This easy cherry surprise dessert is a delicious cherry treat that the whole family will enjoy and is made with only 7 ingredients. A great dessert for any occasion.

I’ve been making this tasty cherry cobbler for years for my family and friends. You might be wondering why I call it cherry surprise when it’s so obviously a cobbler. Well, that’s what my grandmother called it. Of course, that’s what my mom called it, too. So when I began cooking and making desserts for my family, there was no way I’d call it anything else but cherry surprise. Later, I came to find out that a lot of people call this particular brand of cherry cobbler Cherry Surprise.
No matter what you call it, though, one thing remains the same: this recipe is absolutely delicious! I used to make this frequently for a weeknight dessert that turned into afternoon snacking the next day. Even now that my kids are gone and the house is far less bustling, I still make this delicious cherry dessert quite often. It’s as loaded with nostalgia for me as it is flavor.
Cherry Surprise Dessert
This delicious baked cherry masterpiece of sweetness is full of delicious cherry flavor, but it’s not full of work. In just a few minutes, you’ll have one of the tastiest desserts you’ve ever made. I start with a simple, buttery batter that I layer on the bottom of my baking dish. Then, I add a layer of cherry pie filling and bake it to perfection. That’s all there is to it! While it bakes, the batter rises, creating a golden-brown crust that appears in random spots all over the top of the filling. I imagine that’s how this cobbler got its family name. This is a great dessert for weeknight meals, potlucks and parties, and holiday gatherings. And it’s so easy, the hardest part is simply waiting for the approximate hour that it takes to bake. It’s as easy as pie, er, cobbler.
Why You’ll Love This Cherry Surprise Dessert
- It’s an easy cherry dessert recipe with simple ingredients that are most likely in your pantry already.
- It’s a delicious cherry dessert recipe the whole family will love.
- It only takes 7 ingredients to make!
Cherry Surprise Dessert Tips and Variations
This is one of the easiest dessert recipes you’ll make, but I do have a complete of simple tips to help you make it the best it can be. I also have some fun variations that I think you’ll enjoy, too!
Tips
- Always spray your dish with nonstick spray. Don’t forget, or you’ll end up with parts of your dessert stuck to the dish!
- Be sure your butter is room temperature for easy creaming and the correct texture of the topping.
- It’s important to flatten the dough evenly into the bottom of the dish so it can do its surprise thing.
Variations
- Use any of your favorite fruit pie fillings for this recipe. They’re all delicious.
- You can make any of your favorite fruit pie filling recipes to use in this recipe if you’re feeling fancy.
- Be sure you alternate the dry and wet ingredients when you mix them into the sugar mixture to ensure a proper mix and outcome.
Cherry Surprise Dessert FAQ
If you have questions about this recipe, then read on. The following FAQ answers the most commonly asked questions about this cherry surprise dessert.
What is cherry surprise?
It’s another name for cherry cobbler. The batter used in cherry surprise is a bit thinner than traditional cobbler batter, which helps it form the “surprise” topping.
How long will cherry cobbler last in the fridge?
It will keep for up to 5 days in an air-tight container.
Can you freeze cherry surprise?
Absolutely! You can freeze this dessert in an air-tight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
How to Store Leftover Cherry Surprise Dessert
Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months in an airtight, freezer-safe container.
Cherry Surprise Recipe Ingredients
It only takes a few simple ingredients to make this delicious dessert. You probably have all the ingredients in your kitchen right now, and those you don’t are easily found at your local grocery store.
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Sugar
- Butter
- Milk
- Cherry pie filling
How to Make Cherry Surprise Dessert
Making this recipe is just as easy as the ingredient list. In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious dessert that everyone loves.
Step 1: Prep
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and spray a 13×9 glass baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium mixing bowl.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In another medium mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.
Step 4: Make the Dough
Add the dry ingredients and milk, alternating each to the sugar mixture and mix until combined.
Step 5: Make the Cherry Surprise and Bake
Flatten the dough evenly into the bottom of the baking pan, cover it with cherry pie filling, and bake for 55 to 60 minutes or until golden brown. Enjoy!
Try This Delicious Cherry Surprise Dessert Today
This cherry surprise dessert is the best combination of ease and flavor that you’ll ever make. It comes together in no time, and it’s full of everything we love about cherry cobbler. Give this deliciously easy recipe a try, and get ready to make it again and again. You’ll have to if you want your family to leave you alone!
More Delicious Dessert Recipes You’ll Enjoy
Pear Cobbler – A delicious cobbler recipe made with fresh pears, a custard like filling, and a homemade cinnamon roll crust. This is a great cobbler for the upcoming holiday season.
Apple Cheesecake – These mini cheesecakes are the perfect dessert recipe to bring to parties, potlucks, or get togethers. A layer of pie crust, cheesecake filling, and topped with apple pie filling.
Pumpkin Cheesecake – A rich and decadent dessert recipe with a layer of cheesecake, a layer of pumpkin pie, and then topped with candied pecans. The perfect dessert for the Thanksgiving table!
And, try this Cranberry Orange Pecan Crisp from Great Grub, Delicious Treats. It’s the perfect dessert for the holiday season; loaded with fresh cranberries, orange zest, and a delicious crumble topping.
Cherry Surprise Dessert
Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- â…› teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup milk
- 21 ounce can cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350° and spray a 13 x 9 glass baking dish with a non-stick cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder and salt together.
- In a medium mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Stir dry ingredients, alternating with milk, into the sugar mixture.
- Flatter dough evenly into the bottom of the baking dish.
- Cover with cherry pie filling.
- Bake for 55-60 minutes or until golden brown.
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