Vegan Brown Butter Peach Cobbler

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A delicious twist on the classic Southern peach cobbler. Peaches and blueberries get swirled with vegan brown butter and cobbler, making for a cake that’s sticky and caramelized on the outside yet fluffy and tender on the inside. It’s truly the best vegan peach cobbler!
Prep 35 minutes
Cook 45 minutes
Total 1 hour
5 from 64 votes

I am going to start things off by saying this is THE BEST SUMMER DESSERT EVER. I have made it three times in the last 8 days, which is absurd because I am moving in less than 3 weeks and I should really be using my spare time to pack and not bake.

But, that’s how good this Vegan Brown Butter Peach Cobbler is. A rich cobbler batter gets swirled with vegan brown butter, then topped with fresh summer peaches and juicy blueberries coated in a warming sugar-and-spice mixture. The result is a texture that is sticky and caramelized on top, yet fluffy and tender on the inside. It feels like part peach cobbler, part cake in the best way possible.

Why you’re going to LOVE this Vegan Brown Butter Peach Cobbler

Texture, texture texture. This vegan peach cobbler has the best of texture worlds. The brown butter bubbles up in the oven, and transforms the cobbler batter into a sticky, caramelized cake with edges and bits that are almost crunchy. Meanwhile, the inside of the cake is fluffy, tender, and melts in your mouth.

Pure Decadence. This is the most decadent dessert you can imagine (hello, brown butter)! Imagine the most buttery, most indulgent cake ever. This is it! I promise no one will ever guess this peach cobbler is vegan, which means it’s the perfect dessert to bring to an event, whether it’s a potluck, barbecue, or any other socially distanced summer gathering.

Easy to make. While this recipe might sound complicated or challenging, it’s actually very easy and quick to prepare. Especially with the handy step-by-step photos and video instructions. No pastry dough required, the cobbler batter simply involves whisking together a few ingredients (flour, sugar, milk), and it’s 10 times easier than making pie! But just as tasty as pie, if not tastier.

Summer heaven. Peaches are at their peak right now, and this is such a fantastic way to enjoy them. Peaches get married with coconut sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and fresh nutmeg for delightfully warm and rich flavors.

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Ingredient Rundown

Vegan Butter

While vegan butter doesn’t brown in the same exact way as dairy-based butter because it lacks milk solids, it does get browner and richer in flavor.

After vegan butter is toasted for several minutes, it becomes noticeably deeper, richer, and toastier in flavor, which makes the cobbler so incredibly delicious and packed with flavor. Plus, once you start browning the butter, an intoxicatingly nutty aroma will waft throughout your kitchen.

This recipe calls for a generous amount of vegan butter (10 tablespoons, to be precise), but I already told you it was decadent!

Peaches. This is a peach cobbler! You want to use ripe but slightly firm peaches so they don’t totally disintegrate during baking.

Blueberries. Technically this is a blueberry-peach cobbler, but if you don’t have blueberries, don’t let that detract you from making this. You could also substitute them with blackberries or raspberries.

Coconut Sugar and Spices. The peaches and blueberries macerate with coconut sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and nutmeg. I like using coconut sugar (or brown sugar) instead of white sugar since it pairs beautifully with these warming spices. The cardamom is optional, but if you can, use freshly grated nutmeg. It makes a difference, I promise.

All-Purpose Flour. All-purpose-flour brings the structure to this cobbler. If allergic to gluten, a gluten-free all purpose flour (with xanthan gun) should work well.

Rolled Oats. Oats aren’t traditional in a cobbler, but I love the subtle texture they bring to this rustic cake/cobbler hybrid.

How to Make Brown Vegan Butter

Browning vegan butter is fairly similar to browning regular butter! All you need is a skillet and vegan butter.

First, slice your vegan butter into even sized pieces. I sliced them into ~1 tablespoon pieces. Even-sized pieces means the butter will cook evenly.

Second, heat a skillet (a cast iron skillet or stainless steel skillet works great) over medium heat. I like using a cast iron skillet because it keeps this a one-pan recipe.

Next, add your vegan butter pieces, and once they’re melted, stir the butter frequently. Frequent stirring is important for even browning and to prevent burning. Also, frequent stirring or swirling the pan allows you to see your browning progress. The butter will start to foam after several minutes, and then shortly afterwards, it will become this beautiful amber-golden brown color. You’ll also start to smell that toasty, nutty aroma.

Finally, as soon as the butter is browned, take it off the heat to stop it from overcooking.

Step by step instructions

Slice your peaches into 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick slices. Mix in some blueberries, and toss in the coconut sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and nutmeg. Gently toss (don’t smash the peaches) and let the mixture macerate for 30 minutes. This softens the peaches but also helps the fruit absorb the flavors of the sugar and spices.

Then, make the cobbler batter. This part is remarkably easy! Just whisk together the flour, oats, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Then whisk in the oat milk and extracts and mix until thickened and well-combined.

Now comes the fun part! Using a ladle or measuring cup, dollop the batter in blobs on top of the brown butter. The cobbler will eventually swirl into the brown butter. Ladling, instead of pouring all of the batter on top of the browned butter at once, helps the butter swirl and mix into batter.

Finally, gently spoon the peach-blueberry mixture on top of the brown butter cobbler mixture. In the photos below, I just randomly spooned the fruit on top. In the video, I neatly arranged the peach slices in a row.

Guess what? They both tasted delicious. I couldn’t tell the difference lol.

Bake the cobbler at 375°F/190°C for 45-50 minutes, turning the pan 180° halfway through to ensure even browning (most ovens are hotter in the back). The cobbler is done when it is bubbling around the edges and deeply golden brown on top.

Tips for making this Vegan Brown Butter Peach Cobbler

Keep an eye on the browning butter. You can’t just walk away from the kitchen when you’re browning butter. You need to keep your eyes on the pan to ensure the butter browns evenly and doesn’t burn.

Adjust the sugar amount as needed. If your peaches are very sweet, you can slightly reduce the amount of sugar in the cobbler batter.

Adjust the salt, as needed. Many vegan butters have salt added, but if your vegan butter doesn’t have salt in it, slightly increase the amount of salt.

Use a cast iron skillet if you have one. You get maximal caramelization and the most delightful sticky, crunchy edges. It’s still great in other pans, though. I used a deep 2-quart pan in these photos and it worked wonderfully. A 3-quart pan also works, but will produce a thinner cake.

Substitutes for this this recipe

No coconut sugar for the peach-blueberry filling? Brown sugar works the same.

While this is a peach cobbler, in the event you have nectarines instead of peaches, I’m sure this would be an equally delicious nectarine cobbler.

No blueberries? Substitute with blackberries or raspberries.

If peaches are no longer in season, you can try making this with frozen peaches. One reader who did so recommends defrosting the peaches a bit and pat somewhat dry before mixing with the spices and blueberries.

PS: There is no substitute for the vegan butter in this recipe! This is a BROWN BUTTER peach cobbler, not a coconut oil peach cobbler or olive oil peach cobbler. Just saying.

Watch! How to make Vegan Brown Butter Peach Cobbler

My FAVORITE Vegan Dessert for Summer 🍑
My FAVORITE Vegan Dessert for Summer 🍑

If you give this Vegan Brown Butter Peach Cobbler recipe a try, be sure to tag me on Instagram with your recreations and please comment with your feedback below!

Vegan Brown Butter Peach Cobbler

5 from 64 votes
A delicious twist on the classic Southern peach cobbler. Peaches and blueberries get swirled with vegan brown butter and cobbler, making for a cake that’s sticky and caramelized on the outside yet fluffy and tender on the inside. It’s truly the best vegan peach cobbler!
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Baking, Southern
Diet Vegan
Serving size: 10

Ingredients

  • 1 pound (454g) ripe but relatively firm peaches
  • 1/2 cup (75-85g) fresh blueberries
  • 1/3 cup (45g) brown sugar or coconut sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (I recommend freshly grated nutmeg)
  • Scant 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 2 pinches of ground cardamom (optional)
  • 10 tablespoons (140g) vegan butter*
  • 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour
  • Scant 2/3 cup (60g) old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 cup (200g) organic cane sugar
  • 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (the range is based on saltiness of your butter; I used a heaping 1/4 teaspoon or scant 1/2 teaspoon; use less if using sea salt instead)
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/3 cups (320 mL) full-fat oat milk***
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon pure almond extract (optional)
  • For serving: vegan vanilla ice cream (optional)

Instructions

  • Arrange a rack in the middle of your oven and preheat it to 375°F/190°C.
  • Cut the peaches in half and remove the pits, then cut the peaches into 1/4-1/2 inch thick slices (3/4 cm - 1 1/4 cm). Transfer the peaches to a medium or large bowl. Add the blueberries, coconut sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cardamom (if using), and toss gently to combine. Set aside for 30 minutes to allow the fruit to absorb the flavors.
  • Brown the butter. Heat a large cast iron skillet (11- or 12-inch) over medium heat. Add the vegan butter to the pan, and use a spatula to spread it across the sides of the pan. Once it’s melted, foamy, and at a bubble (it should take 2 to 3 minutes), heat for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning, then take the pan off the heat.
    See note below on alternative pan sizes.**
  • Make the cake. In a medium or large bowl, combine the flour, oats, cane sugar, salt, and baking powder. Whisk in the oat milk and vanilla extract and almond extract (if using) until well combined.
    Using a ladle or measuring cup, ladle the batter on top of the brown butter in the pan. Ladling, instead of pouring all of the batter on top at once, helps the butter swirl and mix into batter. Top the cobbler with the peach-blueberry mixture.
  • Bake the cobbler for 45-50 minutes, rotating the pan 180° halfway through to ensure even browning, until the top is deeply golden brown and bubbling.
  • Transfer to a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes, then serve warm. If desired, scoop some vegan vanilla ice cream on each slice before serving.

Notes

* I have tried this recipe with Country Crock Plant Butter, Earth Balance original buttery sticks, and Miyokos salted butter. All work well. 
** If you don't have a cast iron skillet, brown the butter in another skillet first. It will take a bit longer if not using a cast iron pan, about 5 to 8 minutes. As soon as it's done, pour it into a baking dish: you can use a 2-quart or 3-quart pan (I used a 2-quart pan in these photos). If using a 2-quart pan, ensure it's relatively deep; otherwise, the filling might rise too high. 
*** Do not use a light or low-fat milk. I like Oatly's original or full-fat milk, or Califia extra creamy oat milk. Soy milk would probably work too, but I haven't tried it. 

Calories: 298kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 260mg | Potassium: 165mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin A: 753IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 105mg | Iron: 2mg

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148 comments on Vegan Brown Butter Peach Cobbler

  1. Leah

    5 stars
    Turned out wonderfully. Used frozen from this summer’s crop of peaches (thanks for tip about draining and patting dry) plus added and extra tablespoon of flour to fruit mixture. Also used Silk soy milk. Thank you for your recipe.

    1. Kaitlin @ Rainbow Plant Life

      Thanks for sharing, Leah! This is one of my favorite recipes- happy to see you enjoyed it too!

  2. Robin

    5 stars
    I have a lot of peaches to use, so I gave this recipe a try. I just made one for now, but I’m going to make at least another for the company potluck and probably one more for the freezer. I had no idea this type of cake was called a cobbler, it is so delicious!

    1. Kaitlin @ Rainbow Plant Life

      Awesome, Robin! We’re so happy you enjoyed this recipe. This is one of my favorites as well!

  3. laura

    Hi there- Do you think this recipe can be baked and then put in the freezer?

    1. Kaitlin @ Rainbow Plant Life

      Hi Laura! Yes, it freezes pretty well! Just defrost it in the fridge overnight.

  4. Dan Miers

    5 stars
    This was a delicious hit. Next time – and there WILL be a next time – I will cut the butter back. Someone asked, “does this have olive oil?’ because the butter flavor was a bit aggressive. Regardless, another RPL hit!

    1. Kaitlin @ Rainbow Plant Life

      We’re glad to hear you enjoyed the cobbler, Dan! And we appreciate the feedback.

  5. Prithvi

    5 stars
    Made this for a group of non-vegans and it was absolutely devoured! We loved the flavors!

    1. Kaitlin @ Rainbow Plant Life

      Thanks for the lovely feedback, Prithvi!

  6. Kamila

    5 stars
    Very easy to make and tastes absolutely delicious!! Will definitely become a staple :)

    1. Kaitlin @ Rainbow Plant Life

      We’re over the moon to hear you enjoyed the recipe, Kamila. Thanks for your kind words!

  7. Autisticwear

    5 stars
    This is another favorite of my family. There are never any leftovers..

    1. Kaitlin @ Rainbow Plant Life

      Lovely to hear it’s a favorite!

  8. Nona

    5 stars
    Hi, I love this recipe! I cannot drink oat or soy milk, so I used full fat, unsweetened coconut milk and it was delicious. Thank you so much for sharing…

    1. Hannah Hairston

      Hi Nona,

      I’m so glad you were able to make this delicious recipe! I’m sure the coconut milk was a lovely and creamy substitute here.

  9. Asis

    4 stars
    I found it super delicious!
    However I think I added too much sugar. On the ingredients list it is mentioned that one should add 1 cup (200g) of sugar and also 1 1/2 cups (180g) of flour. The cup gram ratio has me confused. is it more flour or less sugar that should be added? Thanks!

    1. Support @ Rainbow Plant Life

      Hi Asis, there should be more flour than sugar, yes! The grams are there so you can weigh the ingredients with a digital scale or if you live somewhere other than the US.

  10. Valerie

    I used to make gluten free using Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 gluten free flour, and it was amazing and loved by all. This summer, I needed to make it oat free as well. I added a scant 2/3 cup of the same flour instead of the oats and swapped oat milk for unsweetened almond milk. Still amazing and delicious!

    1. Support @ Rainbow Plant Life

      That’s so great to hear, Valerie! Next time, would you mind leaving a rating alongside your review? Star ratings are big help to readers who are thinking of making the recipe. Thanks!

  11. Aisha

    5 stars
    Made this recipe for a party of 20 non-vegans! It was phenomenal! The texture was so on point. Everyone LOVED it! Nisha’s recipes have never disappointed! They may require some unique or extra ingredient/step but it’s def worth it and makes it extra special! Thank you for this amazing recipe!

    1. Support @ Rainbow Plant Life

      Aisha, So glad to hear you loved this recipe!

  12. Anna

    5 stars
    Yummy! I left out all added sugar because my Texas peaches were very sweet and it was still absolutely delicious. And really quite easy to make!

    1. Support @ Rainbow Plant Life

      Thanks for sharing, Anna! So great to hear you enjoyed the cobbler!

  13. manuel zeitlin

    5 stars
    Great vegan cobbler-thanks for sharing

    1. Support @ Rainbow Plant Life

      You are very welcome, Manuel!

  14. Nicola

    5 stars
    Super delicious version of peach cobbler. Nisha, you did a great job explaining all the steps and I appreciated the video. It provided good visual assistance. After 50 mins at 375 it still looked pretty wet, but I took it out anyways and it settled after a few minutes of cooling and looks like I could have taken it out about 5mins sooner. I served it at a dinner party and it was a hit with both the kids and adults.

    1. Support @ Rainbow Plant Life

      Awesome, Nicola. Thanks for your comment and for taking the time to review!

  15. Phylicia

    5 stars
    I just made this today, and it’s my new favorite homemade dessert to make! So simple and delicious and perfect for summer ( I had nectarines on hand instead of peaches) but this will definitely be made at least three more times.

    1. Support @ Rainbow Plant Life

      Phylicia, So glad to hear you loved this recipe!

  16. Manon Hatvany

    Dear Nisha,
    Can I use Apples in lieu of Peaches for this awesome recipe? I look forward to hearing back from you.
    Best, Manon

    1. Support @ Rainbow Plant Life

      Hi Manon, yes definitely! You may want to sauté the apples with some butter until they’ve softened a bit before cooking in the oven. Enjoy!

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