Name: Dairy-Free Apple Cobbler with Cheddar Herb Biscuits
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups organic all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup organic cane sugar; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 6 tablespoons very cold vegan butter, cut into pieces (salted preferred); 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 cup shredded dairy-free sharp cheddar cheese; 1 cup very cold almond milk; 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice; 6 medium organic Gala apples, sliced (about 6 cups); 1/2 cup organic cane sugar; 1/4 cup organic brown sugar; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon sea salt; 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 lemon, freshly squeezed; 1 cup full-fat coconut milk or cream (organic); 1/4 cup pure maple syrup; 1 egg wash (1 egg + 1 tablespoon milk) or dairy-free alternative

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The contrast between the warm, spiced apple filling and the cheesy, herbaceous biscuit topping is irresistible. The dairy-free twist on this classic dish makes it accessible for those avoiding dairy, but you won’t miss the dairy at all. It’s a comforting, rustic dessert perfect for gatherings or just to enjoy on a cozy night in.

Ingredients

For the Cheddar Herb Biscuits (Topping):

2 cups organic all-purpose flour
¼ cup organic cane sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
6 tablespoons VERY COLD vegan butter, cut into pieces (salted preferred)
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup shredded dairy-free sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup very cold almond milk
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

For the Filling:

6 medium organic Gala apples, sliced (about 6 cups)
½ cup organic cane sugar
¼ cup organic brown sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon sea salt
⅛ teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ lemon, freshly squeezed
1 cup full-fat coconut milk or cream (organic)
¼ cup pure maple syrup

Other:

1 egg wash (1 egg + 1 tablespoon milk, mixed together)

Directions

Make the Filling:

Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges. Place the apple slices into a large mixing bowl.
Mix the sugars and spices: In a small bowl, combine the cane sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, allspice, and vanilla extract. Sprinkle this mixture over the apples, tossing them gently to coat evenly.
Add the wet ingredients: Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice, coconut milk (or cream), and maple syrup to the apple mixture. Stir to combine.
Transfer to baking dish: Pour the apple filling into a greased 9-inch baking dish or casserole dish. Set aside while you prepare the biscuit topping.

Make the Cheddar Herb Biscuits:

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cane sugar, baking powder, dried herbs, and garlic powder.
Cut in the vegan butter: Add the cold vegan butter pieces to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add the cheese: Stir in the shredded dairy-free cheddar cheese.
Make the biscuit dough: In a separate bowl, combine the cold almond milk and lemon juice. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until the dough just comes together (be careful not to overmix).
Top the apples: Using a spoon or your hands, drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough over the apple filling. It doesn’t need to cover the entire surface, as the biscuits will spread as they bake.

Assemble the Cobbler:

Brush with egg wash: Gently brush the tops of the biscuit dough with the egg wash for a golden, shiny finish (optional for a fully dairy-free version: omit the egg wash, or use a dairy-free alternative like a bit of almond milk with maple syrup).
Bake the cobbler: Place the assembled cobbler in the oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the biscuit topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges.
Cool and serve: Let the cobbler cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set slightly.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields about 6-8 servings.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 35-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour (including cooling)

Variations

Apple Variety: While Gala apples are sweet and perfect for baking, you can use other apple varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn for a tart-sweet contrast.
Nutty Topping: For extra crunch, sprinkle some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans over the biscuit dough before baking.
Maple Cinnamon Biscuits: Replace the dried herbs with cinnamon and a touch of maple extract in the biscuit dough for a spiced twist on the topping.
Richer Flavor: Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the apple filling for a deeper flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover cobbler in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the apple filling and biscuit dough separately, then assemble and bake the cobbler just before serving. You can also refrigerate the assembled cobbler for a few hours before baking, though you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I use a different non-dairy milk?

Absolutely! You can substitute almond milk with other non-dairy milks like oat milk, coconut milk, or soy milk. Just keep in mind that different milks may alter the flavor slightly.

Can I freeze the cobbler?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked cobbler. To bake, simply transfer it to the oven straight from the freezer (you may need to add a few extra minutes of baking time). You can also freeze leftover baked cobbler, but it may lose some texture upon reheating.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Peeling is optional, but it’s recommended for a smoother texture. Leaving the peel on will add extra texture and fiber to the dish, so it’s really up to your preference.

Conclusion

This Dairy-Free Apple Cobbler with Cheddar Herb Biscuits combines the best of both worlds savory and sweet in a comforting and dairy-free dessert. With its tender biscuit topping and warm apple filling, it’s a perfect dish to make on a chilly evening or for holiday gatherings. The herby cheddar biscuits give it a unique, delicious twist that everyone will love.