Healthy Peach Cobbler

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A lightened-up twist on a classic summer dessert! This healthy peach cobbler is made with juicy fresh peaches, a warm cinnamon-spiced whole grain topping, and just the right amount of sweetness.

Freshly baked healthy peach cobbler in a white baking dish topped with vanilla ice cream and a spoon scooping out a serving.
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If there’s one summer dessert I never get tired of, it’s peach cobbler. I’ve been wanting to create a healthier version for a while now, and after a few test runs (and plenty of taste-testing!), I finally nailed it. I can’t wait for you to try this one—I think you’re going to be obsessed!

Why You Gotta Try This One

Woman (Brittany Mullins) wearing a white shirt and sipping a green smoothie.

This healthy peach cobbler has everything I love about the classic—sweet, juicy peaches and a golden, biscuit-like topping—but with a better-for-you twist. Instead of loads of white sugar, butter, and refined flour, this version is naturally sweetened, made with less added sugar and butter, and uses whole wheat pastry flour for a wholesome base.

It’s the kind of recipe that feels special but is so easy to make. No peeling peaches, no fancy steps—just toss everything together and bake. The filling comes together fast, and the topping bakes up soft and fluffy with just the right crisp around the edges.

It’s perfect for using up fresh, ripe peaches during the summer months and always a hit at cookouts, potlucks, or quiet nights at home. This one’s a keeper!

Ingredients Needed

Healthy Peach Cobbler ingredients: All-purpose flour, melted butter, fresh peaches, coconut sugar, cane sugar, salt, fresh lemon juice, cornstarch, unsweetened almond milk, baking soda, ground cinnamon, baking powder, vanilla extract.
  • fresh peaches – the star of the show! No need to peel them unless you want to. Just slice and toss. I love using ripe, in-season peaches because they’re naturally sweet and juicy, which makes for the most delicious, bubbly filling.
  • coconut sugar – adds a deep, caramel-y sweetness that pairs beautifully with the peaches. It’s my go-to for a refined sugar-free option, but cane sugar works too if that’s what you’ve got on hand.
  • lemon juice – just a splash to brighten everything up and balance the sweetness. It really makes the peaches pop!
  • arrowroot powder or cornstarch – helps thicken the peach filling so it’s not too runny. Arrowroot is a little more natural and works great in fruit desserts like this.
  • whole wheat pastry flour or all-purpose flour – this gives the topping its soft, cake-like texture. I love using whole wheat pastry flour for a more wholesome twist without sacrificing fluffiness.
  • unsweetened almond milk – keeps the topping moist and light. I usually use unsweetened almond milk, but any milk you have will work here—even dairy.
  • melted butter or coconut oil – adds richness and helps the topping turn golden and slightly crisp. Use what you love or have on hand—I’ve tested it both ways and they’re equally delicious.

Find the full ingredient list with measurements in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Own

  • Make it gluten-free: A 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (like Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur) should work perfectly here. I haven’t tested it with almond or oat flour yet, but I bet it would be delicious! Let me know in the comments if you give it a try.
  • Add a little crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or sliced almonds on top of the batter before baking for a little extra texture.
  • Swap the fruit: This recipe also works well with nectarines, plums, or a mix of stone fruits. You can even throw in a handful of blueberries or raspberries for a fun twist.

How to Make Healthy Peach Cobbler

Unbaked peach cobbler in a glass bowl with sliced fresh peaches, cinnamon topping, and arrowroot powder ready to be mixed.

Step 1: Toss sliced peaches with maple syrup, lemon juice, and arrowroot powder.

Mixing bowl with flour, coconut sugar, baking soda, and cinnamon before adding wet ingredients for the cobbler topping.

Step 2: Stir together the dry ingredients for the topping.

Mixing bowl with melted butter and wet ingredients being poured into dry ingredients to make the cobbler topping.

Step 3: Add almond milk, melted coconut oil (or butter), and vanilla. Mix until just combined.

White baking dish filled with sliced fresh peaches coated in arrowroot and lemon juice, ready to be topped and baked.

Step 4: Pour peach filling into the prepared baking dish.

Unbaked peach cobbler in a white baking dish with topping mixture spooned over fresh peach filling.

Step 5: Spoon the topping over the peaches. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

Baked healthy peach cobbler in a white dish with a golden brown, cinnamon-spiced topping and visible peach slices.

Step 6: Let cool for 10–15 minutes. Serve warm with Greek yogurt or whipped coconut cream, if you’d like!

Brittany’s Recipe Tips!

  • Don’t skip thickening the filling: Arrowroot powder or cornstarch is key here. Without it, the peach juices can get too runny and make the topping soggy.
  • Slice the peaches evenly: Thick slices won’t soften properly. Aim for thin, even slices so they bake down nicely and soak up all that juicy flavor.
  • Let the batter sit for a minute or two: After mixing the topping, give it a minute to rest. This helps the flour absorb the liquid and gives you a softer, more cohesive texture.
  • Spread the topping gently: This is a loose batter, not a dough, so dollop it over the peaches and spread it gently—no pressing down! It’ll puff up and spread as it bakes.
Close-up of a bowl of healthy peach cobbler with golden topping and juicy peaches, served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

How to Store Peach Cobbler

Let the cobbler cool completely before storing. Cover the dish or transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

You can totally enjoy it cold, but I like reheating a portion in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes—just until it’s warmed through and the topping gets a little crisp again.

If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below.

5 from 1 vote

Healthy Peach Cobbler

This healthy peach cobbler is everything you love about the classic—sweet, juicy fruit and a golden, tender topping—but made with less sugar, less butter and whole wheat flour. It's the perfect summer dessert!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients  

For the peach filling

  • 6 cups fresh peaches, sliced, about 8 medium peaches
  • 1 Tablespoon coconut sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 Tablespoons arrowroot powder or cornstarch

For the topping

  • 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour or all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup coconut sugar or cane sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk, or milk of choice
  • ¼ cup melted butter or coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or similar-sized casserole dish.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced peaches, maple syrup, lemon juice, and arrowroot powder. Toss until the peaches are evenly coated, then pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, coconut sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Add the almond milk, melted coconut oil (or butter), and vanilla. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix.
  • Spoon the topping evenly over the peach filling. It won’t cover everything completely, but that’s okay—it spreads as it bakes! Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the peaches are bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
  • Let the cobbler cool for 10–15 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm, topped with vanilla Greek yogurt or whipped coconut cream, if desired.

Notes

  • Storing: Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to bring back that crisp topping.
  • Reheating: Reheat a portion or the entire cobbler in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes—just until it’s warmed through and the topping gets a little crisp again.

Nutrition

Serving: 1/8 recipe | Calories: 227kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 298mg | Potassium: 479mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 28g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: healthy peach cobbler, peach cobbler
Did you make this recipe?Mention @eatingbirdfood and tag #eatingbirdfood!

How to Serve Healthy Peach Cobbler

This cobbler is best served warm straight from the oven when the peaches are bubbly and the topping is crisp. Here are a few delicious ways to serve it:

  • Top it off with a scoop of Greek yogurt or blended cottage cheese for a protein boost, or go classic with vanilla ice cream (dairy or non-dairy both work great).
  • Add a dollop of whipped coconut cream or a spoonful of whipped cream for a little extra indulgence.
  • Sprinkle on a few chopped nuts (like pecans or almonds) for crunch.
  • Feeling fancy? Drizzle a little maple syrup or honey over the top before serving.
Two white bowls filled with healthy peach cobbler and vanilla ice cream, surrounded by fresh peaches and a bowl of brown sugar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to peel the peaches?

Nope, no need to peel the peaches, unless you really want to! The peach skins soften up as the cobbler bakes, and they add a little extra texture and fiber.

Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh?

Yes! You can use frozen peach slices and there’s no need to thaw them first. Just keep in mind that frozen peaches may release a bit more liquid, so you might want to add an extra tablespoon of arrowroot or cornstarch to help thicken the filling.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the filling and topping separately and store them in the fridge for a few hours before baking. For best texture, I recommend baking just before serving. Leftovers are also great reheated!

Can I freeze this healthy peach cobbler?

Freezing isn’t the best option for this recipe because the topping tends to get a bit soggy after thawing and reheating. If you do want to freeze it, I recommend freezing the unbaked cobbler (peach filling and topping stored separately) and baking it fresh when you’re ready.

More Summer Desserts to Try

About Brittany

Hey there, I’m Brittany, the creator of Eating Bird Food, cookbook author, health coach and mama of two littles. Here you’ll find quick and easy recipes that make healthy fun and enjoyable for you and your family!

More about Brittany
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5 from 1 vote

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Recipe Rating




1 Comment

  1. 5 stars
    This was quick and easy and really delicious. My husband who is quick to say something tastes too healthy, lol, loves it.!