Healthy Peach Cobbler

This healthy peach cobbler recipe features tender, lightly sweetened peaches with a beautiful biscuit topping. I love how it’s accidentally gluten-free AND vegan!

Looking for more fruity cobbler and crisp recipes? Try my strawberry crisp, healthy apple crisp, and gluten-free blueberry cobbler next.

Need a refreshing dessert in time for summer? Here’s a recipe that’s been a massive hit in my household: peach cobbler, made with healthy, good-for-you ingredients. 

The texture of the filling is gooey and thick, while the topping is flaky yet fluffy. It’s sweet and bursting with refreshing peach flavor.

Table of Contents

1. Why I love this recipe
2. Ingredients needed
3. How to make a healthy peach cobbler
4. Arman’s recipe tips
5. How to store leftovers
6. More healthy desserts to try
7. Healthy Peach Cobbler (Recipe Card)

Why I love this recipe

• Uses fresh OR canned peaches. This cobbler is equally delicious whether you use canned or fresh peaches. 
• Diet-friendly. Without trying, this cobbler is gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan, and there’s only a minimal amount of added sugar. 
• 100 calories per serving. I don’t have to tell you that’s MUCH lower than your average cobbler. 
• Light and refreshing. The texture of the peaches and crisp topping make for a surprisingly delicate, flavorful, and irresistible dessert.

Ingredients needed

Here is what you’ll need for the peach filling:

• Peaches. While I prefer to use fresh peaches, canned peaches work just as well. If you use the canned variety, make sure they’re in their natural juices and NOT syrup. 
• Sugar. I used brown sugar, but white sugar can also work. For a sugar-free version, use a sugar-free sweetener, like a keto brown sugar substitute. 
• Lemon juice. The acidity keeps the filling gooey and soft and balances out the sweetness of the peaches. 
• Vanilla extract. Adds a lovely touch of vanilla. 
• Xanthan gum. Thickens the filling. You can also use cornstarch but you will need to use a full 2 tablespoons.

For the crisp topping:

• Almond flour. Blanched almond flour is preferred over almond meal as it yields a lighter texture. If you don’t have almond flour, oat flour will also work. 
• Arrowroot flour. Also known as arrowroot powder. This gives the crisp topping a fluffy, airy texture. 
• Baking soda. Helps the topping rise slightly, yet remains fluffy and soft. 
• Salt. Balances out the sweetness. 
• Coconut oil. Refined coconut oil that has been melted. Unsalted butter can also be used. 
• Maple syrup. Adds refined sugar-free sweetness. Agave nectar or honey will also work. 
• Milk of choice. I used unsweetened almond milk, but any milk will do.

How to make a healthy peach cobbler

I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Step 1- Prep. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.

Step 2- Pre-bake the filling. In a large mixing bowl, toss together the peach slices, sugar, lemon juice, vanilla, and xanthan gum. Pour the peach mixture into the greased dish and spread it into an even layer. Bake for 15 minutes.

Step 3- Make the crisp topping. In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour, arrowroot powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the coconut oil, maple syrup, and milk, and stir until a thick dough forms. 

Step 4- Second bake. Remove the baking dish from the oven. Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit topping onto the peaches. Bake for another 15-20 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Step 5- Cool and serve. Remove the peach cobbler from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Arman’s recipe tips

• Cover with foil. If you notice your biscuit topping starting to brown too quickly, cover the baking dish with tin foil and continue baking for the final 10 minutes. 
• Know when it’s done. The cobbler is done baking when the biscuit is golden brown, and the fruit is fork-tender. 
• Enhance the flavor. Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon for a more warming flavor. 
• Fold in some mix-ins. Like pecans, walnuts, or blueberries. 
• Add some toppings. For a more decadent treat, serve the cobbler with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and whipped cream.

How to store leftovers

To store: Leftover peach cobbler should be stored in the refrigerator, covered in an airtight container, for up to 1 week.

To freeze: Place leftover portions of the cobbler in a freezer-friendly container and freeze them for up to 6 months. You can also portion them in single serving containers.

To reheat: Either microwave for 30 seconds or warm it up in a preheated oven at 180C/350F for 8-10 minutes. 

More healthy desserts to try

• Healthy peanut butter cookies
• Healthy cookie dough
• Healthy chocolate cake
• Healthy chocolate chip cookies

Originally published July 2021, updated and republished May 2024