Vegan Sourdough Discard Peach Cobbler (Refined Sugar-Free!)

Nothing says summer like ripe, juicy peaches! My children absolutely love eating peaches they’ve just picked from the orchard, and I can’t help but smile as I watch them bite into fruit so perfectly ripe that the juice drips down their arms. The only downside to peaches is that they don’t last long—they go from firm and sweet to mushy so fast you hardly get to enjoy them. Thankfully, that just gives me the perfect excuse to turn them into something even better: dessert! This vegan sourdough discard peach cobbler is one of my new favourite ways to use up one of God’s tastiest gifts. It’s naturally sweetened (no refined sugar), made with wholesome spelt flour for better gut health, and topped with a golden, sourdough crust.

If you love peaches as much as we do, this healthy cobbler will quickly become a go-to summer treat in your home too.

Quick Summary: This vegan sourdough discard peach cobbler is naturally sweetened, dairy-free, and made with spelt flour for a healthier twist on the classic.

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Sourdough Discard Peach Cobbler

A Delicious Way to Use Sourdough Discard

Even the most consistent bakers may need to discard some starter from time to time. But it always seems like such a waste! So, rather than tossing it out, I like to find ways to use it in recipes like this vegan sourdough discard peach cobbler. Not only does it allow me to make some room for another feed (for my starter, that is), but it also provides my family with a healthy treat we can enjoy any time of day!

Naturally Sweetened (No Refined Sugar)

My kids love sweets, but I’m mindful of what refined sweeteners like white sugar and high-fructose corn syrup can do to a growing child. These sugars can disrupt the gut microbiome, promoting the growth of harmful bacteria (a condition called dysbiosis) that may weaken the immune system and even impact brain health by triggering inflammation and altering neurotransmitter balance. (For more on sugar’s health effects, see Am I Eating Too Much Sugar?) That’s why I stick to desserts free of refined sugars. This peach cobbler is sweetened with moderate amounts of coconut sugar and maple syrup—both natural options that contain trace minerals and are gentler on the body when enjoyed in moderation.

Easy, Comforting, and Family-Friendly

What I love most about this healthy peach cobbler recipe is how simple it is to make! Just add the fresh peaches to your baking dish, mix the biscuit dough, and you’re almost done. No rolling pin needed—simply pat the dough out with your hands for an easy, rustic finish.

This is comfort food with a healthy twist. It tastes rich and indulgent, but it’s made with wholesome ingredients like maple syrup, whole-grain spelt flour, and no dairy at all.

Best of all, the whole family will love it! Kids and adults can enjoy the sweet, juicy peaches and crumbly biscuit topping, while parents can feel great serving a dessert that’s both nourishing and delicious.

Tools Needed

• Cast-iron skillet or 9×13″ baking dish
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Large mixing bowl
• Biscuit/ cookie cutter or cup

Ingredients You’ll Need

Peach Filling

• Peaches – fresh, frozen, or canned
• Cinnamon
• Spelt flour
• Plant-based butter – or coconut oil
• Maple syrup – or coconut sugar

Biscuit Topping

• Whole grain spelt flour – freshly milled if possible
• Sourdough starter – fed or unfed
• Coconut oil – melted
• Honey
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Cinnamon
• Salt
• Plant-based cream or full-fat coconut milk – I use this one
• Coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener

How to Make Vegan Sourdough Discard Peach Cobbler

Mix Biscuit Dough

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Whisk spelt flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and coconut sugar in a large bowl.

Add sourdough starter, coconut oil, honey, and cream to the bowl and mix well. Set aside.

Prepare Peach Filling

Mix peaches, cinnamon, flour, maple syrup, and butter in the cast iron skillet/baking dish.

Bake in the peach mixture in the oven for 8-10 minutes.

Fold and Cut the Biscuits

While the peaches are baking, prepare the biscuits.

On a lightly floured surface, fold the biscuit dough over itself 2-3 times, and then pat it out until it’s 1/2 an inch thick.

Using a round cookie cutter or cup, cut out about a dozen or more biscuits (you will need to recombine the scraps to use all the dough).

Assemble and Bake the Cobbler

Remove peaches from the oven and stir them well.

Arrange the biscuits over the peaches and bake for 20 minutes. Biscuits should be a golden brown colour.

Cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Fresh, Frozen, or Canned Peaches: Fresh peaches work best, but frozen peaches can be used (no need to thaw completely). If using canned, choose ones packed in juice, not syrup.
• Sweetener Options: Maple syrup, agave nectar, or monk fruit all work well. Adjust to taste depending on the sweetness of your peaches.
• Spelt Flour Substitute: You can replace the spelt with whole wheat or more all-purpose flour if not available.
• Discard Flavour: The discard adds a light tang to the topping. If you prefer a milder flavor, use younger discard (recently fed).
• Make Ahead: Assemble the peach filling in advance and store in the fridge. Mix the topping just before baking for best results.
• Serving Ideas: Delicious warm with vegan vanilla ice cream, coconut whipped cream, or simply on its own.
• Storage: Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through, or enjoy cold.

Loved this dessert? Find more recipes like this on the Refined Sugar-Free Recipes and Sourdough Recipes pages!