Are you a fan of Patti Labelle's legendary sweet potato pie or peach cobbler? Do you crave those comforting, home-style flavors but need to keep your blood sugar in check? This recipe takes inspiration from the queen of soul food herself, offering a healthier, diabetic-friendly version of her classic peach cobbler that’s bursting with flavor and surprisingly easy to make. This is perfect for those looking for healthy meals, delicious dishes, and quick dinner ideas (even if it's dessert!).
Ingredients:
For the Peach Filling:
- 4 cups fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced (about 6 medium peaches)
- 1/4 cup sugar substitute (e.g., erythritol, stevia, or monk fruit sweetener) – adjust to your taste
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
For the Cobbler Topping:
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup sugar substitute (same as above)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup milk (almond or skim)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
Instructions:
Making the Peach Filling:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, gently combine the sliced peaches, sugar substitute, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. If using, whisk in the cornstarch.
- Pour the peach mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Making the Cobbler Topping:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, almond flour, sugar substitute, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the applesauce, milk, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined – don't overmix.
- Pour the cobbler topping evenly over the peach filling.
Baking the Cobbler:
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Let the cobbler cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm!
Tips for Success:
- Peach Selection: Use ripe but firm peaches for the best results. Overly ripe peaches can become mushy.
- Sweetener Adjustment: Adjust the amount of sugar substitute to your preference. Taste the filling before adding the topping to ensure it’s sweet enough for you.
- Topping Texture: If you prefer a crispier topping, you can increase the baking time slightly.
- Make it Ahead: The cobbler can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake.
Variations:
- Berry Cobbler: Substitute other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for the peaches.
- Spiced Cobbler: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom to the filling for extra warmth.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of whole wheat flour.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. It's always best to use a nutrition calculator with your exact ingredients for precise values. This recipe aims to be lower in sugar and calories than traditional cobblers.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300 per serving
- Sugar: Significantly reduced compared to traditional cobblers
- Fiber: Moderate, due to the whole wheat flour and fruit.
This delicious and healthy peach cobbler provides a satisfying and guilt-free dessert option. Enjoy this homemade cooking masterpiece, a perfect example of easy recipes transformed into healthy meals without compromising on flavor. It's a testament to the fact that even classic desserts can be adapted to suit various dietary needs. This recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of best recipes, proving that delicious and healthy can go hand in hand!