This Easy Southern Peach Cobbler brings sweet, juicy peaches together with a simple, buttery topping. It’s a classic dessert that feels like a warm hug!
When that cobbler pulls out of the oven, the smell is heavenly! I often serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream on top—because who can resist? 🍑🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh peaches are best for their sweet flavor, but you can use canned peaches if fresh ones aren’t available. Just make sure to drain them well. If you’re in a pinch, frozen peaches also work nicely—just thaw and drain them before use.
Granulated and Brown Sugar: The combination of these sugars creates a rich flavor. If you want a healthier option, try using coconut sugar or honey as a natural sweetener. Just adjust quantities, as honey is sweeter than sugar.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices add warmth to the cobbler. If you don’t have nutmeg or prefer to skip it, just double the cinnamon. You could also throw in a pinch of allspice for a different flavor!
Milk: Whole milk gives a rich texture, but you can swap it for almond milk or any plant-based milk if you’re dairy-free. The flavor may vary, but it will still be delicious.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from My Peaches?
Macerating the peaches is the key to bringing out their sweetness and natural juices. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Combine the sliced peaches with sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch.
- Toss gently and set aside for at least 10-15 minutes. This softens them and enhances their flavor.
Using lemon juice in this step is not just for flavor; it also helps preserve the color of the peaches while balancing their sweetness!
How Can I Ensure My Cobbler Topping is Fluffy and Golden?
The technique of pouring the batter over melted butter is crucial for a perfect topping. Here’s how to master it:
- Melt the butter and pour it into your baking dish—not greasing the dish first!
- Then, pour the batter directly over the butter without stirring. The butter rises around the batter while baking, creating a lovely, fluffy topping.
This method gives you that classic cobbler texture where the top is light and airy, while the peaches remain juicy beneath!
Enjoy making this comforting dessert! It’s sure to become a family favorite.
Easy Southern Peach Cobbler
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Peach Filling:
- 8 fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (or 4 cups sliced peaches, fresh or canned)
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
For the Cobbler Batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
For Serving:
- Optional: vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious peach cobbler will take about 15 minutes to prepare and then 40-45 minutes to bake. Just let it cool a bit after baking before digging in. So, in total, you can have this warm dessert ready in about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it’s nice and hot for baking your cobbler!
2. Prepare the Peach Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the sliced peaches with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and cornstarch. Toss everything gently to make sure the peaches are well coated. Set this mixture aside to macerate while you prepare the batter, allowing those flavors to blend beautifully.
3. Make the Cobbler Batter:
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Then, stir in the milk until just combined; be careful not to overmix as we want a nice fluffy batter!
4. Assemble the Cobbler:
Pour the melted butter into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Next, pour the batter evenly over the melted butter; do not stir! Finally, spoon the peach mixture evenly over the batter. Again, resist the urge to stir.
5. Bake Your Cobbler:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and the peaches are bubbly. Your kitchen will smell delightful!
6. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the cobbler from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve the warm cobbler on its own or topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a perfect finish!
Enjoy your classic Southern peach cobbler! It’s sure to bring comfort and joy. 🍑✨
Frequently Asked Questions about Easy Southern Peach Cobbler
Can I Use Frozen Peaches for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches! Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid to avoid a watery cobbler. You might also want to increase the baking time slightly if the mixture is very juicy.
How Can I Make This Cobbler Keto-Friendly?
To adjust this recipe for a keto diet, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour. Use a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or stevia instead of granulated and brown sugar, adjusting to taste.
Can I Make This Cobbler Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the peach filling and batter in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge, then assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve. Note that it might take a couple of extra minutes to bake if starting from cold.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cobbler in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven or microwave. You can add a splash of milk or a scoop of ice cream to refresh it!