There is something mighty comforting about a cobbler that comes together with almost no fuss, especially when it leans on a few cheerful pantry shortcuts. This vintage-style Neapolitan cobbler takes that old Midwestern love of cake-mix desserts and gives it a pretty pink twist with strawberry cake mix, rich chocolate syrup, and sweet cherry pie filling, all bubbling together in the slow cooker until spoon-soft and pudding-like. It is the sort of easy dessert you set up for a Sunday supper, church potluck, or a warm summer evening when ice cream is nearly a requirement.
Serve this cobbler warm in bowls with big scoops of vanilla, strawberry, or chocolate ice cream to play up that classic Neapolitan flavor. If you want to make it feel extra special, add a little whipped cream and a few fresh cherries or sliced strawberries on top. For a nice contrast, a cup of hot coffee or a cold glass of milk goes right alongside it.
3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Vintage Neapolitan Cobbler
Servings: 8
Ingredients
1 box dry pink strawberry cake mix, about 15.25 ounces
1 can cherry pie filling, 21 ounces
1 cup chocolate syrup
Directions
1. Lightly coat the inside of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick spray or a little butter to help prevent sticking.
2. Spread the cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker.
3. Drizzle the chocolate syrup over the cherry filling as evenly as you can.
4. Sprinkle the dry strawberry cake mix evenly over the top, covering the filling and syrup without stirring.
5. Cover and cook on low for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until the fruit is bubbling around the edges and the top is set but still soft in spots.
6. Let the cobbler rest for 10 to 15 minutes before spooning into dessert bowls. Serve warm, preferably with ice cream.
Variations & Tips
Ice cream finish: This dessert truly shines with ice cream, and vanilla is the easiest choice, but strawberry or chocolate makes the Neapolitan idea even more obvious. Add the scoop right before serving so it softens into the warm cobbler instead of disappearing too quickly.
Layering tip: Resist the urge to stir once the cake mix goes on. Leaving the layers alone helps create those lovely pockets of fruit, chocolate, and tender cakey topping that make dump-style cobblers so charming.
Extra fruit version: If you want a fruitier pan, fold in 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries with the cherry pie filling before layering. It adds a fresher berry note and makes the whole dessert taste a little more like summer supper on the porch.
Slow cooker note: Every crock pot runs a little differently, especially the older ones. Start checking near the 2 1/2-hour mark so the edges do not overcook while the center stays tender and spoonable.