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Cranberry Orange Cobbler Recipe

4.8 from 100 reviews

This Cranberry Orange Cobbler is a delightful dessert that combines tart fresh cranberries with the zesty brightness of oranges, topped with a tender, crumbly biscuit-like crust. Perfectly baked until golden brown, it offers a comforting balance of sweet and tangy flavors that’s ideal for festive occasions or cozy family gatherings. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Filling

  • 12 cups fresh cranberries, rinsed (approximately 312 oz bags)
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • Zest from 2 oranges
  • Juice from 2 oranges, plus ¼ cup pulp if desired
  • 2 tsp corn starch

For the Topping

  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar
  • ⅓ cup sugar
  • 1½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 stick butter, cut into small pieces
  • ⅓ cup boiling water

Additional Topping (Optional)

  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • 1 Tbsp sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray an oval 3-quart or 9 x 13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Filling: Rinse the fresh cranberries thoroughly and place them in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle the sugar, brown sugar, orange zest, orange juice, and corn starch evenly over the cranberries. Gently stir to combine, then let the mixture sit for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to meld and the corn starch to activate.
  3. Transfer Filling to Dish: Pour the cranberry mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  4. Make the Topping: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Using a pastry blender, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it becomes crumbly like coarse crumbs. Carefully pour the boiling water over the mixture and stir just until combined to form a soft dough.
  5. Assemble the Cobbler: Spoon the dough over the cranberry filling and gently spread it to cover the berries evenly. Avoid pressing down too hard so the topping remains crumbly.
  6. Add Optional Topping: If desired, mix the cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl and sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cobbler topping for extra flavor and a hint of spice.
  7. Bake: Place the cobbler in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is cooked through and starts to brown nicely.
  8. Cool and Serve: Remove the cobbler from the oven and let it sit for about 10 minutes to set. Serve warm, ideally topped with vanilla ice cream for a luscious finish. Enjoy your comforting, fruity dessert!

Notes

  • For best results, use fresh cranberries rather than frozen to ensure the right texture and tartness.
  • The orange pulp is optional; including it adds additional texture and flavor but can be omitted if you prefer a smoother filling.
  • If you like a sweeter cobbler, increase the sugar slightly in the filling or topping to taste.
  • The boiling water in the topping helps to melt the butter slightly, creating a tender, biscuit-like crust.
  • Allowing the cobbler to rest after baking helps the filling to thicken and the flavors to develop further.
  • This cobbler can be served with whipped cream, yogurt, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance the experience.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently before serving.

Keywords: cranberry cobbler, orange cobbler, fruit cobbler recipe, holiday dessert, easy cobbler, baked cranberry dessert