Cherry Cobbler With Vanilla Custard Cream (Raw Vegan)

The aroma of warm cherries always transports me back to my grandmother’s sun-drenched kitchen. I can almost feel the warmth on my face as she pulled a bubbling, ruby-red cobbler from the oven. While this raw vegan version may not involve baking, it captures the essence of that comforting dessert, transforming simple ingredients into a surprisingly delightful treat. The bright cherry flavor, paired with the creamy vanilla custard, brings a burst of sunshine to any day, reminding me that even the simplest ingredients can create something truly special.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Dietary Type: Raw Vegan

Ingredients

Cobbler

• 3 (10 ounce) bags frozen cherries, thawed and drained
• 1/4 cup Medjool dates, soaked for 10 min
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 dash cinnamon

Topping

• 1/2 cup pecans
• 1/2 cup dried shredded coconut
• 2 large Medjool dates
• 1/4 teaspoon Himalayan crystal salt
• 1 dash cayenne

Custard

• 1/2 cup young coconut meat
• 1/2 cup coconut water
• 1 tablespoon agave nectar
• Seeds from 1/2 of a vanilla bean
• 1 pinch Himalayan crystal salt

Equipment Needed

• Blender or food processor
• Food processor
• Vita-Mix or high-speed blender
• Bowl or casserole dish

Instructions

1. To create the cobbler filling, combine 1/2 cup of the thawed and drained cherries with the Medjool dates (that have been soaked for 10 minutes), lemon juice, and cinnamon in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.
2. In a bowl or casserole dish, pour this blended cherry mixture over the remaining whole cherries. Stir to ensure the cherries are well coated. This will provide a delightful contrast between the smooth sauce and the bursts of juicy cherry flavor.
3. Now, prepare the topping. Place the pecans, dried shredded coconut, and Himalayan crystal salt, and cayenne in a food processor.
4. Pulse the mixture until it is coarsely ground. Be careful not to over-process; you want a crumbly texture, not a paste.
5. Add the Medjool dates one at a time to the food processor. Process until the mixture just begins to stick together. The dates act as a natural binder, holding the topping together in delightful clumps.
6. Crumble the topping evenly over the cherry mixture in the bowl or casserole dish.
7. For the vanilla custard, combine the young coconut meat, coconut water, agave nectar, vanilla bean seeds, and Himalayan crystal salt in a Vita-Mix or other high-speed blender.
8. Puree the mixture until it is completely smooth and creamy. The high-speed blender is essential for achieving a truly silky texture.
9. You can chill the cobbler for an hour or so to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to set slightly. Alternatively, you can enjoy it immediately.
10. Serve the cobbler at room temperature or gently warm it in a dehydrator for a more comforting experience. Pour the vanilla custard generously over each serving.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Cherry Variety: While this recipe calls for standard frozen cherries, don’t hesitate to experiment! Rainier cherries offer a sweeter, less tart flavor, while dark sweet cherries provide a deeper, richer taste.
• Date Consistency: Soaking the dates is crucial for achieving a smooth cobbler filling and a cohesive topping. If your dates are particularly dry, extend the soaking time to ensure they become pliable.
• Topping Texture: For a chunkier topping, pulse the ingredients in the food processor a few times less. For a finer crumble, process them a bit longer.
• Custard Consistency: Adjust the amount of coconut water to achieve your desired custard consistency. For a thicker custard, use slightly less coconut water. For a thinner, pourable sauce, add a tablespoon or two more.
• Spice It Up: Feel free to add a pinch more of cayenne to the topping for a more pronounced kick! A little goes a long way.
• Vanilla Bean Substitute: If you do not have access to a vanilla bean, you can substitute with a teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the cherry cobbler at room temperature or slightly warmed for a more comforting dessert. A dollop of the vanilla custard cream elevates the dish to a truly luxurious experience. You can garnish with a few fresh cherries or a sprig of mint for an extra touch of elegance.

Leftover cobbler can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The topping may soften slightly, but the flavor will remain delicious. It’s best to store the custard separately to prevent the cobbler from becoming soggy. The custard can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

While not ideal, the cobbler can be frozen. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving. The texture may change slightly upon thawing.

To reheat the cobbler, you can warm it gently in a dehydrator or in a low oven (around 170°F or 77°C) until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the topping soggy.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	288.4 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	122 g	42%
Total Fat	13.6 g	20%
Saturated Fat	6.6 g	33%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	128.3 mg	5%
Total Carbohydrate	43.4 g	14%
Dietary Fiber	6.4 g	25%
Sugars	36.5 g	N/A
Protein	3.4 g	6%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Berry Blast: Experiment with different berry combinations! Blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries would all be delicious additions or substitutes for the cherries.
• Nut-Free Topping: Replace the pecans with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version.
• Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of orange or lime zest to the cobbler filling for a brighter, more aromatic flavor.
• Spice It Up: Infuse the custard with different spices like cardamom, ginger, or nutmeg for a unique twist.
• Seasonal Fruit: Adapt the recipe to use other seasonal fruits, such as peaches in the summer or apples in the fall.
• Coconut Cream Custard: For an even richer custard, use coconut cream instead of coconut water.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use regular cherries instead of frozen?
A: While fresh cherries can be used, frozen cherries, when thawed, release their juices, creating a wonderful texture that is key to the recipe.

Q: Can I make this cobbler ahead of time?
A: Yes! The cobbler can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a day. However, it’s best to add the topping just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy. The custard can be made up to 2 days in advance.

Q: Can I use a different sweetener instead of agave nectar?
A: Yes, you can substitute agave nectar with maple syrup or another liquid sweetener of your choice. Adjust the quantity to taste.

Q: My topping is too dry and crumbly. What should I do?
A: Add a few more Medjool dates, one at a time, to the food processor and process until the mixture begins to stick together.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for someone with a nut allergy?
A: No, the recipe contains pecans in the topping. However, you can substitute the pecans with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version.

Final Thoughts

This raw vegan cherry cobbler is a delightful testament to the versatility of plant-based cuisine. The combination of sweet cherries, a nutty crumble, and creamy vanilla custard creates a symphony of textures and flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the joy of creating a delicious and healthy dessert. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different fruits and spices to create your own unique twist! And remember to share your creations and feedback – I’d love to hear about your culinary adventures. Pair this cobbler with a refreshing glass of homemade almond milk or a cup of herbal tea for the perfect ending to a delightful meal.