There’s just something magical about Peach Cobbler—a dessert that captures summer’s sunshine in every bite while promising cozy comfort all year round. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or just to satisfy a sweet craving, the bubbling peaches mingling with cinnamon, nutmeg, and tender, buttery topping never fail to steal the show. This is a classic Southern treat that feels warm and familiar yet always a little special, and today I can’t wait to share how you can bring the Peach Cobbler tradition into your own kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Peach Cobbler is that it counts on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, with each one adding a unique touch. From juicy peaches to the comforting aroma of vanilla, every component shines while coming together for an unforgettable dessert.
- Peaches: Fresh, canned (drained), or frozen (thawed and drained) peaches work great—6 cups give you a generous fruit layer with vibrant color and sweetness.
- Granulated Sugar: Used in both the filling and batter, sugar brings out the natural juiciness in peaches and helps the topping bake up sweet and golden.
- Brown Sugar: Just a quarter cup provides lovely caramel notes that set this cobbler apart from the rest.
- Ground Cinnamon: A teaspoon infuses warmth and that signature cobbler fragrance you smell as soon as it leaves the oven.
- Ground Nutmeg: Half a teaspoon is all it takes for a subtle, nutty depth.
- Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor and pairs beautifully with peaches.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens the whole dish and keeps the fruit from tasting overly sweet.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the peach juices, creating that perfect syrupy consistency.
- Unsalted Butter: Richness and that lovely crisp edge come from one stick melted in the pan first.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for an irresistible, fluffy topping.
- Baking Powder: Two teaspoons make the cobbler topping rise high and light.
- Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Whole Milk: Brings the batter together for a creamy, smooth texture.
How to Make Peach Cobbler
Step 1: Melt the Butter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Place half a cup of unsalted butter right in your 9×13-inch baking dish and pop it in the oven for about 5 minutes until it’s completely melted. There’s no need to dirty an extra pan, and you get a head start on that decadent crust.
Step 2: Prepare the Peach Filling
While the butter melts, stir the sliced peaches together with brown sugar, ¾ cup granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, lemon juice, and cornstarch in a big bowl. Let this mixture sit for a few minutes—just until the peaches start to release their amazing juices. This simple step helps you achieve that luscious fruity bottom layer every Peach Cobbler needs.
Step 3: Mix the Cobbler Batter
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt to ensure even mixing. Slowly pour in the milk and stir until the batter is smooth—don’t over-mix or your topping could turn tough. It will look quite thin; that’s exactly what you want.
Step 4: Assemble the Peach Cobbler
Pour the batter evenly over the pool of melted butter in your baking dish, but don’t stir! This layering is the secret to cobbler’s unique, craggy top. Next, gently spoon your sweet peach mixture over the batter. Again, do not mix! As everything bakes, magic happens: the batter will rise up deliciously around the peaches.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the assembled cobbler in your preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. When the top is golden brown and a tester inserted into the cobbler topping comes out clean, it’s ready to come out. Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving—the juices will thicken just enough so every scoop is pure bliss.
How to Serve Peach Cobbler
Garnishes
Whether you fancy a classic scoop of vanilla ice cream slowly melting into each warm bite or a generous dollop of whipped cream sprinkled with cinnamon, Peach Cobbler shines with a little bit of creamy contrast. For extra crunch, try a handful of toasted pecans or a sprinkle of coarse sugar right before baking for a beautiful, sparkling crust.
Side Dishes
Peach Cobbler is a star on its own, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides like fresh mint sprigs, a berry salad, or even a chilled glass of sweet tea. If you want something heartier, serve it alongside a brunch table with eggs or quiche—its sweet-tart fruit balances savory dishes perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking the cobbler in individual ramekins for stunning single-serve desserts at dinner parties, or layer warm cobbler in mason jars for a fun picnic-ready treat. Need a showstopper for a potluck? Bring the entire baking dish, but jazz it up with a scattering of edible flowers or sliced almonds just before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool Peach Cobbler to room temperature, then cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer extra portions to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, and the flavors might even intensify a little overnight!
Freezing
Want to save some summer? Once cooled, Peach Cobbler can be frozen for up to 3 months. For best results, portion it into individual servings so you can thaw just what you need. Cover portions well to prevent freezer burn, and always label with the date.
Reheating
Warm Peach Cobbler is pure comfort. Simply bake the whole dish, covered with foil, in a 350°F oven until hot (about 15–20 minutes). For single servings, a quick zap in the microwave will bring it back to life—just don’t overdo it, as you want the topping to stay a little crisp on the edges.
FAQs
Can I use canned or frozen peaches for Peach Cobbler?
Absolutely! Canned peaches (drained) or frozen peaches (thawed and drained) are fantastic in Peach Cobbler, making this dessert easy to enjoy any time of year. Just make sure to remove excess liquid for the perfect, syrupy texture.
Why shouldn’t I stir the batter and peaches together?
The magic of Peach Cobbler comes from layering. Pouring the batter over the butter, then spooning peaches on top (without mixing) allows the batter to rise up around the fruit as it bakes. This creates that classic, doughy-yet-crispy cobbler top everyone loves.
Can I make Peach Cobbler in advance?
Yes indeed! You can assemble the cobbler several hours ahead and store it in the fridge, covered. Bake it just before serving, or bake it earlier and reheat when needed—it’s delicious both ways, and the flavors develop as it sits.
How do I keep the topping from getting soggy?
Allowing the baked Peach Cobbler to cool for at least 10 minutes helps set the topping and thicken the juices. Always bake until the top is a deep golden brown, which gives you that irresistible texture contrast between the fruit and the crust.
Is it possible to make Peach Cobbler gluten free?
Yes! Substitute a good gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour, and make sure your baking powder is gluten free too. The result will be just as delightful and crowd-pleasing.
Final Thoughts
Peach Cobbler is one of those joyful, nostalgic desserts that just begs to be shared, whether over laughter at a backyard barbecue or a cozy weekend supper. Every bite is sunshine and sweet comfort, so I encourage you to bake a batch soon and let the aroma fill your kitchen. There’s nothing quite like homemade Peach Cobbler to make moments extra memorable!
Print
Peach Cobbler Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of Southern American cuisine with this delightful Peach Cobbler recipe. Sweet peaches are baked beneath a buttery, golden crust, creating a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Peach Filling:
- 6 cups sliced fresh or canned peaches (drained if canned)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Cobbler Topping:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the butter in a 9×13-inch baking dish and melt it in the oven for about 5 minutes. Remove from the oven once melted.
- Prepare the peach filling: In a large bowl, mix the peaches with brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Set aside.
- Make the cobbler topping: In another bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk until just combined to form a smooth batter.
- Assemble the cobbler: Pour the batter over the melted butter in the baking dish without stirring. Spoon the peach mixture evenly over the batter without stirring again. The batter will rise up around the fruit as it bakes.
- Bake: Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the batter comes out clean. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can use frozen peaches—just thaw and drain first.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle sugar on top before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 33g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
