Imagine biting into a warm, cinnamon-spiced apple cobbler with a golden, buttery topping that crumbles perfectly with each spoonful. Now imagine it’s completely gluten-free and just as delicious as the traditional version. That’s exactly what we’re making today!
This Gluten Free Apple Cobbler brings all the comfort of a classic dessert without any of the gluten concerns.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
This Gluten Free Apple Cobbler isn’t just another adaptation that falls short of the original. It’s a dessert that stands proudly on its own merits. The secret lies in the perfect balance of textures—tender, juicy apples nestled beneath a topping that’s somehow both crisp and tender, with no gritty or dense qualities that sometimes plague gluten-free baking.
What makes this recipe truly special is its accessibility. You won’t need to hunt down obscure ingredients or spend hours mastering complicated techniques. With simple pantry staples and straightforward steps, you’ll create a dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds, whether they follow a gluten-free diet or not.
Plus, this cobbler adapts beautifully to the seasons. While I love it with apples, you can easily swap in whatever fruit is looking gorgeous at your market. It’s the gluten-free dessert recipe you’ll find yourself returning to again and again.
Equipment needed: 9-inch baking dish, mixing bowls, measuring cups, measuring spoons, pastry cutter or fork
Gluten-Free Apple Cobbler
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling
- 6 cups apples about 6-7 medium apples, peeled, cored and sliced (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Braeburn work best)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Cobbler Topping
- 1 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with xanthan gum included; if yours doesn’t have it, add 1/4 teaspoon
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar packed
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter cubed
- 1/3 cup milk dairy or non-dairy
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch baking dish or deep-dish pie plate.
- Prepare the apple filling by combining the sliced apples, sugar, gluten-free flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl. Toss until all apple slices are evenly coated with the mixture.
- Transfer the apple mixture to your prepared baking dish, arranging it evenly. The dish will look quite full, but the apples will cook down during baking.
- Make the cobbler topping by whisking together the gluten-free flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining. This texture is crucial for a tender topping.
- Whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla in a small bowl, then pour into the flour-butter mixture. Stir just until combined – the batter will be thick and slightly lumpy.
- Drop spoonfuls of the topping over the apples, covering most of the surface but allowing some gaps for the filling to bubble through during baking.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges. If the topping browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil.
- Allow the cobbler to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving to let the filling set slightly and avoid burning mouths!
Notes
- Not all gluten-free flour blends perform the same way. Look for one that contains a mix of rice flour, potato starch, and tapioca starch for best results.
- The cobbler topping should be moist but scoopable. If it seems too dry, add an extra tablespoon of milk.
- For extra texture, you can add 1/3 cup of chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work well) to the topping.
- Make-ahead option: Prepare the apple filling and topping separately up to a day in advance, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.
- This cobbler stays fresh at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Calories & Nutritional Info
- Calories: Approximately 320 per serving
- Carbohydrates: 56g per serving
- Fat: 12g per serving
- Protein: 3g per serving
- Fiber: 3g per serving
- Allergens: Contains dairy and eggs. Can be made dairy-free by substituting vegan butter and plant-based milk.
- Diet suitability: Gluten-free, vegetarian
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using just any gluten-free flour – Not all blends are created equal. A good all-purpose blend with xanthan gum will give you the best texture.
- Skipping the resting time – Allowing the cobbler to cool for at least 15 minutes helps the filling thicken properly.
- Using warm or room temperature butter – Cold butter creates those perfect pockets of tenderness in the topping.
- Choosing the wrong apples – Soft apples will turn mushy; firm, tart varieties hold their shape and balance the sweetness.
- Overmixing the topping – Stop stirring once ingredients are just combined to avoid a tough result.
Alternatives & Substitutions
- Fruit variations: Replace apples with peaches, berries, pears, or a mix of fruits (adjust sugar according to fruit sweetness)
- Dairy-free option: Use coconut oil or vegan butter instead of regular butter, and any plant-based milk
- Egg-free version: Substitute the egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes)
- Sugar alternatives: Coconut sugar or a monkfruit sweetener can replace the granulated sugar for a lower glycemic option
- Spice variations: Add cardamom, ginger, or allspice to create different flavor profiles
FAQs
Can I make this cobbler ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the apple filling and topping separately up to 24 hours ahead and store them covered in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake when you’re ready. The baked cobbler can also be completely cooled, covered, and refrigerated for up to 3 days, then reheated in a 300°F oven until warm.
Why is my gluten-free cobbler topping gritty?
Grittiness usually comes from using a rice-heavy flour blend without enough starches. Look for a blend that includes tapioca starch and potato starch along with rice flour. Also, make sure you’re measuring the flour correctly—spoon it into measuring cups rather than scooping, which can pack too much flour into your measurements.
Can I freeze this apple cobbler?
Yes! This Gluten Free Apple Cobbler freezes beautifully. Cool it completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 300°F oven until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
What’s the difference between a cobbler, crisp, and crumble?
While they’re all fruit desserts with toppings, cobblers have a biscuit-like or cake-like topping, crisps contain oats in their streusel topping, and crumbles are similar to crisps but without oats. This recipe is a cobbler because of its soft, slightly cakey topping that resembles drop biscuits.
What can I serve with this gluten-free apple cobbler?
This cobbler shines when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream (dairy or non-dairy). Other delicious options include whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt for breakfast. For extra decadence, try serving it with cinnamon ice cream or maple whipped cream.
Final Thoughts
This Gluten Free Apple Cobbler proves that dietary restrictions don’t mean missing out on comforting classics. The warm, spiced apples and buttery topping create a dessert that brings people together, regardless of whether they eat gluten or not. I hope this recipe finds a special place in your collection, becoming a go-to when you crave something sweet, satisfying, and shareable.
