow dish works well. If your dish is deeper, baking time may increase; check for bubbling fruit and a golden top as indicators of doneness.

Conclusion

This Crispy Cranberry Cobbler is simple, bright, and comforting—perfect for sharing with friends and family. It offers a lovely mix of tart fruit, buttery batter, and a crunchy oat finish that smells incredible while baking. For inspiration on a related fruit crisp technique and a slightly different topping idea, you might enjoy checking out apple cranberry crisp with polenta streusel – Smitten Kitchen. Give this cobbler a try; it’s an easy way to bring seasonal flavor to your table.