This Classic Southern Peach Cobbler brings the warmth of summer right to your table! It’s made with juicy peaches and a soft, buttery topping that bakes to golden perfection.
Nothing says comfort like this cobbler! When I bake it, the sweet smell fills the kitchen. I love serving it warm with a scoop of ice cream—pure happiness in a bowl!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh peaches are key to this cobbler’s juicy goodness. If they’re out of season, frozen peaches can work, but thaw and drain them first. Canned peaches can also be used; just make sure to drain the syrup!
Sugars: I love using both granulated and brown sugar. The brown sugar adds a lovely caramel flavor. For a healthier touch, try using coconut sugar or honey, but remember to adjust the quantities as needed.
Milk: Whole milk gives a rich taste, but I often switch to buttermilk. It adds a nice tangy flavor and helps the batter rise. If you’re dairy-free, almond milk or oat milk work in a pinch!
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred for more flavor control. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut oil or vegan butter can be substituted, just remember to adjust for texture.
How Do I Get the Perfect Cobbler Topping?
The topping can make or break your cobbler, so let’s get it right! The key is to mix the ingredients just enough. You want a thick batter that sits nicely on top of the fruit without completely sinking in.
- Start with cold butter—this keeps it crumbly. Cut it into the dry mix until crumbly, but don’t overdo it; it’s okay if some larger chunks remain.
- When adding milk, stir gently just until combined. Overmixing will give you a tough topping, and you want that soft, buttery bite!
- Leave some peach exposed on top to ensure they caramelize a bit as they bake, adding that delicious, sweet flavor.
Classic Southern Peach Cobbler
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 6 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (about 6 large peaches)
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
For the Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
- 1 cup whole milk (or buttermilk for more tang)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Optional: coarse sugar for sprinkling on top
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious peach cobbler will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 40-45 minutes to bake. You’ll want to let it cool for about 15 minutes after baking to allow it to set. In total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your cobbler bakes evenly and develops a beautiful golden crust.
2. Prepare the Peach Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the sliced peaches with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss everything together gently so all the peach slices are well-coated with the sweet mixture. Set the bowl aside and let the flavors meld.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, mix together the flour, remaining 1/2 cup of sugar, baking powder, and salt. This combination will give your topping the perfect rise and sweetness.
4. Incorporate the Butter:
Add the chilled butter pieces to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it looks like coarse crumbs. This will create a flaky topping. Don’t worry about getting it perfect—some small chunks of butter are great!
5. Add the Wet Ingredients:
Stir in the milk (or buttermilk for extra tang) and vanilla extract, mixing just until everything is combined. The batter should be thick but smooth—avoid overmixing.
6. Assemble the Cobber:
Pour the peach mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Then, carefully spoon the batter over the peaches, covering as much of the fruit as possible while leaving some exposed.
7. Sprinkle for Crunch:
If you like, sprinkle the top with coarse sugar. This will give your cobbler a delicious crunchy texture once baked.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Place your cobbler in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes. You want the topping to turn golden brown and for the peaches to become bubbly and fragrant.
9. Cool and Serve:
After baking, let the cobbler cool for at least 15 minutes. This helps it set and makes serving easier. Enjoy your peach cobbler warm, perhaps topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for that perfect dessert treat!
There you have it! A delightful Classic Southern Peach Cobbler that captures the essence of warm summer days. Enjoy!
FAQ for Classic Southern Peach Cobbler
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If fresh peaches aren’t available, frozen peaches can work well. Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid to avoid a watery filling.
How Do I Adjust the Sweetness of the Cobbler?
If you prefer a less sweet cobbler, simply reduce the amount of sugar by 1/4 cup or to taste. You can also use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit if you’re watching your sugar intake.
Can I Make This Cobbler Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the peach filling and the topping separately a day in advance. Store them in the fridge, then assemble and bake the cobbler when you’re ready to serve. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for a couple of days.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven at a low temperature or in the microwave until heated through. You might want to add a scoop of ice cream for an extra treat!
