Peach Cobbler Recipe: Sweet and Comforting

Introduction

Peach cobbler is a beloved Southern dessert, cherished for its juicy, sweet peach filling and golden, buttery topping. Ideal for summer gatherings, holiday dinners, or any time you crave a warm, comforting treat, this dish is both nostalgic and crowd-pleasing. Its simple ingredients and forgiving preparation make it perfect for cooks of all levels. This recipe delivers a classic peach cobbler, adaptable for dietary needs, best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Ingredients

For the Peach Filling:

• 6 cups sliced peaches (about 6-8 fresh peaches or two 29-oz cans, drained)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to 1/2 cup if using canned peaches)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water (omit if using canned peaches)

Biscuit Topping:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 cup buttermilk, cold

For Finishing:

• 1 tbsp granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
• Optional: 1/2 tsp cinnamon (for sprinkling)

For Serving:

• Optional: Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
• Suggested Pairings: Fresh mint sprig, coffee, or iced tea
• Suggested Beverage: Sweet tea, coffee, or sparkling water

Step-by-Step Process

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare Peach Filling: If using fresh peaches, peel, pit, and slice into 1/2-inch wedges. In a large bowl, combine peaches, 3/4 cup sugar, lemon juice, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to form a slurry; stir into peaches. (For canned peaches, combine drained peaches with 1/2 cup sugar and other ingredients, omitting water.) Pour filling into the prepared dish.
3. Make Biscuit Topping: In a medium bowl, whisk flour, 1/2 cup sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add cold butter cubes and cut in with a pastry cutter or fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in buttermilk until just combined; do not overmix (dough will be slightly sticky).
4. Assemble: Drop spoonfuls of biscuit dough over the peach filling, spreading slightly but leaving gaps for a rustic look. Sprinkle 1 tbsp sugar and optional cinnamon over the topping.
5. Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbly. If the topping browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil. Let cool for 10-15 minutes to set.
6. Serve: Scoop cobbler into bowls while warm. Top with optional vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Garnish with a mint sprig, if desired. Serve with suggested pairings like coffee or sweet tea.

Tips for Better Peach Cobbler

• Use ripe but firm fresh peaches for the best texture; overripe peaches can become mushy.
• Peel fresh peaches easily by blanching in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transferring to an ice bath.
• Adjust sugar based on peach sweetness; taste the filling before baking.
• Keep butter and buttermilk cold for a flaky, tender biscuit topping.
• Drop dough unevenly for a classic cobbler look; it doesn’t need to cover all the filling.
• Check doneness by ensuring the filling is thickened and bubbly; a toothpick in the topping should come out clean.
• Let the cobbler rest before serving to allow the filling to thicken.
• Make filling ahead and refrigerate for up to 1 day for faster assembly.

Variations and Customization

• Gluten-Free Cobbler: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the topping; ensure baking powder is gluten-free.
• Vegan Cobbler: Replace butter with vegan butter, buttermilk with plant-based milk plus 1 tsp vinegar, and use agave instead of sugar in the filling.
• Low-Sugar Cobbler: Reduce sugar in filling to 1/3 cup and topping to 1/4 cup; use ripe peaches for natural sweetness.
• Spiced Cobbler: Add 1/4 tsp ground ginger or cardamom to the filling for warmth.
• Mixed Fruit Cobbler: Combine 3 cups of peaches with 3 cups of berries or apples for variety.
• Cake-Style Cobbler: Replace biscuit topping with a batter of 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 egg, and 3/4 cup milk; pour over filling and bake.
• Bourbon Peach Cobbler: Add 2 tbsp bourbon to the filling for a rich, adult twist.
• Nutty Cobbler: Sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped pecans or almonds over the topping before baking.

Storage and Serving Tips

• Store leftover cobbler covered in the fridge for up to 4 days; the topping may soften.
• Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to revive the topping’s texture; microwave for 30-60 seconds for a softer result.
• Freeze baked cobbler for up to 2 months; wrap tightly in plastic and foil, then reheat at 350°F for 20-25 minutes after thawing.
• Serve warm for the best flavor; cold cobbler is denser but still delicious.
• Use leftovers as a topping for yogurt, pancakes, or oatmeal.
• Avoid leaving at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent spoilage.
• Pair with a light beverage like iced tea to balance the sweetness.
• Serve in bowls with a spoon to capture the juicy filling and topping.

Nutritional Information

Based on 8 servings (1/8 of a cobbler each, without optional toppings):

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Total Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 280mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 48g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 30g
• Protein: 4g
• Vitamin A: 15% Daily Value
• Vitamin C: 10% Daily Value
• Calcium: 8% Daily Value
• Iron: 8% Daily Value

Note: Nutritional values vary based on ingredient brands and optional add-ins. This dish is high in sugar and fat due to sugar and butter. For dietary needs, try vegan or low-sugar variations. Its vitamins from peaches add nutritional value.

Conclusion

This peach cobbler recipe delivers a sweet, comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, from summer barbecues to cozy family dinners. Its simple preparation and vibrant flavors make it a favorite for home cooks. The juicy peaches and buttery topping create a delightful contrast. This recipe is sure to become a cherished classic, loved for its warmth and nostalgia.

Peach Cobbler Recipe: Sweet and Comforting

Southern-style peach cobbler with juicy peaches and biscuit topping.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

• 6 cups sliced peaches about 6-8 fresh peaches or two 29-oz cans, drained
• ¾ cup granulated sugar adjust to 1/2 cup if using canned peaches
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg optional
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• ¼ cup water omit if using canned peaches
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
• ½ cup buttermilk cold
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar for sprinkling
• Optional: 1/2 tsp cinnamon for sprinkling

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 375°F; grease 9x13 dish.
• Mix peaches with sugar, lemon juice, spices, and cornstarch slurry; pour into dish.
• Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, soda, salt; cut in butter, add buttermilk.
• Drop dough over filling; sprinkle with sugar, cinnamon.
• Bake 40-45 minutes until golden. Cool 10-15 min.
• Serve with ice cream, coffee.

Notes

• Use fresh or canned peaches.
• Store in fridge up to 4 days.
• Try a berry variation.
• Pair with iced tea.