This vegan apple cobbler is cozy, warm, and super easy to make.
It’s the kind of dessert you throw together when you want something sweet and homemade but don’t want to fuss.
Juicy cinnamon-spiced apples get baked under a soft, golden biscuit topping.
No eggs or dairy needed—it’s plant-based comfort food at its best.
Why I Love This Recipe
This cobbler reminds me of fall weekends at my grandmother’s house. She made it from scratch with whatever apples were lying around, and it always smelled like cinnamon and love. I’ve veganized it without losing that old-school comfort.
- It’s easy to make with pantry basics
- No need to peel every apple—just slice and go
- The topping is tender and buttery, even without butter
- It fills your kitchen with the BEST smell
- It’s just right with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream
What You’ll Need
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 cups apples (about 5 medium), sliced thin
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
For the Biscuit Topping:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup vegan butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Ingredient
Pro Tips
- Don’t skip the lemon juice—it balances the sweetness of the apples
- Keep the vegan butter cold when mixing the topping for the fluffiest texture
- You don’t have to peel the apples unless you really want to
- Slice apples evenly so they cook at the same rate
- Let it sit 10 minutes before serving so it sets a little
Tools You’ll Need
- 9×9 baking dish or round ceramic dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Pastry cutter or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Silicone spatula or large spoon
Substitutions and Variations
- Use coconut sugar or maple syrup instead of brown sugar
- Gluten-free all-purpose flour works well
- Try pears instead of apples for a twist
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for crunch
Make Ahead Tips
You can prep the apple filling a day ahead and store it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, make the topping and assemble.
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Apple Filling
In a large bowl, combine 6 cups of thinly sliced apples, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp cornstarch, and 1/4 cup water. Stir until apples are evenly coated.
Step 2: Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the apple mixture into a 9×9 baking dish or round ceramic dish. Spread it out evenly.
Step 3: Make Biscuit Topping
In a bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt. Add 1/3 cup cold, cubed vegan butter. Use a fork or pastry cutter to blend until crumbly.
Step 4: Add Liquid Ingredients
Pour in 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract to the flour-butter mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms.
Step 5: Spoon Topping Over Apples
Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough on top of the apples. Don’t worry about covering every spot—the gaps let the apples bubble through.
Step 6: Bake the Cobbler
Place the dish in the oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbling.
Step 7: Let Cool Slightly and Serve
Let the cobbler cool for about 10–15 minutes before serving. This helps the filling thicken up a bit and makes it easier to scoop.
Leftovers & Storage
Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave individual servings. It also tastes great cold!
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
The cornstarch in the filling thickens the juices released from the apples as they bake, turning it into a saucy layer. Cold vegan butter in the topping steams as it bakes, giving the biscuit lift and fluffiness without eggs.
Common Mistakes
- Using hot vegan butter in the topping—it won’t fluff
- Overmixing the dough—it’ll get dense
- Not letting the cobbler cool a bit—it’ll be runny
- Using too much sugar—apples are already sweet
What to Serve With
- Vegan vanilla ice cream
- Coconut whipped cream
- A drizzle of maple syrup
- Hot coffee or chai tea
FAQ
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Just use a good 1:1 gluten-free flour mix.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Nope! The skins soften while baking. Peel if you prefer, but it’s not necessary.
What kind of apples work best?
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or a mix. You want a balance of sweet and tart.
Can I freeze it?
It’s best fresh, but you can freeze baked cobbler. Thaw and reheat in the oven.
Makes: 6 servings
Total Time: 50 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Macros per serving (approximate):
Calories: 285
Carbs: 47g
Fat: 9g
Protein: 2g
Sugar: 24g
Fiber: 4g