Southern Peach Cobbler

Few desserts embody the spirit of summer quite like a Southern Peach Cobbler. This beloved classic is filled with juicy, ripe peaches and topped with a golden, buttery crust. The combination of sweet, tart fruit and flaky topping is the ultimate comfort food, making it a perfect addition to any gathering or a cozy treat for a quiet evening at home. The best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make, even for those new to baking, and delivers mouthwatering results every time.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps of creating a Southern Peach Cobbler that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and charm. Whether you’re baking for a family dinner, a summer barbecue, or just treating yourself, this recipe will become a go-to favorite. With helpful tips, easy-to-follow instructions, and creative variations, you’ll be able to create a cobbler that’s sure to impress.

Get ready to embark on a baking adventure! This recipe is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a way to enjoy the process of creating something special from scratch. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, you’ll love how simple it is to put together this delightful dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh Ingredients: Made with real, juicy peaches for that authentic Southern taste.
• Simple to Make: No need for advanced baking skills—this recipe is easy and beginner-friendly.
• Versatile: Use fresh, frozen, or canned peaches depending on what’s in season.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for family gatherings or casual get-togethers, this cobbler always wins rave reviews.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite spices or toppings to make it uniquely yours.

Ingredients Overview

To make this irresistible Southern Peach Cobbler, you’ll need a few key ingredients that come together to create a delicious dessert. Here’s a breakdown:

• Fresh Peaches: The star of the show, bringing natural sweetness and a slight tang.
• Sugars: A mix of white and brown sugar adds depth and richness to the filling.
• Spices: Ground cinnamon and nutmeg bring warmth and flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor of the peaches.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the filling to avoid a runny consistency.
• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the biscuit-like topping.
• Butter: Adds richness and flakiness to the topping.
• Baking Powder: Helps the topping rise and become light and airy.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Cinnamon Sugar: A final sprinkle to give the topping a caramelized finish.

How to Make Southern Peach Cobbler

Follow these easy steps to create a peach cobbler that’s as delightful to bake as it is to eat:

Step 1: Prepare the Peaches

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 8 peeled, pitted, and sliced fresh peaches with:
   • ¼ cup white sugar
   • ¼ cup brown sugar
   • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
   • ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
   • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
   • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
3. Toss everything together to coat the peaches evenly.
4. Pour the mixture into a 2-quart baking dish and bake for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Topping

1. While the peaches bake, prepare the biscuit topping:
   • In a bowl, combine:
     • 1 cup all-purpose flour
     • ¼ cup white sugar
     • ¼ cup brown sugar
     • 1 teaspoon baking powder
     • ½ teaspoon salt
   • Add 6 tablespoons of chilled, cubed unsalted butter. Use your fingers or a pastry blender to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Stir in ¼ cup boiling water until just combined.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

1. Remove the baked peaches from the oven.
2. Drop spoonfuls of the topping mixture over the peaches.
3. In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons white sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this over the topping.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and set.

Tips for the Best Peach Cobbler

• Peach Selection: Choose ripe peaches that yield slightly to the touch and have a sweet, fragrant aroma. Avoid overly soft or bruised peaches for the best texture.
• Peeling Made Easy: Use the blanch-and-shock method: dip peaches in boiling water for 30 seconds, then plunge them into ice water. This will make peeling a breeze.
• Topping Consistency: Be gentle when mixing the dough to maintain a light, tender texture.
• Cinnamon-Sugar Sprinkle: Add this mixture on top of the cobbler before baking for a delicious, caramelized finish.

Variations to Try

• Mixed Berry Cobbler: Replace half the peaches with blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries for a delightful twist.
• Spiced Pear Cobbler: Swap peaches for sliced pears and add a pinch of cardamom for extra flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the topping.
• Vegan Cobbler: Substitute butter with plant-based margarine and use almond milk in the topping.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Use Canned or Frozen Peaches?

Yes! When fresh peaches aren’t available:

• Use 2 (16-ounce) cans of peaches, drained.
• Alternatively, thaw and drain 40 ounces of frozen peaches.

How Do I Keep Peach Cobbler from Being Runny?

To avoid a runny filling, make sure to use cornstarch to thicken the mixture. If your peaches are extra juicy, you may need to cook the mixture slightly longer to reduce excess liquid.

Can I Freeze Peach Cobbler?

Absolutely. Wrap the baked cobbler tightly and freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, reheat it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

What Are the Best Peaches for Baking?

Freestone peaches are ideal since the pits are easy to remove. Varieties like Elberta and Red Haven are particularly flavorful for baking.

How to Store and Reheat

• Refrigerator: Allow the cobbler to cool completely, then cover it with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap the cooled cobbler tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the dish with foil, and bake for 20 minutes or until warm throughout.
• Microwave: For individual portions, heat in 20-30 second intervals until warm.
• Direct from Frozen: If reheating from frozen, remove plastic wrap, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 40-50 minutes, or until hot.

Enjoy your reheated cobbler with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream!

Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like a Southern Peach Cobbler to bring the warmth and sweetness of summer into your kitchen. This dessert combines juicy peaches with a golden, buttery topping that’s both simple to make and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a gathering, or just treating yourself, this cobbler will never disappoint.

Once you try it, you’ll understand why this Southern classic is a favorite among many. Customize it to your liking, share it with friends and family, and enjoy the comfort that comes with every bite. Don’t forget to follow Ava Foodie on Pinterest for more amazing recipes!