Cherry Nectarine Cobbler

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s both indulgent and nourishing. The fruit filling is naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup and gently spiced with cinnamon, while the biscuit topping is made with whole wheat flour and just a touch of coconut or brown sugar. It’s the perfect dessert to make for summer gatherings, weekend dinners, or when I just want something fruity and comforting without going overboard on sweetness.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Fruit Filling:

• 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved

• 2 cups nectarines, sliced

• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Topping:

• 1 cup whole wheat flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 2 tablespoons coconut sugar or brown sugar

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced

• 1/3 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)

• Optional: 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar for sprinkling

directions

1. I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a mixing bowl, I combine the cherries, nectarines, honey or maple syrup, cornstarch, vanilla, cinnamon, and lemon juice. I toss everything gently until the fruit is coated and pour the mixture into a lightly greased 8×8 inch baking dish.

3. In another bowl, I whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking powder, salt, and coconut sugar.

4. I cut in the cold diced butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.

5. I stir in the milk just until the dough comes together, being careful not to overmix.

6. I drop spoonfuls of the dough over the fruit, spreading it slightly to cover more surface while leaving some gaps for the fruit to peek through.

7. I sprinkle turbinado sugar on top for a little crunch and sparkle (optional).

8. I bake the cobbler for 30–35 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling around the edges.

9. I let it cool slightly before serving. It’s especially delicious warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of yogurt.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 6 servings. It takes about 15 minutes to prep and 35 minutes to bake, for a total of 50 minutes from start to finish. Each serving is approximately 290 kcal.

Variations

Sometimes I mix in blueberries or raspberries with the cherries and nectarines for more berry flavor. If I’m out of nectarines, peaches make a great substitute. I’ve also made a gluten-free version using oat flour, and it worked beautifully. For added warmth, I like adding a pinch of nutmeg to the topping.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm individual servings in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or reheat the whole dish in a 325°F (160°C) oven until warmed through. It tastes just as comforting the next day.

FAQs

Can I use frozen fruit for this cobbler?

Yes, I’ve used frozen cherries and nectarines. I thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture in the filling.

Can I make this cobbler dairy-free?

Absolutely. I use non-dairy milk and vegan butter or coconut oil for the topping, and it still turns out delicious.

Is this cobbler sweet enough without refined sugar?

Yes, the natural sweetness from the fruit and honey or maple syrup makes it plenty sweet without any refined sugar.

What’s the best way to pit cherries quickly?

I use a cherry pitter for speed, but if I don’t have one, I gently press them with the side of a knife and remove the pit by hand.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I prepare the filling and topping separately and store them in the fridge. I assemble and bake when ready to serve for the best texture.

Conclusion

Cherry nectarine cobbler is the kind of dessert I crave when I want something fresh, seasonal, and satisfying. With naturally sweetened fruit and a tender, golden topping, it’s a simple dish that feels wholesome and nostalgic at the same time. Whether I’m making it for guests or enjoying it on a quiet summer evening, it always brings a little sunshine to the table.