When making a delicious peach cobbler, butter is often used to create a rich and tender biscuit topping. However, for those looking to make a healthier version or who don’t have butter on hand, there are several excellent alternatives that can be used as a substitute.
Why Use a Butter Substitute in Peach Cobbler?
There are a few reasons why you may want to use a butter substitute in your peach cobbler recipe:
- You want to reduce the calories, saturated fat, and cholesterol by using a lower-fat option.
- You need a dairy-free or vegan alternative due to dietary restrictions or lifestyle choices.
- You don’t have any butter on hand and need an easy swap.
- You want to enhance the flavor of the cobbler with a complementing fat, like coconut oil.
When choosing a butter substitute for peach cobbler, the most important factors to consider are the fat content, flavor profile, and baking properties of the ingredients.
The Best Butter Substitutes for Peach Cobbler
1. Vegetable or Canola Oil
Vegetable oil or canola oil are neutral-flavored oils that can be used in place of butter in peach cobbler recipes. They have a high smoke point which makes them suitable for baking. When substituting, use 3/4 cup oil for every 1 cup of butter. The crust may end up slightly more dense and crumbly, but still delicious.
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a great dairy-free option with the ability to mimic the flaky texture of butter. Use a 1:1 ratio when substituting coconut oil for butter. The subtle coconut flavor pairs wonderfully with peaches. Refined coconut oil has a more neutral taste compared to virgin or unrefined varieties.
3. Margarine
Margarine contains similar fat content to butter and can typically be substituted 1:1 in baking recipes. Go for a margarine with a high fat content to get a flaky biscuit topping. Some margarines have added sweetener so taste test brands to find a neutral, buttery flavor.
4. Shortening
Shortening has a very high fat content which makes it a great substitute for the flakiness of butter. Use a 1:1 ratio, being careful not to overwork the dough. The neutral flavor won’t add any butteriness, so consider adding a touch of extract like vanilla or almond for flavor.
How to Substitute Butter in Peach Cobbler
When using a butter substitute in peach cobbler, there are a few simple tips to follow:
- Use room temperature substitutes. This helps incorporate air which improves texture.
- Don’t overmix once the fat is added. For a tender, flaky biscuit crust, handle the dough gently.
- You may need to adjust bake times since alternatives may brown faster than butter.
- Consider adding a little extra leavening like baking powder to make up for any loss of flakiness.
- For added richness, brush the baked cobbler with butter or milk.
Best Peach Cobbler Recipe Without Butter
This easy peach cobbler recipe uses vegetable oil instead of butter for a tender and deliciously sweet dessert:
Ingredients
- 6 cups sliced peaches (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar, plus 2 tablespoons for sprinkling
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- Vanilla ice cream, to serve
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×9-inch or similar sized baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix together the sliced peaches, 1/2 cup sugar, and cinnamon. Pour into baking dish.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, 1/4 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the milk and vegetable oil and stir just until a shaggy dough forms.
- Drop scoops of the batter evenly over the peaches.
- Sprinkle 2 tablespoons sugar over top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until topping is golden brown.
- Allow to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy with vanilla ice cream!
The Best Butter Substitute for Peach Cobbler
When considering taste, texture, and heartiness, coconut oil is arguably the best substitute for butter in peach cobbler recipes. It bakes up light and flaky, mimics the richness of butter, and adds a lovely subtle coconut flavor that complements the sweet peaches perfectly. Vegetable oil or neutral-tasting margarine are excellent alternatives as well.
With a simple swap of butter for any of these suitable alternatives, anyone can enjoy delicious homemade peach cobbler. The biscuit topping bakes up beautifully crisp on the outside while keeping the interior peaches nice and tender. Pick your favorite substitute and give this summery cobbler a try.