There’s nothing quite like the warm, comforting taste of an old-fashioned peach cobbler fresh from the oven. This beloved Southern dessert combines juicy peaches with a golden, buttery crust, making every bite a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Best of all, this recipe is incredibly simple to make and uses pantry-friendly ingredients you likely already have at home.
Originating from the American settlers, peach cobbler has been a staple in Southern kitchens for generations. Unlike traditional pies, cobblers feature a rustic, biscuit-like topping, making them an easy yet delicious dessert. Today, peach cobbler remains a favorite in the Deep South, often served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
This recipe uses canned peaches, making it accessible year-round. Whether you’re craving a cozy dessert for a family gathering or just want to treat yourself, this easy old-fashioned peach cobbler will surely hit the spot. With minimal effort and a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a homemade dessert that feels like a warm hug in every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple to Make: No fancy techniques required—just mix, pour, and bake!
- Perfectly Sweet & Buttery: A balance of juicy peaches and a golden crust with cinnamon.
- Year-Round Dessert: Thanks to canned peaches, you can enjoy this treat any time of the year.
- Customizable: Swap out peaches for other fruits like cherries, blueberries, or apples.
- Pairs Well with Ice Cream: Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent experience.
Ingredients Overview
- Self-Rising Flour: Provides the perfect leavening, eliminating the need for additional baking powder.
- Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps caramelize the crust.
- Milk: Creates a smooth, pourable batter for even baking.
- Butter: Gives a rich, buttery flavor and ensures a golden, crisp crust.
- Canned Peaches: Offers convenience and juicy flavor without the need for fresh fruit.
- Cinnamon: Enhances the cobbler with a warm, spiced aroma and taste.
How to Make Easy Old-Fashioned Peach Cobbler
Step 1: Preheat and Melt Butter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, place one stick of butter in an 8×8-inch baking dish. Let it melt completely inside the oven, ensuring the dish is well-coated.
Step 2: Prepare the Peaches
Open the 29-ounce can of peaches, then drain the syrup completely. Set the peaches aside in a bowl. This helps prevent excess liquid from making the cobbler too runny.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, combine one cup self-rising flour, one cup sugar, and one teaspoon cinnamon. Whisk everything together until evenly blended and free of lumps.
Step 4: Add the Milk
Slowly pour in one cup of milk, stirring continuously. Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth, with no dry pockets. This will form the batter that creates the cobbler’s delicious crust.
Step 5: Pour Batter Over Butter
Carefully remove the hot baking dish from the oven. Pour the prepared batter directly over the melted butter—do not stir. The batter will naturally spread as it bakes.
Step 6: Add the Peaches
Evenly distribute the drained peaches over the batter in the dish. Again, do not stir—the batter will rise around the peaches as it bakes, creating a perfect crust.
Step 7: Sprinkle Extra Topping (Optional)
For added sweetness, sprinkle one tablespoon sugar and a teaspoon of cinnamon over the top. This step enhances the flavor and gives the crust a lovely caramelized finish.
Step 8: Bake the Cobbler
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes. The cobbler is done when the top is golden brown, and the edges are crispy.
Step 9: Cool Before Serving
Once baked, remove the cobbler from the oven and let it cool for at least 30 minutes. This allows the filling to set properly, making it easier to serve.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Scoop warm servings into bowls and pair with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Enjoy this comforting dessert with family and friends!
Tips for the Best Peach Cobbler
- Use self-rising flour for the perfect texture. If using all-purpose flour, mix it with 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- Let the cobbler cool before serving to allow the filling to set properly.
- For a richer flavor, swap out white sugar for a mix of white and brown sugar.
- A pinch of nutmeg adds an extra depth of warm spice.
- To enhance the fruit’s flavor, add a splash of vanilla extract to the batter.
Variations to Try
- Fresh Peaches: If using fresh peaches, peel and slice about 8 medium peaches (or 4 cups). Simmer them with 1/4 cup sugar and a squeeze of lemon juice before using.
- Frozen Peaches: Thaw the peaches for 30 minutes before adding them to the recipe.
- Berry Cobbler: Substitute peaches with cherries, blueberries, or raspberries for a fruity twist.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for a bit of crunch.
- Spiced Cobbler: Add a teaspoon of nutmeg or cardamom for extra warmth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is peach cobbler topping made of?
The topping consists of a batter made from self-rising flour, sugar, milk, and butter, which bakes into a golden, cake-like crust.
2. Why is my cobbler runny?
A runny cobbler is usually due to extra juicy fruit. Let it cool completely to allow the filling to thicken before serving.
3. What’s the difference between a peach cobbler and a peach pie?
A peach pie has a top and bottom crust, while a cobbler has a biscuit or cake-like topping baked over the fruit.
4. How is a cobbler different from a crisp?
Cobblers have a soft, doughy topping, while crisps have a crunchy topping, often made with oats and nuts.
5. What should I serve with peach cobbler?
Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of honey make great toppings.
How to Store and Reheat
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, or reheat in the oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Conclusion
Old-fashioned peach cobbler is a timeless dessert that brings warmth and nostalgia with every bite. Whether enjoyed as a cozy treat on a chilly evening or served at a summer gathering, this simple yet indulgent dish never fails to impress. Its golden, buttery crust and sweet, juicy peaches make it an irresistible favorite for all ages.
So why not give this easy peach cobbler recipe a try? Once you’ve mastered it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again. And don’t forget to share your creations with us on Pinterest—follow Ava Foodie for more delicious recipes!
