Peach Cobbler

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm Peach Cobbler fresh out of the oven. This classic dessert is a Southern staple that pairs juicy peaches with a buttery, golden crust that forms as the batter rises and envelops the fruit. The combination of tender peaches, sugary syrup, and a cake-like topping makes for a heavenly dessert that’s perfect on its own or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

In this recipe, we use canned peaches for convenience, but you can easily substitute fresh or frozen peaches during peak peach season. Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients and steps to create this simple yet irresistible peach cobbler.

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Ingredients: What You’ll Need

1. Sliced Peaches (1 Can)

For this recipe, you’ll need one can of sliced peaches. Make sure to drain the peaches before using them. While canned peaches work perfectly, if you want to use fresh peaches, you can substitute about 4 medium peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced. You can also use frozen peaches, just thaw and drain them before adding to the cobbler.

2. Granulated Sugar (1 ½ Cups)

Sugar is used in two ways in this recipe ½ cup is mixed with the peaches to sweeten them further, and 1 cup is used to sweeten the batter. The sugar in the batter will caramelize during baking, creating a golden crust. For a deeper flavor, you can substitute brown sugar for part of the granulated sugar.

3. Butter (1 Stick or ¼ Pound)

Butter is the key to a rich, flavorful cobbler. As the butter melts in the oven, it forms the base for the batter and gives the cobbler its signature buttery flavor. For best results, use unsalted butter to control the salt content in the dessert.

4. All-Purpose Flour (¾ Cup)

The flour is combined with baking powder, sugar, and milk to create a simple batter that rises during baking to form the crust. You can use gluten-free all-purpose flour if needed to make the cobbler gluten-free.

5. Baking Powder (2 Teaspoons)

Baking powder helps the batter rise as it bakes, forming a fluffy and light crust that floats to the top of the peaches. Make sure your baking powder is fresh for the best results.

6. Salt (1/8 Teaspoon)

A small amount of salt balances the sweetness of the dessert and enhances the overall flavor of the cobbler.

7. Milk (¾ Cup)

The milk helps form the batter, which spreads out and rises as it bakes. You can use whole milk for a richer texture, or substitute with plant-based milk like almond or oat milk if you prefer.

8. Vanilla Extract (½ Teaspoon)

Vanilla extract adds warmth and depth to the batter, elevating the flavors of the peach cobbler.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Baking the Perfect Peach Cobbler

This Peach Cobbler recipe is quick to assemble and lets the oven do most of the work. Follow these easy steps for a foolproof dessert every time:

Step 1: Prepare the Peaches

Start by draining a can of sliced peaches and mixing them with ½ cup of sugar. This helps the peaches release their juices and become even more flavorful. If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the sugar to ¼ cup. Set the peaches aside while you prepare the batter.

Pro Tip: For a more complex flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the peaches.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place 1 stick of butter (¼ pound) in the bottom of an 8×8-inch glass baking dish or a 2-quart casserole dish. Set the dish in the preheating oven to melt the butter. Once melted, carefully remove the dish from the oven and set aside.

The melted butter will add richness to the cobbler and help create a crispy, golden crust.

Pro Tip: For a nuttier flavor, you can let the butter brown slightly in the oven before adding the batter.

Step 3: Make the Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of sugar, ¾ cup of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and ⅛ teaspoon of salt. Slowly add ¾ cup of milk and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract, stirring until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.

This batter is the foundation of the cobbler. It’s light and simple, allowing the peaches to shine.

Step 4: Pour the Batter Over the Butter

Pour the prepared batter over the melted butter in the baking dish. Be sure not to stir or mix the batter with the butter—this is key to achieving that beautiful cobbler crust, as the batter will rise through the butter as it bakes.

Step 5: Add the Peaches

Spoon the sugar-coated peaches evenly over the batter. Again, do not stir the batter will rise up around the peaches during baking, creating a light and fluffy crust with pockets of juicy peaches.

If you want a little extra flavor, drizzle some of the peach juice over the top before baking, or sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on top for added warmth.

Step 6: Bake the Cobbler

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour or until the crust is golden brown and crispy on the edges. The batter will puff up and form a beautifully golden crust as it bakes.

Pro Tip: Check the cobbler after 45 minutes, and if the top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once the cobbler is golden and set, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to settle and the flavors to meld together. Serve the cobbler warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a truly indulgent treat.

Tips for Success: Elevating Your Peach Cobbler

1. Use Fresh or Frozen Peaches

While canned peaches are convenient, you can use fresh or frozen peaches for a more authentic flavor. If using fresh peaches, you’ll need about 4 medium peaches peel, pit, and slice them before adding to the recipe.

2. Adjust Sweetness to Taste

This recipe calls for 1½ cups of sugar, but you can adjust it to your taste. If your peaches are very sweet, you can reduce the sugar to 1 cup total. For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of granulated sugar, or mix the two for a more complex sweetness.

3. Add Spice

For a warm, spiced twist, add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the batter or to the peaches before baking. These spices pair beautifully with the peaches and add a cozy, fall-inspired flavor.

4. Make It Gluten-Free

To make this cobbler gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that works well in baking. The cobbler will still turn out fluffy and delicious.

5. Top It Off

If you want to add a little crunch to your cobbler, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or almonds on top before baking. You can also drizzle caramel sauce over the top for an extra indulgent touch.

Conclusion: A Timeless Dessert for Every Occasion

This Peach Cobbler recipe is as classic as it gets sweet, simple, and undeniably comforting. With its tender peaches and buttery, golden crust, this dessert is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply when you want a quick and easy treat. Serve it warm with ice cream or whipped cream for the ultimate dessert experience.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to impress with its rich flavors and ease of preparation. Enjoy the timeless flavors of Peach Cobbler, and don’t forget to experiment with different fruits, spices, and toppings to make it your own!