There’s never a bad time for a slice of pie, and my personal favorite is cherry cobbler. It’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser, making it the perfect dessert to prepare in advance of a big family dinner or a gathering with friends.
But once you have this beautiful dish baked and ready to go, do you need to store it in the refrigerator? Let’s find out.
Does Cherry Cobbler Need to Be Refrigerated?
Cherry cobbler does not need to be refrigerated. Cherry cobbler can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for two to three days, but it will last longer and stay fresher in the refrigerator. Keeping it cool will extend its lifespan by up to two days while also retaining more of its flavor and texture. In addition to this, refrigerating your cherry cobbler lowers its risk of contracting harmful bacteria.
A Brief History of Cherry Cobbler
Cherry cobbler has been around since the 19th century and is said to have come about as a result of ingredients in short supply.
Unable to make a traditional cherry pie, bakers and cooks in the British American colonies had to improvise with what they had in stock, and the cherry cobbler was born.
Today, this pie is so beloved that there is even a national day to celebrate it on May 17th.
It uses basic ingredients like eggs, flour, milk, corn starch, butter, and of course, fresh cherries.
Cherry cobbler is baked in the oven and usually served with cream or ice cream.
Do You Need to Keep Cherry Cobbler in the Fridge?
Theoretically, baked fruit pies like cherry cobbler can be kept at room temperature for a few days after preparing or purchasing them.
Raw ingredients like eggs and dairy products are at high risk of spoiling if not refrigerated, but in cobbler, they are baked, reducing this risk.
Even so, if you plan to keep your cobbler at room temperature, it should be stored in an airtight container to keep it moist and fresh.
Alternatively, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to keep our air and any germs that are flying about.
While your cobbler won’t stay as fresh as it would in the fridge, it should be okay for two to three days.
Why It’s Better to Refrigerate Cherry Cobbler
Personally, I prefer to keep cobbler refrigerated because it will keep for longer and taste better.
Cool temperatures preserve the flavor of cherry cobbler, ensuring it stays sweet and tart as we like it.
Refrigeration is also better for the pie’s texture.
Keeping your cobbler in the fridge will stop the topping from going too soggy or mushy, as long as it’s in an airtight container or thoroughly covered with plastic or foil.
The filling itself also holds better and doesn’t turn watery or split.
Best of all, you’ll be able to enjoy your cobbler for up to two days longer than you would if you left it out on the counter.
Best Practices For Refrigerating Cherry Cobbler
Before storing your cobbler in the fridge, always make sure it’s thoroughly cooled.
Popping a warm cobbler into a cold environment wreaks havoc on its texture and heightens its risk of picking up harmful bacteria.
Together with this, make sure it’s covered so it doesn’t go soggy from the moisture in your fridge.
Can You Freeze Cherry Cobbler?
Cherry cobbler is excellent for freezing and can keep for up to six months.
This means you can always have it on hand if you’re craving a sweet treat or you’re a fan of baking in advance of dinners and events.
For freezing, the same rules apply as for refrigerating.
Make sure your cobbler is room temperature and store it in an airtight container or wrap it with plastic.
Proper storage preserves the cobbler’s texture and freshness and limits freezer burn.
How to Thaw Cherry Cobbler
For the best results when thawing your cherry cobbler, make sure to plan ahead.
Cobbler needs to be defrosted gradually, preferably overnight, in the fridge.
If you’re in a real pinch, you can try your microwave’s lowest setting for a few minutes to speed up the thawing process, but the chances are high that this will ruin the texture of the batter.
Rather invest the time in letting it gradually soften and then reheat it before serving.
How to Reheat Cherry Cobbler
In good news, once your cobbler is thawed, it’s easy to reheat.
All you need to do is pop it in the microwave for a minute or two, and it will taste as good as new in no time.
Alternatively, you can warm it in the oven for ten to fifteen minutes at 350F (180C).
This is my preference for getting the topping nice and crispy.
You won’t even be able to tell it isn’t freshly baked.
Conclusion to Does Cherry Cobbler Need To Be Refrigerated?
Cherry cobbler is such a delicious dessert that it would be criminal to let any go to waste. This is why I always recommend refrigerating your leftovers, to keep them as fresh as possible for as long as possible.
Fridge storage is not only safer for your cobbler but also preserves its overall taste and texture. This is, of course, provided you follow proper storage techniques to stop it from going soggy. For best results, warm your cobbler before serving it.
Frequently Asked Questions to Does Cherry Cobbler Need To Be Refrigerated?
Is Cherry Cobbler Easy to Make?
Cherry cobbler is very easy to make. Even though there are hundreds of different recipes out there, they all follow a similar composition and usually comprise ingredients you probably have in your fridge or pantry already. A great cherry cobbler is sweet but tart with a golden-brown, crispy topping made with flour, egg, salt, sugar, and baking powder.
Should Cherry Cobbler Be Served Warm?
This boils down to personal preference, but traditionally cobbler is served warm with a cold accompaniment like ice cream or whipped cream. The contrast between warm and cold elevates the flavors of both components, making for a mouth-watering treat.