Delicious & Easy Vegan Cherry Cobbler: Gluten-Free & Allergy-Friendly Dessert for Everyone!

Discover the ultimate semi-homemade vegan cherry cobbler that’s not only incredibly delicious but also completely free of common allergens. Featuring a soft vanilla cake crust encasing a luscious, gooey cherry pie filling, and finished with a sweet, delicate drizzle, this dessert is designed to be effortlessly easy and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Perfect for any occasion, it’s proudly gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, soy-free, peanut-free, and tree nut-free, making it suitable for almost everyone to enjoy.

This post contains affiliate links.

Why This Vegan Cherry Cobbler Will Become Your New Favorite Dessert

There’s so much to adore about this incredible vegan cherry cobbler, especially its “semi-homemade” approach that saves you precious time without compromising on flavor or quality. The beauty of using canned cherry pie filling means you bypass the tedious task of pitting fresh cherries and significantly reduce prep work. This is a game-changer, especially during the warmer months when you’d rather be enjoying the sunshine than spending hours in the kitchen. For busy individuals or those looking for a quick yet impressive dessert, this easy cobbler recipe truly cuts corners in the best possible way.

The cobbler topping, which serves as a delicious vanilla cake, comes together effortlessly and bakes into a wonderfully soft and tender texture. What truly elevates this dessert is the finishing touch: a simple yet decadent icing drizzle that adds an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal. Another fantastic advantage of relying on canned cherry pie filling is its year-round availability. You’re not restricted by seasonal fruit availability, meaning you can whip up this delightful dessert whenever a craving strikes, regardless of the time of year. Furthermore, the entire dessert is prepared in just one bowl, dramatically cutting down on cleanup time. Fewer dishes mean more time to relax and savor your creation! While many consider fruit cobblers the quintessential summer dessert, I firmly believe this delightful recipe is perfect for any season. And for the ultimate indulgence? Don’t forget a generous scoop of your favorite vegan vanilla ice cream on top – it’s an absolute must!

Essential Ingredients for Your Vegan Cherry Cobbler Recipe

Crafting this allergy-friendly vegan cherry cobbler requires a few key ingredients, thoughtfully selected to ensure both amazing taste and suitability for various dietary needs. Each component plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

• Vegan Butter: Essential for a rich, moist cake topping, mimicking traditional butter without any dairy.
• White Granulated Sugar: Provides the perfect sweetness and helps achieve a tender crumb in the cake batter.
• Ener-G Egg Replacer: A reliable binder and leavening agent specifically chosen for its consistent results in allergy-friendly baking without eggs.
• Rice Milk: Our preferred non-dairy milk due to its neutral flavor profile, ensuring it doesn’t overpower the delicate vanilla notes of the cake. It’s also a great option for nut allergies.
• Vanilla Extract: A crucial flavor enhancer, adding warmth and depth to the cake component.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base for our delicious cake topping. If you need it to be gluten-free, opt for a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend at a 1:1 ratio.
• Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and brings out the full flavor of the other ingredients.
• Canned Cherry Pie Filling: The star of the show! This convenient ingredient provides a consistently sweet and gooey cherry layer without any extra effort.
• Powdered Sugar: Used to create that irresistible sweet glaze drizzle for the finishing touch.

Is This Vegan Cherry Cobbler Refined Sugar Free? Addressing Sweetener Choices

It’s a common misconception that all vegan desserts are inherently refined sugar-free. While many vegan recipes do embrace alternative sweeteners, this particular cherry cobbler recipe utilizes regular cane sugar. My primary focus when developing allergy-friendly recipes is often on replacing common allergens like dairy, eggs, and nuts, which can be challenging enough! Therefore, I typically stick with conventional cane sugar for reliable results in texture and flavor, especially when other ingredient substitutions are already in play.

I have not personally tested this recipe with alternatives such as coconut sugar or maple syrup. If you’re keen on making it refined sugar-free, you might be able to swap coconut sugar at a 1:1 ratio, as its granular texture is similar to cane sugar. However, please be aware that coconut sugar can impart a slightly different, caramel-like flavor and a darker color to your baked goods. I would strongly advise against substituting maple syrup or other liquid sweeteners directly into this recipe. Liquid sweeteners will significantly alter the moisture balance and overall consistency of the cake batter, potentially leading to a drastically different outcome. Baking, especially allergy-friendly baking, often requires precise ratios, and liquid swaps can easily throw things off. If you do experiment with alternative granulated sweeteners, start with a small batch and adjust as needed, keeping in mind that results may vary.

Choosing the Best Non-Dairy Milk for Your Cobbler

The choice of non-dairy milk can subtly influence the final taste and texture of your baked goods. For this vegan cherry cobbler, I consistently prefer baking with rice milk. My experience has shown that rice milk has the most neutral flavor profile, meaning it introduces the least amount of “aftertaste” that can sometimes be present with other plant-based milks. This allows the delicious vanilla and cherry flavors of the cobbler to shine through without competition.

However, I understand that many people have their preferred non-dairy milk. While almond milk is a popular choice for many, we avoid it due to nut allergies in our family. Additionally, I personally find that almond milk can impart a strong, distinct nutty aftertaste in baked goods. Oat milk is another excellent contender and would likely work very well in this recipe, offering a creamy texture and generally mild flavor. My least recommended option would be soy milk, as it can sometimes have a noticeable aftertaste that might alter the overall flavor of the cobbler. Nevertheless, if soy milk is the only option you have on hand, it will still function perfectly well at a 1:1 ratio. Ultimately, feel free to use the non-dairy milk you prefer or have readily available, keeping these flavor considerations in mind.

Making Your Vegan Cobbler Gluten-Free: Yes, You Can!

Absolutely, this vegan cobbler recipe is incredibly versatile and can easily be made gluten-free! In fact, all the baking recipes on my site are developed with both vegan and gluten-free needs in mind, catering to wheat allergies (like my son’s) and gluten intolerances (like my husband’s). To achieve a delicious gluten-free cobbler, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend at a 1:1 ratio. It’s that simple!

You don’t need to break the bank for a good gluten-free flour. I often use the Great Value (Walmart’s brand) all-purpose gluten-free flour blend, and it consistently yields fantastic results in my baking. It’s a cost-effective and reliable choice. It’s crucial, however, to use an *all-purpose gluten-free flour blend*. These blends are specifically formulated with a combination of different gluten-free flours (like rice flour, tapioca starch, potato starch, etc.) to mimic the properties of traditional wheat flour. I strongly advise against attempting to substitute single-source gluten-free flours like coconut flour or almond flour directly. These flours behave very differently in baking – coconut flour is extremely absorbent, and almond flour adds a lot of fat and density. They cannot replace an all-purpose flour mixture on a 1:1 basis without drastically altering the texture and moisture content of your cobbler. Stick to a blended gluten-free all-purpose flour for the best, most consistent results.

Can This Vegan Cobbler Be Made with Other Fruit Flavors?

Definitely! This vegan cobbler recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to customize the fruit filling to your heart’s content. As long as you maintain the same amount of filling (typically one 21-ounce can) and ensure it’s a “pie filling” (which guarantees the correct, thickened consistency), you can easily swap out the cherry for other delicious fruit options. This flexibility means you can tailor the cobbler to your favorite fruits or what’s in season, even if using canned. Imagine the possibilities!

You could opt for a vibrant blueberry pie filling for a burst of berry flavor, a classic apple pie filling for a comforting, spiced dessert, or a sweet and juicy peach pie filling for a taste of summer. All these options would make excellent choices for your fruit layer, providing a delightful twist on the original cherry version. Feel free to experiment with combinations too, like a mixed berry filling or an apple-cherry blend. The key is to stick to pre-made pie fillings for their perfect consistency, ensuring your cobbler turns out perfectly gooey and delicious every time.

The Undeniable Perks of Using Canned Pie Filling

Beyond the sheer convenience factor, utilizing canned pie filling offers a multitude of benefits that make this vegan cherry cobbler an absolute breeze to prepare. One of the most significant advantages is the reduction in the number of ingredients you need to worry about purchasing and preparing. You won’t have to concern yourself with whether your fresh fruit is perfectly ripe, or the precise amount of sugar and spices to add. The guesswork is eliminated.

Furthermore, canned pie filling comes perfectly thickened and sweetened right out of the can, eliminating the need for additional steps like adding cornstarch or arrowroot powder to achieve the right consistency. This not only saves time but also guarantees consistent results every single time you bake. The filling is ready to go, allowing you to focus on quickly preparing the easy cake topping. It truly embodies the phrase “easy peasy,” making this cobbler a go-to dessert for busy weeknights, last-minute gatherings, or whenever you crave a comforting treat without extensive culinary effort.

Simple Steps to Create This Delicious Vegan Fruit Cobbler:

Making this delightful vegan fruit cobbler is straightforward, even for novice bakers. Follow these easy steps for a perfect, crowd-pleasing dessert:

• Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking from the start.
• Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a square 9×9 inch or 8×8 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This will prevent the cobbler from sticking and make serving easier.
• Cream Wet Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, using either a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or hand beaters, cream together the vegan butter, white sugar, and prepared powdered egg replacer until the mixture is light and fluffy.
• Add Liquids: Incorporate the wet ingredients: rice milk and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
• Introduce Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the remaining dry ingredients: the all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend) and salt. Mix on low speed until the flour is just incorporated into the wet ingredients. Stop mixing as soon as no dry streaks remain to avoid developing a tough cake texture.
• First Cake Layer: Spread approximately three-quarters of the prepared cake batter evenly across the bottom of the greased baking pan. This forms the base of our delicious cobbler.
• Add Fruit Filling: Carefully spoon the entire can of cherry pie filling over the cake batter layer, spreading it out gently to cover the base.
• Top with Remaining Batter: Take the remaining one-quarter of the cake batter and drop spoonfuls of it over the cherry pie filling. Don’t worry if it doesn’t completely cover the filling; the beauty of a cobbler is its rustic, crumbly topping where the fruit peeks through.
• Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the edges of the cobbler are golden brown and the topping is set. Baking times can vary, so keep an eye on it.
• Prepare the Glaze: While the cobbler is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, a touch of vanilla extract, and rice milk in a small bowl until you achieve a smooth, pourable glaze consistency. Adjust the amount of rice milk to reach your desired thickness.
• Cool and Drizzle: Once the cobbler is out of the oven, allow it to cool completely on a wire rack. This is important as drizzling glaze on a hot cobbler will cause it to melt immediately. Once cooled, drizzle the prepared glaze generously over the top.
• Serve and Store: Slice and serve your delicious vegan cherry cobbler. Any leftovers can be kept at room temperature for a day or two, or stored in the fridge with plastic wrap covering the dish or in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Enjoy!

Exploring Other Vegan Egg Replacers for Baking

When it comes to vegan baking, the choice of egg replacer can significantly impact the outcome of your recipe. While the market offers a wide variety of options—from commercial blends like Bob’s Red Mill to natural binders like flax eggs, applesauce, or mashed banana—I consistently find that Ener-G egg replacer is usually my safest and most reliable bet for this cobbler and many other baked goods. It’s my go-to for several reasons.

Ener-G egg replacer is fantastic because it doesn’t impart any noticeable discoloration to the finished product, nor does it leave any undesirable aftertaste, which can sometimes be an issue with fruit-based replacers. Flax eggs, while a good binder, can give a slightly nutty flavor and a speckled appearance. Applesauce and mashed banana are excellent for adding moisture and sweetness, but they also contribute their distinct flavors and can make the final product denser or sweeter than intended. Even other commercial blends, like Bob’s Red Mill egg replacer, don’t always perform as consistently or neutrally as Ener-G in my experience. If you decide to experiment with a different vegan egg replacer and discover one that works wonderfully for you in this recipe, please consider sharing your feedback in the comments below! Your insights are invaluable for other future readers navigating the world of allergy-friendly baking.

The Perfect Companion: What Vegan Ice Cream Pairs with Cherry Cobbler?

It’s widely agreed upon that the traditional way to enjoy a warm, comforting cobbler is with a scoop of cool, creamy ice cream melting gently on top. Thankfully, the vegan market has exploded with incredible dairy-free ice cream options, meaning you can absolutely still enjoy this classic pairing with your delicious vegan cherry cobbler! A scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream is the quintessential choice, offering a sweet, mellow contrast to the tartness of the cherries and the richness of the cake. It truly elevates a simple dessert into a luxurious experience. Imagine the warmth of the cobbler meeting the cold, smooth creaminess – pure bliss!

The variety of vegan ice cream brands available today is astonishing, catering to all preferences and dietary needs. Here are just a few excellent brands you might find in your local grocery store, many offering fantastic vanilla options and beyond: Ben & Jerry’s (often oat or almond-based), Oatly (creamy oat milk goodness), So Delicious (coconut, almond, or cashew-based), O’My (coconut-based), Haagen-Dazs (plant-based line), NadaMoo! (coconut-based), Halo Top (lower-calorie, various bases), and Tofutti (soy-based). Don’t hesitate to explore different flavors too; a rich chocolate vegan ice cream could be surprisingly delightful, or even a subtle coconut flavor to complement the fruit. The possibilities are endless for creating your perfect dessert experience.

Craving More Vegan Dessert Ideas? We’ve Got You Covered!

If you’ve loved this vegan cherry cobbler, you’ll be thrilled to know that my website is a treasure trove of delicious vegan dessert recipes! And for those with gluten sensitivities, you’re in luck – all my baking recipes are also naturally gluten-free. If gluten isn’t a concern for you, you can easily swap in regular all-purpose flour at a 1:1 ratio and simply omit any xanthan gum if the recipe calls for it. Here are some of my other highly-rated vegan fruit desserts that are perfect for satisfying any sweet craving:

• Vegan Strawberry Chocolate Galette: A rustic and elegant dessert featuring fresh strawberries and rich chocolate in a flaky, dairy-free crust.
• Vegan Fruit Pizza: A fun and vibrant dessert with a soft sugar cookie base, creamy frosting, and a colorful array of fresh fruits.
• Vegan Streusel Stuffed Peaches: Tender peaches baked with a delightful, crumbly streusel topping, offering a warm and comforting treat.
• Vegan Lemon Raspberry Streusel Cake: A moist and zesty cake bursting with lemon and raspberry flavors, topped with a sweet, crunchy streusel.
• Vegan Frozen Raspberry Pie: A refreshingly cool and fruity dessert, perfect for hot days, featuring a creamy raspberry filling in a crisp crust.
• Cherry Chocolate Cake: A decadent and rich cake combining the classic flavors of sweet cherries and dark chocolate.

Or, if you’re more into crisps, you can try this Gluten-free Blueberry Crisp from fellow blogger, Clean Eating Kitchen, for another fantastic fruit-filled option!

Why Choose Allergy-Friendly Desserts?

Opting for allergy-friendly desserts like this vegan cherry cobbler goes far beyond simply accommodating dietary restrictions; it’s about fostering inclusivity and ensuring everyone can enjoy a sweet treat without worry. In a world where food allergies and intolerances are increasingly common, having reliable recipes that are free from common allergens such as gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, peanuts, and tree nuts means you can confidently share your baking with a wider audience. This cobbler is “Top 8 Free,” meaning it avoids the eight most common food allergens, making it a safe bet for most gatherings.

Beyond safety, these recipes are often incredibly delicious and flavorful in their own right. They prove that you don’t need traditional ingredients to create amazing desserts. Choosing allergy-friendly options provides peace of mind for parents, hosts, and individuals with dietary needs, allowing everyone to gather around the table and enjoy a delightful experience together. It’s about celebrating food and community, making sure no one feels left out. Plus, many find that vegan and gluten-free baking can be surprisingly light and enjoyable, even for those without allergies!

Tips for the Perfect Vegan Cherry Cobbler Every Time

To ensure your vegan cherry cobbler turns out perfectly delicious and satisfying every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:

• Accurate Measurements: Baking, especially allergy-friendly baking, is a science. Use proper measuring cups and spoons, and for flour, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off rather than scooping directly, which can compact it and lead to too much flour.
• Room Temperature Vegan Butter: Ensure your vegan butter is at room temperature before you start creaming it with the sugar. This allows it to incorporate properly, creating a light and airy batter.
• Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough, dense cake topping, especially with gluten-free flours.
• Check Your Oven: Ovens can vary. If you notice your cobbler browning too quickly or not enough, consider getting an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is truly at 350°F (175°C).
• Cool Before Glazing: It’s tempting to glaze immediately, but allow the cobbler to cool completely before drizzling the icing. This prevents the glaze from melting and soaking into the cobbler, maintaining its pretty aesthetic and sweet finish.
• Serve Warm for Best Experience: While delicious at any temperature, a slightly warm cobbler (perhaps gently reheated) with a scoop of vegan ice cream is truly an unparalleled experience.

Storage and Reheating Your Vegan Cherry Cobbler

One of the great things about this vegan cherry cobbler is that it stores well, allowing you to enjoy leftovers for days! Here’s how to properly store and reheat your cobbler to maintain its deliciousness:

• Room Temperature Storage: If you plan to finish the cobbler within 1-2 days, you can store it covered with plastic wrap or foil at room temperature. Ensure it’s in a cool, dry place.
• Refrigeration: For longer storage, or if your kitchen is warm, refrigerate the cobbler in an airtight container or covered tightly with plastic wrap/foil. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. The cake topping might become slightly firmer when cold.
• Freezing (Optional): While best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated, you can freeze individual portions of the cobbler for up to 1-2 months. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating:
  • Oven: For best results, especially if reheating from the fridge, place individual slices or the entire cobbler (if covered) in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This helps crisp up the topping again.
  • Microwave: For a quick reheat, individual servings can be microwaved for 30-60 seconds, or until warm. Be aware that the topping might not be as crisp as when reheated in an oven.

Enjoy your leftover cobbler as a delightful breakfast treat, a satisfying snack, or another indulgent dessert!

 

Cherry Cobbler (Gluten, Dairy, Egg, Soy, Peanut Tree nut Free; Vegan, Top 8 Free)

Yield:
9 servings

Prep Time:
10 minutes

Cook Time:
45 minutes

Total Time:
55 minutes

A semi-homemade, dessert with a soft vanilla cake sandwiching a gooey layer of cherry pie filling. Topped with a sweet drizzle, this is an easy and crowd pleasing dessert. Free of gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, peanut and tree nuts. Top eight free and vegan too!

Ingredients

CAKE:

• 1/2 cup vegan butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 tsp Ener-G Egg Replacer
• 4 Tbsp rice milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 and 1/2 cups gluten-free flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cans (21 ounce) cherry pie filling

GLAZE:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 Tbsp rice milk

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Grease a square 9×9 or 8×8 pan with non-stick spray.

In a stand mixer, with the paddle attachment, cream the buttery spread and sugar. (Hand beaters will also work).

Next, add the egg replacer, milk, and vanilla and blend well.

With the stand mixer on low, add the salt and flour until incorporated.

Spread 3/4 of the cake mixture onto the bottom of the pan.

Then, spread the entire can of cherry pie filling over it.

Drop the rest of the batter on top of the cherry layer by spoonful. It won’t cover the entire top, but I like that the pretty cherries show through.

Bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is set and the corners are starting to brown.

While it’s baking, make the glaze by whisking all of the glaze ingredients together. Once the cobbler is cooked and cooled, drizzle the glaze on top. Serve and enjoy.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 9
Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 262Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 2gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 158mgCarbohydrates: 39gFiber: 0gSugar: 30gProtein: 1g

Adapted from: Julie’s Eats and Treats

Don’t forget to pin this so you don’t lose it!