Name: Spiced Cranberry Cobbler Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups cranberries; ½ cup sugar; 1 tsp cinnamon; ½ tsp ginger; 1 tsp orange zest; 1 cup flour; ½ cup sugar; 1 tsp baking powder; ¼ tsp salt; ½ cup milk; 4 tbsp melted butter

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If you have a craving for something that’s both cozy and bursting with vibrant holiday cheer, this Spiced Cranberry Cobbler Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine warm, tart cranberries bubbling underneath a golden, sweetly spiced crust that offers that perfect balance of softness and slight crunch. It’s an easy-to-make homemade dessert that brings together the festive flavors of cinnamon, ginger, and bright orange zest to really make those cranberries shine. Whether you’re serving it for a special holiday meal or just treating yourself on a chilly evening, this dish will quickly become a cherished classic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with fresh, bright red cranberries sits on a white marbled surface. Next to it, another white bowl holds sliced white pears with light brown cinnamon sticks and small white cubes. Below these bowls, there is a small white container of fine white sugar, and nearby are two silver measuring spoons filled with light brown spices. To the right, a halved orange with vibrant orange skin and juicy flesh is placed beside a small white bowl of bright yellow zest. The overall scene shows ingredients arranged neatly for preparing a dish, with soft natural light. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Spiced Cranberry Cobbler Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role, combining to create a perfect harmony of tartness, sweetness, warmth, and texture. From the bright cranberries to the fluffy cobbler topping, every component deserves your attention.

3 cups cranberries: Fresh or frozen, these tart berries are the star of this cobbler, providing vibrant color and tangy flavor.
½ cup sugar (for filling): Balances the natural tartness of the cranberries and helps create a luscious syrup.
1 tsp cinnamon: Adds warm, comforting spice that complements the berries perfectly.
½ tsp ginger: Offers a subtle zing that enhances the overall flavor complexity.
1 tsp orange zest: Brings a bright, citrusy freshness that lifts the entire dish.
1 cup flour: Forms the base of the topping, ensuring a tender and slightly crisp crust.
½ cup sugar (for topping): Sweetens the cobbler layer to contrast with the tart fruit.
1 tsp baking powder: Gives the topping a light and airy texture.
¼ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and sharpness of the dish.
½ cup milk: Moistens the topping for soft, cakey goodness.
4 tbsp melted butter: Adds richness and helps achieve that golden color on the crust.

How to Make Spiced Cranberry Cobbler Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cranberry Filling

Start by combining your cranberries, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and orange zest in a bowl. Stir everything gently until the sugar begins to coat the berries evenly. This simple mix lets the fruit soak up the warming spices before baking, ensuring each bite bursts with tangy, aromatic flavor. Then, transfer the mixture into your chosen baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 2: Make the Cobbler Topping

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Next, stir in the milk and melted butter until just combined into a slightly thick batter. Avoid overmixing to keep the topping tender. Using a spoon, dollop the batter over your cranberry filling in rustic mounds. This creates those irresistible, varied pockets of golden crust once baked.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pop your dish into a preheated oven set to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the topping is beautifully golden and the cranberry filling is bubbly and fragrant. The aroma will fill your kitchen with the unmistakable scent of spices and fruit, creating the perfect ambiance for a cozy evening or holiday gathering.

How to Serve Spiced Cranberry Cobbler Recipe

The image shows a plate with a stack of golden-brown fried pastries soaked in syrup, topped with a white dollop of cream and a single bright red cherry on top. The syrup is dripping down the sides of the pastries, creating a shiny, sticky texture. The plate is white with a decorative green pattern around the edges and it rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

One of the joys of serving the Spiced Cranberry Cobbler Recipe is deciding how to top it. A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream contrasts the warm, tart filling and spiced crust spectacularly. A dollop of whipped cream with a sprinkle of cinnamon or finely chopped toasted pecans adds an elegant touch and extra texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce can take this dessert into decadent territory.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or spiced tea, which complements the cobbler’s warming flavors. For holiday meals, serving alongside lighter fare like a crisp green salad helps balance the richness, while a cheese platter with sharp cheddar offers an unexpected but delightful savory contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Instead of the traditional baking dish, try serving this Spiced Cranberry Cobbler Recipe in individual ramekins or mason jars for a charming, personal touch. Layering a bit of granola or crushed nuts under the topping adds crunch. Garnishing with fresh cranberries and orange slices turns this cobbler into a beautiful centerpiece that’s as festive to look at as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover any leftover cobbler tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it taste even better the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze the cobbler either before or after baking, though the texture may differ slightly. For best results, bake the cobbler, let it cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm the cobbler gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through and the topping regains its crispness. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but can make the topping a bit soggy. To revive some crispness, quickly toast in a skillet or oven afterward.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries for this Spiced Cranberry Cobbler Recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work perfectly and are convenient year-round. Just be sure to thaw them slightly and drain any excess liquid before mixing to prevent the filling from becoming too watery.

Is it possible to make this cobbler gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose baking blend. Just check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well, and the rest of the method stays the same.

Can I add other fruits to the cranberry filling?

Definitely! Adding chopped apples or pears helps mellow out the tartness and adds extra layers of flavor and texture. Just chop them into small pieces so they cook evenly alongside the cranberries.

How can I make the topping more crunchy?

For a crunchier topping, sprinkle some coarse sugar over the cobbler just before baking. Adding a handful of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts mixed into the topping batter also adds wonderful texture.

Is the Spiced Cranberry Cobbler Recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes! This recipe uses simple, plant-based ingredients and dairy, making it a perfect vegetarian dessert option to share with friends and family.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the Spiced Cranberry Cobbler Recipe that brings warmth and joy to the table, whether it’s a holiday feast or a quiet night in. Its vibrant flavors, perfect balance of tart and sweet, and simple preparation make it an absolute must-try. Once you taste it, I’m confident it will become a favorite dessert you’ll want to bake again and again.

Spiced Cranberry Cobbler Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need