Easy Gluten Free Strawberry Cobbler

This small batch gluten free strawberry cobbler is your answer to the best strawberry dessert!  The easy recipe features fresh strawberries that bake into a luscious filling, and a buttery gluten free cobbler topping that is delicately sweet.  Served in cute mini baking dishes, this sweet summer dessert is perfect for two!

Gluten Free Strawberry Cobbler

Summer is the time for cobblers.  Well, anytime is really.  But, when fresh fruit is in season I’m all about making it into an easy, flavor-packed dessert.  That is what fruit cobblers are all about:  easy, fruit is the star, no-fuss desserts.

Another thing about cobblers – they are very versatile.  Really, any fruit can be transformed in this gooey, indulgent dessert.  Take the stone fruit chocolate cobbler, white peach gluten free cobbler, and even the tropical crisp, for example.  Each take on a totally different personality based on the fruit!

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Dessert

• Easy to make – A few ingredients, minimal effort, and some super cute baking dishes are all this strawberry dessert needs.
• Gluten free – The cobbler topping is made gluten free with an almond flour blend that tastes so good, you won’t know it’s gluten free!
• Refined sugar free – We use maple syrup to sweeten the filling and the cobbler topping.
• Small batch – This recipe is easily doubled if you want to enjoy more strawberry deliciousness.  However, it does make the sweetest little dessert for two!
• Luscious, bubbly filling – When strawberries bake, they take on a vibrant roasted flavor.  The filling is perfectly jammy with flavorful chunks of strawberry.

Ingredients & Substitutions For Strawberry Cobbler

Ingredients

• Fresh Strawberries – I always recommend fresh fruit when it is in season.  Especially for this cobbler, the fresh strawberries will retain some texture when baked.  Alternative – frozen strawberries can work, just note they make bake up softer.
• Maple Syrup – We use pure maple syrup in the filling and cobbler.  I like the buttery caramel flavor it adds.  Alternative – Honey would be delicious.  And any sweetener you prefer.  Swap 1:1.
• Lemon Juice – Keeps the strawberries vibrant.
• Almond Flour – Almond flour adds, structure, texture, and flavor to the gluten free cobbler.  I recommend blanched almond flour because it is ground finer and without the skins.  Without totally changing the recipe and ratios, I can’t offer an alternative.
• Arrowroot Flour – Arrowroot combines with the almond flour to make the topping soft and tender.  Alternative – swap in tapioca flour 1:1.
• Coconut Flour – Coconut flour supports the texture of the topping by balancing the liquid ingredients.  It is absorbent and makes it easier to bake with ingredients like maple syrup.  Alternative – You can omit, just not the cobbler topping may bake more like a cake.
• Tapioca Flour – Tapioca flour gives the cobbler a slight chew and appealing texture.  We also use it as a thickener in the filling.  Alternative – in the filling, you can swap in cornstarch.  In the cobbler topping, swap in arrowroot 1:1.
• Baking Powder – To give the cobbler a little lift and texture.
• Salt – Salt is wonderful to balance and enhance flavors.
• Unsalted Butter – Butter is what makes the topping soft and a great flavor.
• Milk – Just a little milk to add lightness to the topping.  Any milk – even non-dairy – will work.
• Vanilla Extract – For flavor!  Alternative – omit or swap in almond extract.

Baking Equipment

• Mixing Bowls
• Small Casserole Dishes – The small casserole dishes I use are linked in the recipe. Though, any baking dish will work just fine.
• Baking Sheet – When baking with small dishes, I like to set them on a baking sheet just to make in and out of the oven easy.

Gluten Free Cobbler Topping

First and foremost, the topping on this cobbler does not taste gluten free.  We use a flavorful blend of gluten free flours:  almond flour, arrowroot flour, coconut flour, and tapioca flour.  

When combined, they bake into a soft biscuit-like topping.  And to ensure we get a super tender cobbler, cold butter keeps the dough buttery and light.

And because this a more rustic dessert, we don’t have to worry too much about the perfect rise (like a cake), or spread (like a cookie).

SMall Batch Strawberry Gluten Free Dessert

I have a delicious collection of strawberry desserts on the blog: like the popular small batch strawberry cupcakes and dairy free strawberry ice cream.  And now, this gluten free strawberry cobbler can join the gf strawberry club alongside the mini strawberry shortcake cake!

And like almost all the recipes on the blog, this one is designed as a smaller batch.  The recipe yields a healthy portion for two people.  But you may want a larger batch – which is easy to do! – after you enjoy your first spoonful of the bubbly strawberry filling!

Tips For Success

• Use fresh strawberries – If for nothing else, to retain some texture of the strawberry when baked.
• Chop the strawberries into quarters – I recommend quartering the strawberries to ensure you have a healthy, larger strawberry bite.
• Tapioca (or cornstarch) make the filling thicker – You can omit the tapioca in the filling, it just may not bake up as jammy.
• Sprinkle coarse sugar on top – This isn’t necessary, but a little coarse sugar (like Turbinado), will give the gluten free cobbler topping a delicious texture.
• Use a baking sheet – If using smaller ramekins or dishes, placing them on a baking sheet will make getting them in and out of the oven easier.
• Cover with foil if browning too fast – The cobbler topping may bake a little faster than the filling.  If this happens, loosely cover the cobblers with foil.
• Serve in the baking dish – Especially if they are as cut as the ones below!
• Top with ice cream – The dessert is delicious enough to stand on its own.  But a little ice cream or homemade whipped coconut cream is always a good idea!

FAQ’S: How To Make Gluten Free Strawberry Cobbler