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Holiday & Seasonal

Gluten-Free Family-Friendly Holiday Spiced Apple and Pear Cobbler

By Freeflourish Test KitchenReviewed by Freeflourish Editorial TeamPublished May 4, 2026 · Updated Jul 7, 2026
American-inspired 60 mins glutenfreevegetariandairyfreeoptionsfamilyfriendlyholidayclassicseasonaldesserteasyfreezable

This gluten-free and dairy-free apple and pear cobbler is a holiday classic reinvented for family-friendly festive occasions. Featuring warm holiday spices, juicy seasonal fruits, and a golden gluten-free biscuit topping, this easy cobbler recipe is freezer-friendly and perfect as a comforting seasonal dessert.

Gluten-Free Family-Friendly Holiday Spiced Apple and Pear Cobbler
Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Total 60 min
Servings 8
Difficulty easy
Cuisine American-inspired

Recipe Details

Prep15 min
Cook45 min
Total60 min
Servings8
Difficultyeasy
CuisineAmerican-inspired
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Ingredients

Servings 8
  • 4 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored and sliced
  • 3 medium pears, peeled, cored and sliced
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 2 teaspoons gluten-free cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour (ensure it contains xanthan gum)
  • 1/4 cup coconut sugar (or granulated sugar)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder (gluten-free)
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 6 tablespoons dairy-free butter substitute (cold, cut into small pieces)
  • 1/3 to 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk or other dairy-free milk
  • dairy-free vanilla ice cream or coconut whipped cream for serving
FreeFlourish Gluten-Free Family-Friendly Holiday Spiced Apple and Pear Cobbler ingredients
FreeFlourish Gluten-Free Family-Friendly Holiday Spiced Apple and Pear Cobbler ingredients

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and lightly grease a 9x9-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced apples, sliced pears, granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and gluten-free cornstarch. Toss gently to coat all fruit evenly and set aside.
  3. Pour the fruit mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread out evenly. Sprinkle the vanilla extract over the fruit.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free all-purpose flour, coconut sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  5. Add the cold dairy-free butter substitute 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 with some pea-sized pieces.
  6. Slowly pour in the almond milk, starting with 1/3 cup, mixing gently with a fork or spoon until the dough just comes together. Add a little more milk if needed to achieve a slightly sticky but thick biscuit batter.
  7. Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit topping evenly over the fruit filling, allowing some fruit to peek through.
  8. Bake the cobbler in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbly.
  9. Remove cobbler from the oven and allow to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.
  10. Serve warm, optionally topped with dairy-free vanilla ice cream or coconut whipped cream.
  11. To freeze, cool the cobbler completely, then tightly cover with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat covered in a 350 degrees F oven until warmed through.
FreeFlourish Gluten-Free Family-Friendly Holiday Spiced Apple and Pear Cobbler finished dish
FreeFlourish Gluten-Free Family-Friendly Holiday Spiced Apple and Pear Cobbler finished dish

Tips

Allergen Overlap Note

Check every packaged ingredient for certified gluten-free status, especially spices, broths, sauces, seed products, and baking staples. Use clean prep surfaces and dedicated utensils when preparing Gluten-Free Family-Friendly Holiday Spiced Apple and Pear Cobbler for someone with celiac disease.

Texture Expectations

Gluten-Free Family-Friendly Holiday Spiced Apple and Pear Cobbler should keep the intended servings texture when cooked and plated carefully.

Dining With Non-GF Family Note

Prepare and serve on a dedicated gluten-free surface first, then keep any shared side dishes separate with dedicated serving utensils.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Gluten-Free Family-Friendly Holiday Spiced Apple and Pear Cobbler ahead?
Yes. Prepare components early, then store and reheat according to the storage guidance so the texture stays close to fresh.
How do I keep this recipe gluten-free?
Use certified gluten-free packaged ingredients and avoid shared utensils, boards, pans, or toppings that touched gluten-containing foods.
Can I adjust the main ingredients?
Yes. Swap ingredients with similar moisture, protein, or cooking behavior to keep timing and texture close to the original.
How do I serve it with mixed-diet family?
Serve the gluten-free recipe first and keep any gluten-containing toppings and sides separate.

Ingredient Replacements

  • dairy-free vanilla ice cream or coconut whipped cream for serving: Use a certified gluten-free equivalent and choose a similar ingredient with matching moisture, texture, or cooking time. Check labels for shared-facility warnings when cooking for celiac disease or multiple allergies.
  • main vegetable: Use a certified gluten-free equivalent and choose a similar ingredient with matching moisture, texture, or cooking time. Check labels for shared-facility warnings when cooking for celiac disease or multiple allergies.
  • protein: Use a certified gluten-free equivalent and choose a similar ingredient with matching moisture, texture, or cooking time. Check labels for shared-facility warnings when cooking for celiac disease or multiple allergies.
  • seasoning: Use a certified gluten-free equivalent and choose a similar ingredient with matching moisture, texture, or cooking time. Check labels for shared-facility warnings when cooking for celiac disease or multiple allergies.
  • cooking fat: Use a certified gluten-free equivalent and choose a similar ingredient with matching moisture, texture, or cooking time. Check labels for shared-facility warnings when cooking for celiac disease or multiple allergies.

Storage and Reheating

Cool completely before covering. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days, or freeze for later use. Reheat slowly to keep texture closer to fresh.

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