Craving a warm, comforting dessert that’s both easy to make and bursting with flavor? Look no further than this delightful Instant Pot Cherry Cobbler! Combining the convenience of a yellow cake mix with the vibrant taste of cherry pie filling and a sophisticated hint of amaretto, this recipe delivers a truly unforgettable treat. Whether you’re a seasoned Instant Pot user or new to pressure cooking, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can create a mouthwatering dessert that tastes like it’s been simmering all day.
The Ultimate Instant Pot Cherry Cobbler: A Deliciously Fast Dessert
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a classic cherry cobbler, with its sweet, tangy fruit filling and tender, buttery topping. But who has hours to bake when a craving strikes? That’s where your Instant Pot becomes a dessert hero! This recipe adapts traditional cobbler methods to harness the speed and efficiency of pressure cooking, allowing you to whip up a gourmet-quality dessert in a fraction of the time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, impromptu gatherings, or simply when you need a little sweet indulgence without the fuss.
Our Instant Pot Cherry Cobbler stands out with its rich, fruity base and an incredibly moist, cake-like topping. The cherries are cooked to perfection, retaining their delightful texture and natural sweetness, while the cake mix topping becomes wonderfully tender. The secret ingredient, a dash of amaretto, elevates the entire dish, transforming a simple dessert into something truly special and inviting. It’s a comforting classic made effortlessly modern.
The Secret Ingredient: Amaretto Liqueur – What It Is and Why It Works
One of the elements that truly sets this cherry cobbler apart is the optional, but highly recommended, addition of amaretto liqueur. If you’re wondering what amaretto is, or if you can skip it, let’s dive into this flavorful secret weapon.
- Amaretto is a renowned sweet Italian liqueur, famous for its distinctive almond flavor. You’ll often find it marketed under popular brand names like “Disaronno.” While its primary flavor is almond, it sometimes carries subtle notes of apricot, adding to its complex sweetness. It’s important to note the distinction between “liqueur” and “liquor”: liqueurs are inherently sweet, distilled alcoholic beverages, often flavored with fruits, herbs, or nuts, whereas liquors are typically unsweetened distilled spirits. So, if you see “liqueur” on a bottle, expect a sweet and often aromatic profile.
- The magic of amaretto in this recipe lies in its synergistic relationship with cherries. Almond and cherry flavors are a classic culinary pairing, often found together in traditional European desserts. The almond notes in amaretto beautifully enhance and deepen the natural, slightly tart flavor of the cherries, creating a more rounded and sophisticated taste experience. It adds a warmth and richness that takes the cobbler from good to absolutely outstanding, without overpowering the fruit.
- While amaretto contributes significantly to the unique flavor profile, you can absolutely leave it out if you prefer to make an alcohol-free version or don’t have it on hand. The perfect substitute for retaining that delightful almond essence is almond extract. Simply use the same amount of almond extract in place of the amaretto, and your cobbler will still taste fabulous, infused with that wonderful complementary almond note.
Expert Tips for Instant Pot Cobbler Perfection
Making cobbler in the Instant Pot is incredibly straightforward, but a few key tips can elevate your dessert from good to absolutely sublime. Follow these pointers for the best possible results:
- Unleash Your Creativity with Flavor Combinations: This recipe is wonderfully versatile, serving as a fantastic base for countless flavor explorations. While cherry and yellow cake mix are a winning duo, don’t hesitate to experiment!
- **Fruit Fillings:** Try peach pie filling with a butter pecan cake mix for a Southern-inspired delight. Apple pie filling pairs wonderfully with a spice cake mix or even a yellow cake mix with extra cinnamon. Blueberry pie filling and a lemon cake mix create a bright, summery treat. For a truly decadent experience, consider chocolate cake mix with cherry pie filling – a classic pairing that never disappoints. The possibilities are truly endless, limited only by your imagination and what’s available at your grocery store.
- **Cake Mix Flavors:** Beyond yellow, vanilla, butter golden, or even a white cake mix can serve as excellent bases. Each will lend a slightly different character to the topping, so feel free to try various options to find your favorite.
- Amaretto and Almond Extract: Flavor Powerhouses: As mentioned, the amaretto is optional, as is the ground cinnamon in this recipe. However, I wholeheartedly recommend keeping the almond extract in your topping mixture. Even if you omit the amaretto liqueur, the almond extract alone significantly deepens and brightens the natural flavor of the cherry pie filling, providing that delightful, complementary nuance that makes cherry desserts so irresistible. It’s a small addition with a big impact!
- Butter Makes It Better: Always opt for real butter over margarine when preparing your cobbler topping. Real butter contributes to a richer flavor, a more tender crumb, and a better overall texture. It’s a simple ingredient swap that makes a noticeable difference in the final product.
- Achieve a Crispy, Golden Topping: While your Instant Pot excels at cooking the cobbler through and making the topping perfectly tender, it doesn’t brown or crisp the top in the same way an oven does. If you desire a beautifully golden-brown and slightly crispy topping – and who doesn’t love that contrast in texture? – simply transfer your pressure-cooked cobbler dish to a preheated oven. Pop it under the broiler for just a few minutes, carefully watching it to prevent burning. This quick step will add that desirable golden hue and a satisfying crispness to the edges of your cobbler.
- Instant Pot Size Matters: For this recipe, a 6-quart (or larger) Instant Pot is ideal to accommodate a 7-inch round baking pan comfortably. Ensure there’s enough space for the pan and a sling to be lowered and lifted safely.
- Utilize a Sling for Ease: A foil or silicone sling is your best friend when cooking desserts in the Instant Pot. It allows you to easily lower and lift the baking pan in and out of the hot pressure cooker without burning your hands or risking spills.
- Understanding Pressure Release: Allowing a natural pressure release for 10 minutes before quick releasing the remaining pressure is crucial for this cobbler. Natural release helps prevent the dessert from drying out and ensures a perfectly tender, moist result.
Ingredients for Your Instant Pot Cherry Cobbler
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to deliciousness. Here’s what you’ll need for this simple yet sensational Instant Pot Cherry Cobbler. (For precise measurements, please refer to the recipe card below.)
- Cherry Pie Filling: One can of this readily available filling makes the base incredibly easy and flavorful.
- Amaretto Liqueur (optional): For that sophisticated almond kick that perfectly complements cherries.
- Yellow Cake Mix: The foundation for our tender, buttery cobbler topping. You can also use vanilla or butter golden for similar results.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a hint of caramel sweetness and moisture to the topping.
- Almond Extract: Essential for enhancing the cherry flavor, especially if omitting amaretto.
- Vanilla Extract: A classic enhancer that rounds out the sweetness in the topping.
- Salted Butter: Melted butter binds the topping ingredients and creates a rich texture. Ensure it’s real butter for best results.
- Ground Cinnamon (optional): A sprinkle of cinnamon adds a cozy warmth, particularly lovely with cherries.
How to Make Instant Pot Cherry Cobbler: A Step-by-Step Guide
Get ready to create an unforgettable dessert with minimal effort! This Instant Pot Cherry Cobbler recipe is designed for ease and maximum flavor. Follow these simple steps:
-
Prepare the Cherry Filling: In a small bowl, combine the entire can of cherry pie filling with the optional amaretto liqueur. Stir gently until well mixed. The amaretto will infuse the cherries with a subtle, aromatic almond note that truly elevates the flavor. Thoroughly spray a 7-inch round oven-safe pan with nonstick cooking spray. This crucial step prevents the cobbler from sticking and makes for easy serving.
- Layer the Filling: Pour the cherry and amaretto mixture evenly into the prepared 7-inch pan. Spread it out so that it forms a consistent layer at the bottom of your pan. This ensures every bite gets a generous amount of fruit.
-
Create the Cake Mix Topping: In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, brown sugar, almond extract, vanilla extract, and melted salted butter. Using your hands or a fork, mix these ingredients together until the mixture becomes clumpy and resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be fully incorporated, moistening the dry ingredients and creating a crumbly texture perfect for the cobbler topping.
- Top the Cobbler: Sprinkle the clumpy cake mix mixture evenly over the entire surface of the cherry filling in the pan. Ensure good coverage, as this will form the delicious, tender crust of your cobbler.
- Add Cinnamon (Optional): Lightly sprinkle the ground cinnamon over the cake mix topping. This adds a wonderful warmth and depth of flavor that complements the cherries beautifully.
-
Prepare for Pressure Cooking: Carefully cover the cobbler pan tightly with aluminum foil. This prevents condensation from dripping onto your cobbler during pressure cooking, keeping the topping from becoming soggy. Pour 1 ½ cups of water into the bottom of your 6-quart Instant Pot inner pot. Place a trivet or a homemade foil sling (made by folding a long piece of foil) at the bottom of the Instant Pot. Gently lower the covered cobbler pan onto the trivet or into the sling.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the sealing valve is set to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting and set the cooking time to 15 minutes on High Pressure. The Instant Pot will take some time to come to pressure before the 15-minute cooking cycle begins.
- Release Pressure: Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. This is a crucial step that helps the cobbler settle and become perfectly tender. After 10 minutes, carefully move the sealing valve to the “Venting” position to quick release any remaining steam. Once the float valve drops, you can safely open the lid.
-
(Optional) Crisp it Up: Carefully remove the cobbler pan from the Instant Pot using the sling. If you desire a crispy, golden-brown topping, uncover the cobbler and place it in an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned to your liking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!
-
Serve and Enjoy: Allow the cobbler to cool slightly before serving. This dessert is absolutely divine when served warm, especially with a generous scoop of cold vanilla ice cream melting over the top. The contrast in temperatures and textures is pure bliss!
Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Cherry Cobbler
Here are some common questions you might have when making this delicious Instant Pot Cherry Cobbler:
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?
Yes, you certainly can! However, using fresh cherries will require a few extra steps. You’ll need to pit the cherries, sweeten them to your desired taste (usually with sugar), and thicken their juices with cornstarch or flour before using them in the recipe. For convenience and consistent results, canned pie filling is recommended for this quick Instant Pot method, but fresh cherries offer a lovely seasonal alternative.
What size Instant Pot and pan should I use?
This recipe is designed for a 6-quart or larger Instant Pot. You’ll need an oven-safe 7-inch round pan that fits comfortably inside your Instant Pot with enough room to lower and lift it using a sling.
How do I store leftover cobbler?
Allow any leftover cobbler to cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can gently warm individual servings in the microwave or place the entire dish back in the oven at a low temperature until heated through.
Can I freeze Instant Pot cobbler?
While you can freeze cobbler, the texture of the cake topping might become a bit softer or crumblier after thawing. If freezing, cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Is Amaretto essential for the recipe?
No, amaretto is optional. It adds a sophisticated depth of almond flavor that pairs beautifully with cherries, but the cobbler will still be delicious without it. If you skip the amaretto, be sure to include the almond extract in the topping mixture, as this will still provide a complementary flavor boost to the cherries.
Craving More Delicious Cobbler Recipes?
If you’ve fallen in love with the ease and deliciousness of this Instant Pot Cherry Cobbler, you’re in for a treat! Cobblers are a versatile and comforting dessert, perfect for any occasion. Explore these other fantastic cobbler recipes to satisfy your sweet tooth:
- Blackberry Cobbler
- Cherry Cheesecake Cobbler
- Best Blueberry Cobbler
- Banana Cobbler
- Chocolate Cobbler
- Peach Cobbler
- Classic Skillet Cherry Cobbler
- Easy Apple Cobbler
- Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp
- Peach Cobbler Cake
Instant Pot Cherry Cobbler Recipe
The Best Instant Pot Cherry Cobbler is made with yellow cake mix, cherry filling and a dash of amaretto to really bring out the cherry flavor.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Pressure Release Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Author: Brandie Skibinski
Print Recipe | Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 21 ounce can cherry pie filling
- ¼ cup amaretto liqueur (optional)
- 15.25 ounce box yellow cake mix
- 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup salted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together the 21 ounce can cherry pie filling and 1/4 cup amaretto liqueur (optional). Pour into a 7” pan that has been sprayed well with nonstick cooking spray.
- Mix the 15.25 ounce box yellow cake mix, 1 Tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon almond extract, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/4 cup salted butter (melted) until the mix becomes clumpy.
- Sprinkle the cake mix mixture evenly on top of the cherry pie filling. Lightly sprinkle 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon over the top.
- Cover the cobbler with foil. Add 1 ½ cups of water to the bottom of a 6-quart Instant Pot. Lower the cobbler inside using a sling.
- Seal the Instant Pot lid and set to high pressure for 15 minutes. Allow natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release the remaining steam.
- (Optional) Uncover the cobbler and place in the oven at 375°F for 5 minutes to crisp up the cobbler topping.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and enjoy!
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Nutrition Information
Calories: 225kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 8g | Sodium: 88mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
Did you make this recipe?
Share it on Instagram @thecountrycook and mention us #thecountrycook!