Craving a decadent Valentine’s Day dessert that’s both romantic and healthy? Imagine sinking your fork into a warm, gooey chocolate cobbler bursting with sweet, tart cherries – all while staying true to your vegan lifestyle. This easy chocolate cherry vegan cobbler recipe delivers all that and more, proving that indulgence and wellness can absolutely coexist.
Get ready to fall in love with the best chocolate cherry vegan cobbler you’ve ever tasted! This article will guide you through creating this delightful treat, whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out. We’ll cover everything from simple substitutions to tips for achieving the perfect texture, and even explore variations like a tart cherry chocolate cobbler or a vegan raspberry cobbler. Forget those processed cake mix versions; this homemade chocolate cherry vegan cobbler is where it’s at!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 55-60 minutes
Serving Size: 6-8 servings
Estimated Cost (US Market): $15-20 (Prices may vary depending on location and ingredient brands)
Ingredients:
For the Cherry Filling:
- 2 cups pitted fresh or frozen tart cherries (or sweet cherries, if preferred)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (or maple syrup for a less refined option)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Chocolate Cobbler Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or coconut sugar)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat milk work well)
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil (or vegan butter)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: Vegan vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving
Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Filling
In a medium saucepan, combine the pitted cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Stir well to combine. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the cherries begin to release their juices and the mixture thickens slightly. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients for the Cobbler Topping
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make sure there are no clumps in the cocoa powder. This ensures a smooth and even cobbler topping.
Step 3: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the plant-based milk, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to a tough cobbler.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Cobbler
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour the cherry filling into a 8×8 inch baking dish (or a similar sized oven-safe dish). Drop spoonfuls of the chocolate cobbler topping over the cherry filling, leaving some of the filling exposed. This creates those lovely pockets of gooey cherry goodness.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cobbler topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs). The edges should be bubbly and the aroma heavenly.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let the cobbler cool slightly for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to thicken a bit more and the topping to set. Serve warm, topped with vegan vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, if desired. This decadent treat is the perfect ending to a romantic Valentine’s Day meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storing Leftovers: Allow the chocolate cherry vegan cobbler to cool completely to room temperature before covering the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transferring the leftovers to an airtight container. This prevents condensation from forming and making the cobbler soggy.
Stored properly in the refrigerator, leftover chocolate cherry vegan cobbler will last for up to 3-4 days. For optimal texture and flavor, it’s best consumed within this timeframe.
Reheating Methods
Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cobbler in an oven-safe dish and reheat for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This method helps to restore the crispness of the topping.
Microwave: For a quick reheat, microwave individual servings for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the topping tough. The microwave isn’t ideal for large quantities or for restoring crispness.
Stovetop: You can reheat smaller portions in a saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of plant-based milk or water to prevent sticking and cover the pan. Heat gently until warmed through. This method is also good for restoring the texture of the cobbler.
Tips for Best Taste:
- Reheating in the oven is generally the best method for maintaining the texture of the cobbler topping.
- If the topping seems a bit dry after reheating, you can brush it with a little melted coconut oil or vegan butter.
- Serve the reheated cobbler with a fresh scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or a dollop of vegan whipped cream for the best experience. This adds moisture and complements the warm cobbler.
Nutrition Facts
It’s important to understand that providing precise nutritional information for a recipe like this is difficult. The exact values will vary depending on the specific brands and types of ingredients you use (e.g., the specific type of plant-based milk, the cocoa powder’s fat content, the type of sugar, etc.). Therefore, the following table provides estimated nutritional information based on average values for common ingredients.
It should be considered an approximation, not a definitive analysis. For precise data, you would need to use a nutrition analysis software and input the exact details of every ingredient you use.
Estimated Nutritional Information (Per Serving – approximately 1/8 of the cobbler):
| Nutrient | Amount (Approximate) | % Daily Value* (Approximate) |
| Calories | 300-350 | 15-18% |
| Total Fat | 15-20g | 20-27% |
| Saturated Fat | 8-12g | 40-60% |
| Cholesterol | 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 200-250mg | 8-10% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 40-50g | 13-17% |
| Dietary Fiber | 5-8g | 18-29% |
| Total Sugars | 20-25g | |
| Added Sugars | 15-20g | 30-40% |
| Protein | 5-7g | 10-14% |
| Vitamin D | 0mcg | 0% |
| Calcium | 50-75mg | 6-8% |
| Iron | 2-3mg | 11-17% |
| Potassium | 200-250mg | 6-7% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Important Considerations:
- Serving Size: The accuracy of these values depends heavily on the actual serving size. If you cut the cobbler into smaller or larger portions, the nutritional content per serving will change accordingly.
- Ingredient Variations: As mentioned, the type and brand of ingredients significantly impact the nutritional profile. Using different types of plant-based milk, sweeteners, or fats will alter the values.
- Added Sugars: This recipe does contain added sugars. If you are watching your sugar intake, consider using a less refined sweetener like maple syrup or coconut sugar in moderation, though this won’t drastically reduce the sugar content.
- Healthy Fats: While the cobbler contains some fat, much of it comes from coconut oil, which is a plant-based fat. However, coconut oil is high in saturated fat.
This information is for general guidance only. For more accurate nutritional data, it is recommended to use a nutrition calculator and input the specific details of your ingredients.
Dietary Information
This Chocolate Cherry Vegan Cobbler recipe is inherently vegan, meaning it contains no animal products. It relies on plant-based milk, coconut oil (or vegan butter), and other vegan-friendly ingredients.
Gluten-Free Option: This recipe can easily be made gluten-free. Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend. Make sure the blend you choose is designed for baking and can be substituted for all-purpose flour in a 1:1 ratio. Different gluten-free flours have different properties, so using a blend specifically formulated for baking is crucial for achieving the correct texture.
Nut-Free: If you need a nut-free version, ensure your plant-based milk is nut-free (e.g., oat milk, soy milk, or rice milk). Double-check all other ingredients for potential nut traces as well.
Soy-Free: For a soy-free version, choose a plant-based milk that is soy-free (e.g., almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk). Again, check all other ingredients to ensure they are soy-free.
Lower Sugar: While not inherently low in sugar, you can reduce the amount of sugar used in both the filling and the topping. Using a less refined sweetener like maple syrup or coconut sugar might slightly alter the flavor profile but can be a good option. Keep in mind that even with these substitutions, the natural sugars in the cherries will still contribute to the overall sweetness. It’s unlikely you’ll be able to make a truly “low sugar” cobbler while maintaining its essential character.
Keto: This recipe is not keto-friendly due to the high carbohydrate content from the flour, sugar, and cherries. A keto diet is very low in carbohydrates, and this cobbler is primarily composed of carbohydrates.
History of Chocolate Cherry Cobbler
The exact origins of chocolate cherry vegan cobbler are difficult to pinpoint, as it’s likely a modern adaptation of classic cobbler recipes. Cobblers themselves have a long history, originating in the United States in the 19th century, often made with simple ingredients and fruit. This vegan version likely arose with the increasing popularity of plant-based diets, as cooks sought to recreate comforting desserts without animal products.
The combination of chocolate and cherries is a classic flavor pairing, further contributing to the appeal of this particular cobbler. While not a historical recipe in the traditional sense, it reflects the evolution of culinary practices to accommodate dietary preferences and create new, delicious treats.
Final Thoughts
This easy chocolate cherry vegan cobbler is the perfect Valentine’s Day treat, offering a decadent yet wholesome dessert experience. The combination of rich chocolate and tart cherries creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re vegan or simply looking for a delicious and comforting dessert, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy this warm, gooey cobbler with a scoop of your favorite vegan ice cream for a truly unforgettable Valentine’s Day celebration.
