Introduction
Southern Peach Cobbler is the ultimate warm-weather dessert—simple, soulful, and packed with juicy peaches nestled in a sweet, buttery crust. Passed down through generations, this classic Southern favorite is pure comfort in a dish. Whether served hot with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed chilled the next day, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.
Ingredients
For the filling:
- 6–8 fresh peaches (about 6 cups), peeled and sliced (or use 2 cans of sliced peaches, drained)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp cornstarch (for thickening)
For the batter/crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Optional toppings:
- Additional cinnamon sugar for sprinkling
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the peaches:
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sliced peaches, both sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside. - Make the batter:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk until just combined (don’t overmix). - Assemble the cobbler:
Pour melted butter into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Then pour the batter over the butter—do not stir. Spoon the peach mixture evenly on top of the batter. (The batter will rise up around the fruit as it bakes.) - Bake:
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set. A toothpick inserted into the crust should come out clean. - Cool slightly and serve:
Let cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. Best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Description
Southern Peach Cobbler is buttery, fruity, and delightfully rustic. The batter rises around the peaches to form a soft cake-like crust with crisp, golden edges. Sweet, spiced peaches bubble up through the top, making every bite a delicious blend of soft and crisp textures with rich Southern flavor.
Tips
- Use ripe, fresh peaches in season for the best flavor—but canned or frozen (thawed and drained) work well year-round.
- Don’t stir the batter once assembled; layering is key to getting that classic cobbler texture.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top before baking for a lightly crisp, sweet crust.
- Let it rest for 10–15 minutes after baking to allow the filling to set.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven to restore the crust’s texture.
Variations
- Berry Cobbler: Swap peaches for mixed berries or combine both.
- Boozy Twist: Add 1–2 tbsp of bourbon or rum to the peach filling for depth.
- Crispier Topping: Use a crumble-style topping (butter, oats, flour, sugar) if you prefer a crunchier crust.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or clove for extra warmth.
- Mini Cobblers: Make individual servings using ramekins or muffin tins.
Correction (Common Mistakes to Avoid)
- Too runny? Make sure to cook the peaches with cornstarch to help thicken the filling before baking.
- Soggy bottom? Don’t stir the batter into the butter or peaches—let it layer naturally.
- Undercooked crust? Bake until the top is deeply golden—if the center is still jiggly, it needs more time.
- Too sweet? Reduce sugar slightly if using canned peaches in syrup.
Enjoy!
Warm, buttery, and bursting with flavor—this Southern Peach Cobbler brings summer to your table with every spoonful. Serve it up, share it with loved ones, and let the comfort of Southern cooking shine.