Simple Delicious Gluten-Free Peach Cobbler

Indulge in the sweet, juicy flavors of summer with our Easy Gluten-Free Peach Cobbler. Featuring a luscious peach filling crowned with a tender, golden biscuit topping, this recipe is a delightful treat for any occasion.

As the long-awaited summer months arrive, so does an abundance of nature’s most cherished fruits. Among them, the peach reigns supreme, a symbol of warmth and sweet indulgence. These fuzzy, fragrant delights are not only perfect for enjoying fresh, but they also transform beautifully into an array of incredible dishes, with dessert being their true calling. This year, we’re particularly excited to share an exceptional and incredibly easy gluten-free peach cobbler recipe. It’s a dessert that encapsulates the very essence of summer, promising to become a cherished addition to your seasonal baking traditions.

The world of peach cobblers is rich and varied, with regional distinctions adding unique twists to this classic American treat. In the northern United States, a sweetened biscuit topping is traditionally favored, offering a delightful textural contrast to the soft, bubbling fruit beneath. Travel southward, and you’re more likely to encounter a cobbler with a batter-like topping, creating a more cakey, integrated crust. After exploring numerous gluten-free peach cobbler recipe variations, our absolute favorite emerged: the northern-style cobbler, perfected with our signature sweet and tender gluten-free biscuit topping. This topping is so straightforward and forgiving that even beginner bakers can achieve impressive results, while the rich, jammy peach filling bursts with unparalleled fresh flavor, making every bite a celebration.

Imagine the sensory experience: a beautifully golden-brown crust, lightly crisp on the outside, giving way to a wonderfully tender interior. Beneath it, a generous layer of sweet, succulent peaches, gently spiced and infused with delicate notes of vanilla and almond, bubbles enticingly. This gluten-free peach cobbler isn’t just a dessert; it’s an invitation to savor the simple pleasures of summer, a comforting classic reimagined for everyone to enjoy. It’s particularly irresistible when served warm, topped with a melting scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The interplay of warm and cold, soft and tender, sweet and tangy, creates a symphony of flavors and textures that is truly unforgettable. So, gather your ripe, juicy peaches, perhaps a pint or two of your favorite vanilla ice cream, and let’s create this exquisite gluten-free summer dessert masterpiece together!

Essential Ingredients for an Unforgettable Gluten-Free Peach Cobbler:

Crafting the perfect peach cobbler starts with selecting the right ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving that coveted balance of sweetness, tang, and delightful texture. Understanding their purpose will help you master this recipe. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

• Fresh Peaches: The Irreplaceable Star. Summer is undeniably the BEST time of year to make peach cobbler because peaches are at their peak—ripe, incredibly juicy, bursting with fresh flavor, and often most affordable. Their natural sweetness and vibrant aroma are unmatched. However, if your craving strikes outside of peak season, you can absolutely use high-quality frozen peaches. Just be sure to consult our detailed FAQ section below for specific tips on adjusting the recipe to ensure your cobbler turns out just as thick and flavorful when using frozen fruit.
• Brown Sugar: Enhancing Sweetness with Depth. While white granulated sugar is a common choice for desserts, we passionately advocate for brown sugar in our peach cobbler filling. Its delightful molasses undertones introduce a depth and richness that harmoniously complements the peaches, creating a more complex, almost caramel-like flavor profile. This subtle yet impactful swap works true magic, elevating the entire filling and making it truly special. We wholeheartedly recommend trying it for an extra layer of deliciousness.
• Cornstarch (or Arrowroot Starch): The Secret to a Thick Filling. Cornstarch is absolutely essential if you desire a thick, luscious, and jammy peach filling, rather than a watery or runny one. As the peaches gently bubble and cook in the oven, the cornstarch activates, skillfully transforming the fruit juices into a beautifully viscous and gooey consistency. It’s important to note that the filling will continue to thicken even further as the cobbler cools. If you prefer an alternative, arrowroot starch can be swapped in as a 1:1 substitute with similar excellent results.
• Orange Juice or Lemon Juice: A Balancing Act. A small amount of citrus juice introduces a crucial element of acidity, which perfectly balances the sweetness of the peaches and brown sugar. Orange juice offers a milder, slightly sweeter zest, subtly enhancing the fruit’s natural flavor without overpowering it. Lemon juice, with its brighter, more tart profile, works wonderfully in a pinch and adds a zesty counterpoint. Either choice will elevate the overall flavor profile, making the peaches truly sing.
• Almond Extract & Vanilla Extract: The Flavor Harmonizers. This aromatic blend is key to unlocking the full potential of your peach cobbler. Did you know peaches and almonds are botanical cousins? Adding almond extract is therefore a brilliant and effortless way to amplify and deepen the natural peach flavor in an incredibly harmonious manner. Vanilla extract, on the other hand, contributes those comforting “peaches-and-cream” vibes, imparting a creamy, sweet undertone that is simply divine and makes the entire dessert more inviting and well-rounded.
• Cinnamon (Optional): A Touch of Warmth. For those who enjoy a hint of spice in their fruit desserts, cinnamon is a lovely addition. A mere 1/4 teaspoon will impart a subtle warmth that enhances the peaches without dominating the flavor profile. If you’re a true cinnamon enthusiast and desire a more prominent spice note, feel free to increase it to 1/2 teaspoon. This ingredient is entirely customizable to your personal preference, so feel free to adjust or omit it as you see fit.
• Our Easy Gluten-Free Biscuit Topping: The Golden Crown. The star of our cobbler’s upper layer is a tender, sweet biscuit topping, ingeniously adapted from our highly popular easy gluten-free biscuits recipe. We’ve fine-tuned it by making it a touch sweeter and slightly thinner to create the perfect complement to the rich, fruit-filled base. You’ll need a reliable gluten-free measure-for-measure flour blend (we consistently recommend King Arthur’s for its excellent results), granulated sugar, baking powder for lift, a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness, rich plain full-fat Greek yogurt for moisture and tenderness, and your preferred milk (we frequently use almond milk). After forming and carefully placing the biscuit mounds, a light brush of melted butter and a sprinkle of coarse sugar will give them a gorgeous golden-brown finish and an irresistible textural crunch. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to achieve bakery-quality results right in your own kitchen!

How to Make the Perfect Gluten-Free Peach Cobbler, Step-by-Step:

Creating this delicious gluten-free peach cobbler is a surprisingly straightforward process. Follow these detailed instructions carefully to ensure a perfectly bubbling, golden-brown, and utterly delicious dessert every single time.

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Baking Dish. Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). This ensures the oven is at the optimal temperature when your cobbler goes in, promoting even and consistent baking. Next, retrieve a 9×9 inch square baking dish (with an approximate 2-quart capacity). While the moist filling usually prevents sticking, a light spray of cooking oil can be applied for extra assurance, if desired.
2. Prepare the Irresistible Peach Filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine your freshly peeled and sliced peaches, the rich brown sugar, cornstarch (or arrowroot starch), orange juice (or lemon juice), fragrant vanilla extract, subtle almond extract, and cinnamon (if you choose to include it). Gently stir all these ingredients together using a spatula or spoon until the peach slices are thoroughly and evenly coated in the starchy mixture. This uniform coating is crucial for ensuring the filling thickens properly and consistently as it bakes.
3. Transfer Peach Filling to the Baking Dish. Carefully pour the beautifully coated peach mixture into your prepared 9×9 inch baking dish. Use your spatula to spread the peaches into an even layer across the bottom of the dish, making sure to scrape every last bit of the flavorful juice and filling from the bowl. This maximizes flavor and provides a consistent base for your delectable biscuit topping.
4. Craft the Easy Gluten-Free Biscuit Topping. To minimize cleanup, you can smartly use the same mixing bowl you just used for the peaches! Add the gluten-free measure-for-measure flour blend, granulated sugar, baking powder for lift, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly with a fork until they are well combined. Next, add the plain full-fat Greek yogurt and your chosen milk (dairy or non-dairy). Mix gently until the dough just comes together. This might take a minute or two, so be patient. The dough will appear thick, wonderfully fluffy, and might seem a touch dry, but this is the perfect consistency for tender, light biscuits—do not overmix!
5. Scoop Biscuit Dough Over the Filling. Using a large cookie scoop (ideally with a 3-tablespoon capacity), carefully transfer heaping scoops of your biscuit dough over the peach filling. We find that creating about 9 distinct mounds, evenly spaced across the surface, works best. If you happen to have a small amount of dough leftover after forming 9 mounds, simply divide and distribute it evenly among the existing biscuits.
6. Gently Flatten the Dough Mounds. With clean fingers, gently pat down each biscuit mound slightly. The objective here is to flatten them so they are mostly even and not overly tall or domed. You’ll still have 9 individual “biscuits,” but this slight flattening helps them bake more uniformly, ensuring a beautifully golden top without over-browning in the center and allowing for even cooking.
7. Brush with Butter and Sprinkle with Sugar. For that irresistible golden-brown crust and a delightful textural crunch, generously brush the tops of your biscuit mounds with a bit of melted butter. Then, lavishly sprinkle them with coarse sugar (such as Turbinado sugar). This step not only adds a beautiful visual appeal but also contributes a lovely sweet crunch to each bite of the biscuit topping.
8. Bake Your Gluten-Free Peach Cobbler to Perfection. Carefully place the baking dish into your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 40-50 minutes, or until you observe the peach filling bubbling vigorously and continuously around the edges of the dish. Simultaneously, the biscuit topping should achieve a deep, inviting golden-brown color. If you notice the biscuits browning too quickly before the filling is fully bubbling, lightly cover the pan with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning while allowing the filling to cook through. The vigorous bubbling is an absolute key indicator that the cornstarch has fully activated and is properly thickening the filling.
9. Cool and Serve for Optimal Enjoyment. Once baked to perfection, carefully remove the cobbler from the oven. Resist the immediate urge to serve it! Allow it to cool for at least 20-30 minutes, or even longer. At this point, your peach cobbler will still be wonderfully warm, but it won’t be scalding hot. This crucial cooling period allows the cornstarch to continue its work, resulting in a perfectly set, thick, and luscious filling. Serve warm with your favorite accompaniments for an unforgettable and truly comforting dessert experience.

3 Irresistible Ways to Serve Your Gluten-Free Peach Cobbler:

Once your gluten-free peach cobbler emerges from the oven, golden, bubbling, and fragrant, the only decision left is how to crown this magnificent dessert. Here are three delightful serving suggestions to elevate your cobbler experience and truly make it shine:

1. With Ice Cream (Our Top Recommendation!). This is, without a doubt, the most beloved and arguably the most delicious way to enjoy warm peach cobbler. The incredible contrast between the warm, sweet, and tangy peach filling and the cold, creamy vanilla ice cream is pure bliss. As the ice cream slowly melts into the cobbler, it creates an extra layer of velvety decadence that’s simply heavenly. Don’t limit yourself to just classic vanilla; consider pairing it with a scoop of cinnamon ice cream for an added layer of warmth and spice, or even a scoop of peach ice cream for an extra burst of concentrated peachy flavor. The “à la mode” experience with this gluten-free peach cobbler is truly unmatched and deeply satisfying!
2. With a Cloud of Whipped Cream. For a lighter yet equally luxurious topping, a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream is an exquisite choice. Its airy texture and delicate sweetness perfectly complement the rich, fruity notes of the cobbler without overpowering it. To add an extra dimension of flavor, you can infuse your homemade whipped cream with a hint of vanilla extract, a pinch of finely ground cinnamon, or even a tiny splash of almond extract, echoing the flavors already present in the cobbler. This offers a pillowy, elegant finish that’s both refreshing and indulgent.
3. With a Drizzle of Cold Cream. Channeling those timeless “peaches and cream” vibes, a simple spoon or drizzle of cold heavy cream over your warm cobbler provides a wonderful, old-fashioned touch. The cool, rich cream beautifully cuts through the sweetness and tang of the peaches, adding a silky richness that many find incredibly comforting and satisfying. It’s a minimalist approach that allows the pure, unadulterated flavors of the cobbler to truly shine, offering a comforting and elegantly understated finish that speaks volumes about its quality.

FAQ & Expert Tips for Baking the Best Gluten-Free Peach Cobbler:

Achieving a perfectly delicious gluten-free peach cobbler is made even easier with a few expert insights and answers to common questions. Here are some handy tips and tricks to ensure your dessert is a resounding success every single time.

An Effortless Trick for Peeling Peaches:

When working with peaches that are perfectly ripe, I often find the easiest and quickest method is a simple knife peel. Start by carefully cutting all the way around the pit in two directions, effectively quartering the peach. Then, gently remove each quarter and carefully peel back the skin using the very tip of a sharp paring knife. The skin should come away quite easily if the peaches are indeed ripe. For those who prefer a more systematic approach, or if your peaches aren’t quite as soft and ripe, you can always utilize the classic boil and ice bath method. While it does take a little more time and an extra step, this technique makes the peach skins practically slip off, ensuring a completely smooth, fuzz-free filling for your cobbler.

Understanding the Difference: Peach Cobbler vs. Peach Crisp:

While both are wonderfully delightful fruit desserts, peach cobbler and peach crisp are distinct in their signature toppings. A peach cobbler, such as the glorious recipe shared here, traditionally features a biscuit or a soft, cake-like batter topping that bakes into a tender, bready, or soft crust. In contrast, a peach crisp is famously characterized by a crunchy, streusel-like crumble topping, typically made with oats, flour, brown sugar, and butter, which bakes to a deliciously crispy texture. If you’re a devoted fan of oat-based crumbles, we highly recommend trying this fantastic gluten-free peach crisp recipe as an equally satisfying alternative.

Troubleshooting: Why is My Peach Cobbler Runny?

A watery or runny peach cobbler can certainly be disappointing, but it’s a common issue with straightforward solutions for your next baking attempt. The most frequent culprit is insufficient baking time. It is absolutely vital that the filling reaches a vigorous, rolling boil in the oven. This high heat is precisely what activates the cornstarch, allowing it to properly thicken the fruit juices. Do not remove the cobbler from the oven until you clearly observe that distinct, robust bubbling around the edges of the dish. Secondly, ensure that you have thoroughly and evenly coated all the peach slices with the cornstarch mixture. Any areas missed might not thicken properly, leading to pockets of thin liquid. Lastly, remember that patience is a virtue: the filling continues to set and thicken significantly as the cobbler cools. Serving it piping hot directly from the oven can sometimes give the false impression of a runnier filling than it actually is after resting and cooling slightly.

More Irresistible Gluten-Free Summer Recipes to Savor:

If you’re thoroughly enjoying the vibrant taste of summer with our delectable gluten-free peach cobbler, you’ll be thrilled to explore these other fantastic gluten-free dessert options perfect for the warmer months. Expand your baking horizons and discover your next favorite sweet treat that everyone can enjoy!

• Gluten-Free Blueberry Crisp: A delightful and equally comforting alternative to cobbler, this recipe features a crunchy oat topping generously layered over bursting, sweet blueberries. It’s a textural dream and a classic summer favorite.
• (Mint Chocolate Chip!) Grasshopper Ice Cream Pie: For something wonderfully refreshing and no-bake, this mint chocolate chip ice cream pie is a dream. It’s cool, vibrantly minty, and utterly decadent – absolutely perfect for beating the summer heat and impressing guests.
• Gluten-Free Lemon Brownies: These bright, zesty, and surprisingly fudgy brownies offer a delightful and unexpected twist on a classic. The tangy lemon flavor makes them a refreshing change from traditional chocolate brownies, perfect for a sunny day.
• No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake: When you want a rich, creamy, and decadent dessert without turning on your oven, this no-bake chocolate cheesecake is your answer. It’s wonderfully easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.
• Fruit Pizza Cookies: Fun, colorful, and incredibly customizable, these individual fruit pizza cookies feature a tender gluten-free lemon sugar cookie base, topped with a luscious creamy frosting and an array of fresh, vibrant fruits. They are perfect for parties or a delightful afternoon treat.

Print Recipe

Gluten-Free Peach Cobbler

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• Author: Emily Dixon, Sweets & Thank You
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 9 Servings
• Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Experience the ultimate summer delight with our easy gluten-free peach cobbler. Featuring a vibrant, juicy peach filling perfectly complemented by a sweet, tender biscuit topping, this dessert is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

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Ingredients

For The Peach Filling:

• 3 1/2 lbs. fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (approximately 6–7 cups)
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar (lightly packed)
• 1 1/2 Tablespoons cornstarch (or arrowroot starch)
• 1 Tablespoon orange juice (or fresh lemon juice)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/4–1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, adjust to taste)

For The Gluten-Free Cobbler Topping:

• 1 1/2 cups (180 g) gluten-free Measure-For-Measure flour (King Arthur recommended), weighed or scooped and leveled
• 3 Tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 Tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups (335 g) plain full-fat Greek yogurt
• 3 Tablespoons milk (any dairy or non-dairy milk you prefer)
• 1 Tablespoon melted butter, for brushing the tops (optional, for golden finish)
• 1 Tablespoon coarse sugar (Turbinado sugar), for sprinkling

Cook Mode: Keep your screen awake while cooking!

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Instructions

First, Prepare The Peach Filling:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9×9 inch square (2-quart) baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine the sliced peaches, brown sugar, cornstarch, orange juice, vanilla extract, almond extract, and cinnamon (if desired).
3. Gently stir the mixture until the peaches are evenly coated with the starchy mixture. This ensures the filling thickens uniformly during baking.
4. Pour the peach filling into the prepared baking dish. Spread it into an even layer, scraping any remaining juices and filling from the bowl.

Next, Prepare The Gluten-Free Biscuit Topping:

1. Using the same bowl (to minimize washing), combine the gluten-free flour blend, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir with a fork to mix thoroughly.
2. Add the Greek yogurt and milk to the dry ingredients. Mix until the dough just comes together. The dough will be thick and fluffy, possibly appearing a little dry, but this is normal. Avoid overmixing.
3. Using a large cookie scoop (approx. 3 Tablespoon capacity), scoop 9 heaping mounds of biscuit dough evenly over the peach filling. If you have any leftover dough, distribute it among the mounds.
4. Gently pat down each dough mound with your fingers to slightly flatten them. This helps them bake more evenly without creating overly tall domes.
5. Brush the tops of the biscuits with melted butter (optional, but recommended for golden crust) and sprinkle generously with coarse sugar for a sweet, crunchy finish.
6. Bake the peach cobbler in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until the filling is vigorously bubbling around the edges of the dish and the biscuits are a deep golden brown. If the biscuits brown too quickly, loosely cover the pan with aluminum foil. Ensure the filling is bubbling well to activate the cornstarch and thicken.
7. Remove the cobbler from the oven and let it cool for at least 20-30 minutes before serving. This cooling time allows the filling to further thicken and set properly.
8. Serve your warm gluten-free peach cobbler with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of cold cream for an exquisite dessert experience.

Notes

Considerations for Using Frozen Peaches:

• If baking with peaches straight from the freezer, expect a longer baking time (add 10-15 minutes or more) to allow the filling to reach a boil and thicken. Cover the biscuit topping with foil if it starts browning too quickly.
• Frozen peaches may release more liquid. To compensate and ensure a thick filling, add an extra 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of cornstarch to the filling mixture.
• Partially or fully thawing frozen peaches before mixing with ingredients will help the cornstarch coat them more evenly, leading to better thickening.

Storage Instructions:

• At Room Temperature: Leftover peach cobbler can be covered loosely with foil or plastic wrap and stored at room temperature for up to 1 day.
• In the Refrigerator: For longer storage, transfer any remaining cobbler to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The biscuit topping might soften slightly, but the flavors will still be delicious.
• Reheating: To reheat, portion individual servings and warm gently in the microwave or place the entire dish (covered loosely with foil) in an oven preheated to 325°F (160°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.

Make-Ahead Tips:

• You can prepare the peach filling mixture up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. The biscuit topping is best made just before baking to ensure optimal texture, but you can measure out dry ingredients ahead of time.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Oven
• Cuisine: American