Cuppa Cuppa Cobbler Recipe (Fruit Cocktail Edition)

If you’ve never made a cuppa cuppa cuppa cobbler, you’re in for a cozy, buttery, fruit-filled delight that’s straight from the heart of old-school Southern kitchens. First of all, thank you for stopping by and sharing a moment in my kitchen. Whether you’re here out of nostalgia, curiosity, or an urgent need for a simple dessert, I’m truly grateful you’re here. I’ve always believed that the most memorable recipes are the ones that come from a place of warmth and simplicity—and this cuppa cuppa cobbler recipe is exactly that.

What Is a Cuppa Cuppa Cobbler?

The name sounds quirky, right? But the method is anything but complicated. A cuppa cuppa cobbler gets its name from the original 1-1-1 ratio: one cup of flour, one cup of sugar, one cup of milk—plus fruit and butter, of course. That’s it. You don’t stir the layers once they’re in the pan, and that’s part of the magic. The batter rises over the fruit as it bakes, creating a cake-like topping with golden, crispy edges and a soft, tender middle.

This version highlights fruit cocktail, syrup and all. When baked into the batter, the syrup helps caramelize the crust and gives each bite a nostalgic, sweet tang. It’s rustic, reliable, and endlessly adaptable.

Why You’ll Love This Cuppa Cuppa Cobbler Recipe

There are so many reasons this recipe has stood the test of time:

  • Pantry-friendly: Everything you need is likely already in your kitchen.
  • Beginner-approved: No advanced techniques or equipment needed.
  • Comforting flavor: Buttery, warm, and full of fruity goodness.
  • Perfect for any season: Works year-round and travels well for gatherings.
  • Great for customization: You can switch up the fruit, spices, or even add mix-ins like nuts or citrus zest.

I promise you, once you’ve made this once, it’ll be part of your go-to dessert rotation.

What Does Cuppa Cuppa Cobbler Taste Like?

The taste is pure comfort. Imagine soft yellow cake that’s slightly crisped around the edges, soaked in syrupy fruit goodness. It’s rich without being heavy, sweet without being cloying, and beautifully balanced. The butter melts into the batter while it bakes, creating that irresistible brown crust on the bottom. The fruit cocktail gives you little surprises in every bite—grapes, peaches, cherries—all with their syrup baked in.

It’s the kind of dessert you eat standing at the kitchen counter with a spoon straight from the pan. Not that I’ve done that, of course… okay, maybe once or twice.

Benefits of Making This Easy Fruit Cobbler

This cobbler goes beyond just being delicious:

  • No mixer or fancy tools required: Everything stirs together in one bowl.
  • Quick to prepare: From pantry to oven in under 10 minutes.
  • Feeding a crowd: Easily doubled or tripled for potlucks or holidays.
  • Reheats like a dream: Pop it in the microwave and it’s just as good the next day.
  • Kid-friendly: Both in flavor and in ease of preparation.

When a dessert this easy can taste this good, you know you’ve found a keeper.

cuppa cuppa cobbler recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this timeless treat:

  • 1 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 (15 oz) can fruit cocktail in syrup (do not drain)
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional topping: sprinkle of brown sugar or cinnamon on top

This basic list allows for so much flexibility, which we’ll talk about shortly. But first, let’s set you up with the right tools.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

  • 9×9-inch baking dish or similar-sized pan
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk or spoon
  • Oven preheated to 350°F (175°C)

This dish also works beautifully in a disposable aluminum pan if you’re taking it to a party or potluck.

Ingredient Swaps and Variations

I promised this recipe was flexible, and here’s how you can adapt it:

  • Fruit cocktail: You can use other canned fruits like sliced peaches, pineapple chunks, or pears. Just make sure they’re packed in syrup or juice and don’t drain them.
  • Flour: Substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose blend for a gluten-free version.
  • Milk: Use almond, oat, or 2% milk if preferred.
  • Vanilla extract: Add a teaspoon for warmth and aroma.
  • Spices: Try cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for a spiced variation.
  • Texture add-ins: Chopped pecans, shredded coconut, or oats sprinkled on top can add a nice crunch.

Want to experiment with more fruity desserts after this one? You’ll love these:

How to Make Cuppa Cuppa Cobbler Step by Step

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the stick of butter in your baking dish and put it in the oven for a few minutes until fully melted. This not only greases the pan but forms a buttery base that’s crucial for the texture.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and milk. Stir until smooth and add vanilla extract if using. You’re looking for a pourable batter—no need for perfection here.

Step 3: Assemble (No Stirring!)

Pour the batter directly over the melted butter in the pan. Do not stir. Spoon the fruit cocktail (including all the syrup) evenly over the top. Once again, do not stir. This layering creates the magic when it bakes: the batter will rise up around the fruit and form a perfect crust.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are crisp. You might see little bits of bubbling fruit poking through—that’s exactly what you want.

What to Serve with Cuppa Cuppa Cobbler

This cobbler is delicious on its own, but a few additions can elevate it even more:

  • A scoop of vanilla ice cream
  • Whipped cream or Cool Whip
  • A drizzle of heavy cream or sweetened condensed milk
  • A sprinkle of toasted almonds or chopped pecans

You can also serve it with a cup of coffee or tea for a late-afternoon indulgence that feels like a hug in a bowl.

Tips for the Best Cobbler Every Time

  • Don’t stir once you’ve poured the layers. That’s the golden rule.
  • Use fruit cocktail in syrup, not juice, for a richer flavor and texture.
  • Let it rest for 10 minutes after baking before serving to let the juices set.
  • Double the recipe for a 9×13 pan if serving a crowd.
  • Add a pinch of salt to the batter for balance—it brings out the flavor.

How to Store and Reheat Cobbler

  • Room temperature: Cover and store on the counter for 1 to 2 days.
  • Refrigerator: Lasts up to 4 days in an airtight container.
  • Freezer: Freeze individual portions or the whole cobbler tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat at 325°F until warm.

Reheat in the microwave for about 30–45 seconds per serving, or pop the pan back into a warm oven to crisp up the edges again.

cuppa cuppa cobbler recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?
Yes, you can. Use about 2 cups of chopped fresh fruit, and toss it in 1/4 to 1/3 cup sugar to mimic the syrup effect.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk.

What kind of canned fruit works best?
Fruit cocktail is traditional here, but canned peaches, cherries, or mixed berries are all wonderful. Just make sure they’re packed in syrup or juice and not drained.

Can I make it in advance?
You can mix the dry ingredients ahead of time and store in a jar or container. Assemble and bake just before serving for the best texture.

Do I need to grease the pan before adding the butter?
Nope—the butter does the greasing for you as it melts in the oven.

Conclusion: A Dessert You’ll Make Again and Again

This simple, rustic cobbler proves that a handful of ingredients and a good baking dish are all you need to make something truly special. With its soft, cake-like top, sweet fruit-filled bottom, and crispy edges, this cuppa cuppa cobbler recipe is everything a comforting dessert should be. It’s easy, affordable, and endlessly adaptable to whatever fruit you have on hand.

Don’t forget to try some of these other fruit-forward favorites next:

If you try this recipe, I would love to hear how it turned out. Leave a review, snap a photo, and tag me on Pinterest so we can keep this sweet tradition alive in kitchens everywhere.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

  • Calories: 290
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Sugar: 26g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sodium: 90mg
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cuppa cuppa cobbler recipe

Cuppa Cuppa Cobbler Recipe (Fruit Cocktail Edition)


  • Author: Sam

Description

This classic cuppa cuppa cobbler recipe uses just a handful of pantry staples and a can of fruit cocktail to create a buttery, golden-topped dessert that’s soft in the middle and crisp on the edges. No fancy tools, no complicated steps—just a cozy, crowd-pleasing treat that comes together in under 10 minutes of prep. Perfect for beginners, nostalgic bakers, and anyone who loves a no-fuss sweet bite of comfort.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 1 cup whole milk

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1 (15 oz) can fruit cocktail in syrup (do not drain)

  • Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • Optional topping: sprinkle of brown sugar or cinnamon on top


Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the stick of butter in a 9×9-inch baking dish and melt it in the oven while it preheats. Once melted, carefully remove the dish.

  • Make the batter by whisking together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and milk in a medium bowl. Add vanilla extract if using. Mix until smooth.

  • Pour the batter over the melted butter in the baking dish. Do not stir.

  • Add the fruit cocktail (with syrup) by spooning it evenly over the batter. Again, do not stir—this helps create the signature golden, rippled crust.

  • Sprinkle with cinnamon or brown sugar if desired, then bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are crisp.

 

  • Cool for 10 minutes before serving. The cobbler will firm up slightly as it rests.

Notes

  • This cobbler works beautifully with canned peaches, pears, cherries, or pineapple—just keep the syrup!

  • For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk like almond or oat.

  • Want extra crunch? Top with chopped nuts or a sprinkle of oats before baking.

  • Store leftovers covered at room temp for 1–2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days.

  • Freezes well! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.

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