Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream is summer comfort in a bowl, marrying sweet, juicy peaches beneath a crisp, golden topping and crowned with a melting scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. It’s a dessert that brings people together, whether it’s a bustling backyard barbecue or a quiet evening at home. Every bite is a nostalgic reminder of warm evenings and the simple pleasures in life — and with this version, you can easily whip it up even with frozen fruit, savoring peak flavor year-round.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream lies in its simplicity; every ingredient here is chosen to highlight the fruit’s freshness and contrast the warm, biscuit-like topping. Each component has its job, contributing texture, flavor, or that golden gorgeous finish you crave in a cobbler.
- Peaches (6 cups, fresh or frozen, sliced – peeled if fresh): These are the soul of the dessert — ripe, sweet, and bursting with juicy flavor.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup for filling, 1/4 cup for topping): Essential for bumping up the fruit’s natural sweetness while also helping the topping brown beautifully.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup for filling, 1/4 cup for topping): Adds a caramelly depth and a little chew to both peach filling and topping layers.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens up the peaches and balances their sweetness with a hint of tang.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings warmth and a faint floral note that pairs so well with peaches.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Thickens the peach juices into a perfectly luscious syrup.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses the filling with a cozy, aromatic background.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Makes up the structure of the irresistibly tender biscuit topping.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Gives the topping a bit of lift for a light, fluffy texture.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances every flavor and keeps the dessert from tasting flat.
- Unsalted butter (6 tablespoons, cold & cubed): Melts into the topping for rich, crumbly goodness.
- Boiling water (1/4 cup): Pulls together the biscuit topping, making it tender yet substantial.
- Vanilla ice cream (to serve): The creamy, cold finishing touch that makes every bite irresistible.
How to Make Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream
Step 1: Prepare the Peach Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, gently toss together fresh or frozen sliced peaches with the granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, cornstarch, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Give everything a careful mix so the peaches are coated and glistening. Pour this mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, making sure the juices and spices are evenly distributed — this will bake into a bubbling, fragrant base for your cobbler.
Step 2: Make the Biscuit Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, more granulated sugar and brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk thoroughly, then add in the cold, cubed butter, working it in with a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs (think small peas). Quickly stir in the boiling water just until the dough comes together — it should be nice and shaggy, not overmixed. This rustic topping is what takes your Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream over the top!
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Drop generous spoonfuls of the biscuit topping all over the peach mixture. Don’t worry about perfect coverage — the topping will spread as it bakes, creating that classic cobbler look with golden, craggy peaks and bubbling peach underneath. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping is beautifully browned and the filling is thick and bubbling around the edges, filling your kitchen with the most inviting aromas.
Step 4: Let It Rest, Then Serve
Allow the cobbler to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This short wait helps the juices set just right, so every serving is saucy but not soupy. Now, all you need to do is grab a big spoon, scoop the cobbler into bowls, and crown each serving with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold, melting ice cream mingles with the warm peaches and buttery topping in the most heavenly way.
How to Serve Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream
Garnishes
To take your Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream from lovely to absolutely stunning, consider a few easy garnishes. A sprinkle of coarse sugar over the topping right before baking adds sparkle and crunch. Once served, try a dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg right on the ice cream. Or, if you want to go all out, add a sprig of fresh mint for a pop of color and fragrance.
Side Dishes
Although Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream can absolutely hold its own, pairing it with other summer treats can turn dessert into a true celebration. Freshly whipped cream or buttery shortbread cookies make easy accompaniments. If you’re hosting a big gathering, offer some fresh berries, a fruit salad, or a pot of coffee to balance out the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions or just a bit of fun, try serving the cobbler in individual ramekins for a personalized touch. Hosting a cookout? Offer the cobbler in mason jars, cooled just enough to handle, for a charming rustic look. You can even try layering the Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream in parfait glasses with alternate layers of whipped cream or crushed graham crackers for a playful twist that guests (especially kids) will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream (a rare occurrence!), simply cover the cooled cobbler and transfer it to the refrigerator. It will keep for up to three days. Store the vanilla ice cream separately, of course, and add it right before serving for that dreamy contrast of warm and cold.
Freezing
Peach Cobbler freezes surprisingly well. Make sure the cobbler is completely cool before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It can be frozen for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat as directed. Always serve with freshly scooped vanilla ice cream for the best experience.
Reheating
To reheat the cobbler, simply place it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through and the topping is crisp again. For a quick fix, you can also microwave individual servings for 30-45 seconds. Just remember, always add the vanilla ice cream on top just before serving for that authentic Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream magic.
FAQs
Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh or frozen?
Absolutely! If using canned peaches, just be sure to drain them well before adding to your filling mixture. This helps prevent excess liquid, so your cobbler bakes up perfectly syrupy, not soggy.
What’s the best way to peel fresh peaches?
For easy peeling, score an X at the base of each peach and briefly blanch them in boiling water for about 30 seconds. Transfer to ice water, and the skins should slide right off with just your fingers or a paring knife.
Can I make Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in the topping recipe for delicious results. All other ingredients should be naturally gluten-free — just check your ice cream label to be sure.
Is it possible to prepare the cobbler ahead of time?
You can make the peach filling and topping separately and assemble just before baking, or bake the cobbler in advance and reheat before serving. Just add the vanilla ice cream at the last minute for freshness and that hot-and-cold experience.
What type Dessert
Classic French vanilla ice cream (with real vanilla beans) is perfect for Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream, but honestly, use your favorite brand or even homemade. The creaminess and subtle vanilla of the ice cream bring everything together beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like digging into a bowl of Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream — warm, juicy peaches, buttery biscuit topping, and that cold, creamy finish. It’s nostalgia, comfort, and downright deliciousness in one dish. Give this recipe a try and share it with someone you love; it’s bound to become a favorite in your home, too.
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Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of summer with this classic Peach Cobbler topped with a buttery, golden crust and served warm with creamy vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 6 cups fresh or frozen sliced peaches (peeled if fresh)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (cold and cut into cubes)
- 1/4 cup boiling water
- Vanilla ice cream
To Serve:
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, sugars, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the boiling water and stir until just combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of the topping evenly over the peaches. Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Let cool for 10 minutes.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
In a large bowl, combine the peaches with granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, vanilla, cornstarch, and cinnamon. Toss gently to coat and pour into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Notes
- If using canned peaches, drain them well before using.
- For extra texture, sprinkle coarse sugar on the topping before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving with 1/2 cup ice cream
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
