Best Gluten Free Cherry Cobbler Recipe That Everyone Will Love

Gluten free cherry cobbler is the perfect dessert when you want something cozy, fruity, and easy to make. This recipe uses tart cherries and a golden, gluten-free topping that tastes just like the classic, but better for your belly. Whether you’re gluten-sensitive or simply exploring healthier baking options, this cobbler won’t disappoint.

Why You’ll Love This Gluten Free Cherry Cobbler

The nostalgic flavor with a gluten-free twist

This isn’t just any cherry cobbler. It’s made for those who miss the taste of Grandma’s summer desserts, but need to skip the gluten. The tart cherries burst with natural flavor while the golden topping crisps perfectly without any wheat. It’s nostalgic comfort food without the side of bloating or discomfort.

Perfect balance of tart and sweet cherries

Cherry cobblers often rely on overly sweet fillings, but this recipe uses just enough sugar to balance the tartness of red cherries. You get that punch of cherry flavor with every bite, not a spoonful of syrup. The subtle tang from the fruit also pairs beautifully with the slightly sweet, spiced cobbler topping.

Simple ingredients, no fancy tools needed

This gluten free cherry cobbler recipe uses pantry staples you likely already have. No need for stand mixers or rare flours. Just grab a saucepan, a mixing bowl, and your favorite baking dish. It’s designed to be approachable, even for beginner bakers or those new to gluten-free living.

Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, celebrating a birthday, or just enjoying a lazy Sunday, this dessert fits any occasion. It’s simple to make and even simpler to love.

My Personal Story With Gluten Free Cherry Cobbler Recipe

A family favorite made gluten-free

The first time I tried to make a gluten free cherry cobbler, it was out of necessity, not curiosity. A family member had just been diagnosed with gluten sensitivity, and our beloved summer cobbler was suddenly off the table. Determined not to let anyone miss out, I adapted our old recipe with a gluten-free flour blend. To my surprise, it turned out even better than expected.

The tart cherries bubbled up beautifully beneath the golden, brown topping. The flavor was just as rich, the texture just as comforting, and not a single person at the table guessed it was gluten-free.

Adapting traditional cobbler for dietary needs

What started as a simple swap quickly became a staple in our home. Over time, I fine-tuned the flour blend, adjusted the sugar levels, and added a hint of cinnamon to the topping. The goal wasn’t just to “make it work” without gluten; it was to make it better.

This gluten free cherry cobbler recipe has now earned its spot in every summer gathering and Sunday dinner. It’s proof that gluten-free baking doesn’t have to feel like a compromise. You can honor tradition and still meet modern dietary needs, without sacrificing taste or texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need for a Gluten Free Cherry Cobbler

Main ingredients for the cherry filling

The heart of any cobbler is the filling, and for this gluten free cherry cobbler, we keep it simple but flavorful. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 5 cups tart red cherries, pitted – fresh or frozen both work, but tart cherries give that perfect punch.
• 1 cup granulated sugar – balances the tartness.
• ¼ cup water – helps dissolve and blend the ingredients.
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch – acts as a thickener to give the filling that classic jammy texture.

This combo ensures the cherry filling is rich, glossy, and bursting with real fruit flavor.

What makes the topping gluten-free

Traditional cobbler toppings use wheat flour, but this version swaps it out for a gluten-free flour blend that mimics the texture of regular flour. For the topping, gather:

• 1 cup all-purpose gluten-free flour blend – choose one with xanthan gum for better structure.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons of brown sugar – adds a hint of caramel flavor.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon – brings warmth and depth.
• 3 tablespoons shortening – gives that crumbly, buttery texture.
• 1 large egg – helps bind the dough.
• 3 tablespoons milk – adds moisture and helps the topping spread slightly when baking.

This gluten-free combo bakes up beautifully golden and slightly crisp, with just enough sweetness to balance the cherry filling.

Recommended brands and substitutes

If you’re new to gluten-free baking, brand matters. Here are some suggestions:

Ingredient	Recommended Brand	Substitutes
Gluten-Free Flour	King Arthur Measure for Measure	Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Baking Flour
Shortening	Spectrum Organic Palm Shortening	Coconut oil (refined)
Milk	Regular dairy or almond milk	Any plant-based milk works

How to Make Gluten Free Cherry Cobbler Step-by-Step

Prepping the cherry filling

The filling for this gluten free cherry cobbler comes together quickly and delivers that jammy, tart-sweet cherry base you expect from a cobbler. Here’s how to make it:

1. Combine ingredients
   In a medium saucepan, stir together 5 cups of pitted tart red cherries, 1 cup of sugar, 14 cup of water, and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch.
2. Cook until thickened
   Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring frequently. Once it begins to boil, the cornstarch activates, and you’ll notice the mixture thicken to a glossy cherry sauce.
3. Transfer to a baking dish
   Pour the thickened cherry filling into an 8-inch square baking dish and spread it evenly. Put it aside while you make the topping.

Making the gluten-free cobbler topping

Now for the golden, lightly spiced cobbler topping. It’s quick to mix and delivers that rustic, biscuit-like finish everyone loves.

1. Mix dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

2. Cut in the fat
Add 3 tablespoons of shortening to the bowl and mix it with a pastry cutter or fork until it looks like coarse crumbs.

3. Add the wet ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg and 3 tablespoons milk. Pour it into the flour mixture and stir just until everything comes together. Do not overmix—it should be thick and slightly sticky.

Assembling and baking the dish

1. Add topping to the filling
   Use a spoon to drop the topping by tablespoonfuls onto the cherry filling. You should get about 9 small mounds evenly spaced across the top.
2. Bake until golden
   Bake the cobbler at 400°F (200°C) for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and baked through.
3. Cool slightly before serving
   Before serving, let the cobbler cool for 10 minutes. This will help the filling set up and make it easier to scoop.

Secrets to the Best Gluten Free Cobbler Topping

Getting the perfect crumbly texture

A great gluten free cherry cobbler needs a topping that’s both crisp on the outside and soft inside. The secret? Your fat-to-flour ratio. Shortening gives the topping that classic biscuit-like texture. But it’s how you mix it that really matters. Cut the fat into the dry ingredients until the mix resembles coarse crumbs. Overworking it will make the topping dense instead of tender.

Another tip: don’t flatten the topping. Dropping spoonfuls lets the mounds bake unevenly, creating delicious pockets of crunch and softness.

Choosing the right gluten-free flour blends

Not all gluten-free flours behave the same. For this Gluten Free Cherry Cobbler recipe, you want an all-purpose blend that already includes a binding agent like xanthan gum. This helps replicate the stretch and structure gluten usually provides. Avoid flours made primarily from beans or coconut—they can make your dessert gritty or too dry.

Recommended blends:

• King Arthur Measure for Measure
• Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Baking Flour
• Cup4Cup Gluten Free Flour

Each works well for baking and absorbs moisture properly, ensuring your topping doesn’t sink or become gummy.

Adding flavor with cinnamon and sugars

Plain flour toppings are fine, but this one goes further. A bit of cinnamon adds warmth and depth that complements tart cherries perfectly. Using a mix of white and brown sugar gives the cobbler topping both sweetness and subtle caramel notes.

For extra flavor, you could sprinkle a little turbinado sugar on top before baking. It crisps up and gives the cobbler a bakery-style finish.

Expert Tips and Tricks for Success

How to avoid a soggy bottom

One of the biggest cobbler fails? A soggy bottom. But with this gluten free cherry cobbler, you can avoid it easily. First, thicken the cherry filling properly with cornstarch over heat before it ever hits the oven. This gives you a stable, jammy layer that won’t leak liquid into the topping.

Second, don’t cover the dish while baking. The uncovered top allows moisture to escape, helping the cobbler bake evenly without getting mushy underneath.

Tips for getting a golden brown topping

To achieve that golden, Instagram-worthy topping, make sure your oven is fully preheated to 400°F before baking. Also, don’t skip the egg in your dough—it promotes browning and structure.

Want more color? Brush the tops lightly with a touch of milk before baking or sprinkle a bit of coarse sugar for a sweet crust.

Bake on the center rack to ensure the bottom doesn’t overbake and the top cooks evenly. Set a timer for 22 minutes, but check around 20—ovens can vary.

Make-ahead and freezing instructions

Need to prep ahead? No problem. This recipe is freezer-friendly and reheats beautifully.

• Make ahead: Prepare the filling and topping separately. Refrigerate both for up to 24 hours. Assemble and bake fresh when ready.
• Freeze unbaked: Assemble the cobbler in a freezer-safe dish. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 10–15 minutes to the baking time.
• Freeze baked: Let the cobbler cool completely, then portion into airtight containers. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes, or microwave in 30-second bursts.

These tips help keep your gluten free cherry cobbler tasting fresh and delicious even days after baking.

Variations and Add-Ons to Try

Using different fruits like blueberries or peaches

While this gluten-free cherry cobbler shines on its own, the base recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily swap the cherries for other fruits depending on what’s in season or what you already have in your kitchen. Try:

• Blueberries – Sweet, juicy, and pair beautifully with cinnamon.
• Peaches – Fresh or frozen slices work well; just reduce the sugar slightly.
• Mixed berries – A blend of raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries adds a nice tart contrast.
• Apples – Add a little lemon juice and extra cinnamon for a fall twist.

Just keep the total fruit volume around 5 cups and maintain the cornstarch ratio for thickening.

Dairy-free or vegan alternatives

You can easily adapt this cobbler to fit dairy-free or vegan lifestyles without losing its comforting flavor or texture.

• Shortening: Stick with plant-based options like organic palm shortening.
• Milk: Unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk all work well.
• Egg: Substitute with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water) and let it sit for 5 minutes.

These swaps still give you a crispy, golden topping that complements the cherry filling.

Turning it into individual servings or crisps

Want a more elegant or portable dessert? Try one of these options:

• Individual ramekins – Scoop filling and topping into small ramekins and reduce bake time by about 5 minutes.
• Muffin tins are excellent for portion control and make serving at parties easy.
• Cherry crisp variation – Swap the flour-based topping for an oat-based one with rolled oats, almond flour, and coconut oil. It’s lighter and extra crunchy.

These variations are perfect if you’re serving guests or want to mix up your weekly baking routine. The base cherry flavor remains the star, while the format fits your needs.

Want more gluten-free recipes like this? Follow me on Pinterest.

Gluten Free Cherry Cobbler FAQs

Can you make a cobbler with gluten-free flour?

Absolutely! A high-quality gluten-free flour blend works perfectly for making a delicious cobbler. The key is choosing a mix that includes binding agents like xanthan gum or guar gum, which help mimic the elasticity of wheat-based flours. For this gluten free cherry cobbler, blends like King Arthur Measure for Measure or Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Baking Flour deliver excellent results with minimal fuss.

What makes cherry crisp different from cherry cobbler?

Though similar, the difference lies in the topping and texture:

• A cherry cobbler has a biscuit-like topping that’s dropped in spoonfuls over the fruit and baked to golden perfection.
• A cherry crisp uses a crumbly topping made with oats, butter or oil, and sometimes nuts. It’s crunchier and less doughy than a cobbler.

Both are delicious, but cobblers tend to be heartier and more cake-like, making them perfect for those who love a soft, warm dessert.

Is Duncan Hines cherry pie filling gluten-free?

Most Duncan Hines cherry pie fillings are gluten-free, but it’s essential to read the label carefully. While the core ingredients may not contain gluten, formulations can change, and cross-contamination is always a risk. Look for certified gluten-free labeling or contact the manufacturer if you’re unsure.

Is cherry pie filling in a can gluten-free?

Generally, most canned cherry pie fillings are gluten-free, especially if they use cornstarch or tapioca as thickeners. However, always double-check for any wheat-derived ingredients or ambiguous terms like “modified food starch,” which could be sourced from wheat. For this recipe, you’re better off making your own fresh cherry filling with cornstarch; it’s healthier and guarantees no gluten.

More gluten free desserts to make ASAP!

• Gluten Free Funfetti Mug Cake
• Gluten-Free Raspberry Crumble Bars
• Gluten Free Pop Tart Recipe
• Gluten Free Cakesicles
• Gluten-Free Brownies Recipe