Southern Peach Cobbler

Nothing says summer like a warm, golden peach cobbler fresh from the oven, bursting with juicy peaches and a buttery, crisp topping. This classic Southern dessert is a crowd favorite, perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy evening treat.

With its sweet, tangy fruit and tender, biscuit-like crust, this easy recipe will have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s dive into this simple yet irresistible peach cobbler that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Recipe Overview

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This peach cobbler delivers a perfect balance of sweet, juicy peaches and a golden, buttery biscuit topping with a slightly crisp edge. It’s quick to prep, using fresh or canned peaches for year-round enjoyment, and requires just a handful of pantry staples. The warm, comforting flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture make it an ideal dessert for any occasion. Prep time is about 15 minutes, with a baking time of 35-40 minutes.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: ~50-55 minutes

Ingredients List

• For the Peach Filling:
  • 6 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (about 6-8 medium peaches; fresh peaches give vibrant flavor, but canned work too)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (enhances sweetness of peaches)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (adds a caramel-like depth)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed for a bright, tangy note)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (pure extract for warmth)
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch (thickens the filling for a jammy texture)
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (adds cozy spice)
• For the Biscuit Topping:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled for a light texture)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (sweetens the topping)
  • 1 tsp baking powder (helps the topping rise)
  • 1/4 tsp salt (balances flavors)
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed (creates a flaky, crisp texture)
  • 1/3 cup whole milk, cold (binds the dough for a tender crumb)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (enhances the topping’s flavor)

Why these ingredients? Fresh peaches provide the best flavor, but canned peaches (drained) work in a pinch. Cold butter and milk ensure a flaky, tender topping, while lemon juice and cinnamon elevate the filling’s brightness and warmth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

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1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish. This size ensures a perfect balance of filling and topping.
2. Prepare Peach Filling: In a large bowl, toss sliced peaches with granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, vanilla, cornstarch, and cinnamon. Stir until the peaches are coated. Pour into the greased baking dish. The cornstarch thickens the juices as it bakes, creating a luscious filling.
3. Make Biscuit Topping: In a medium bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in cold milk and vanilla until just combined. The dough should be slightly sticky for a tender topping.
4. Assemble Cobbler: Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough over the peach filling, leaving some gaps for the peaches to bubble through. Don’t worry about perfection—rustic dollops add charm!
5. Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbling. If the topping browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving to let the filling set slightly.

Tips for Success

• Use Cold Butter: Keep butter and milk cold for a flaky, crisp topping. Chill them if needed before mixing.
• Peel Peaches Easily: Blanch peaches in boiling water for 30 seconds, then plunge into ice water to slip off skins effortlessly.
• Adjust Sweetness: If your peaches are very sweet, reduce the sugar in the filling slightly to avoid overpowering.
• Check Doneness: The topping should be golden and firm, and the filling should bubble around the edges.
• Fresh vs. Canned: Fresh peaches give the best flavor, but canned (drained) or frozen (thawed) peaches work well too.

Serving Suggestions

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Serve this peach cobbler warm for maximum comfort, with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the juicy peaches. For a refreshing pairing, try it with iced tea or a chilled glass of sweet white wine. Present it family-style in the baking dish for a rustic feel or scoop into bowls for individual servings. Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or add fresh mint for a pop of color.

Storage Tips

Store leftover cobbler covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to revive the crisp topping. For longer storage, freeze the baked cobbler (without ice cream) in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.

FAQs

Can I use canned or frozen peaches instead of fresh?
Yes! Use drained canned peaches or thawed frozen peaches. Adjust sugar if canned peaches are in syrup to avoid oversweetening.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure it’s formulated for baking to maintain texture.

Why is my topping soggy?
This can happen if the butter or milk isn’t cold or if the cobbler is underbaked. Ensure cold ingredients and bake until golden and bubbly.

Can I add other fruits?
Absolutely! Mix in blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a twist. Keep the total fruit volume at 6 cups.

Conclusion

This peach cobbler is a slice of summer in every bite, with its juicy, sweet peaches and buttery, golden topping. It’s an easy, heartwarming dessert that brings people together. Grab some peaches and give this recipe a try—you’ll love the smiles it brings! Share your cobbler creations with me; I can’t wait to see them!