Classic Peach Cobbler

Few desserts evoke the feeling of home and comfort quite like a Classic Peach Cobbler. This easy-to-follow recipe creates a warm, gooey dessert with a golden, buttery crust on top and juicy, tender peaches underneath. The best part is that it requires minimal ingredients and effort, making it perfect for both weeknight treats and special occasions.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, this recipe delivers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, especially when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Follow along with this step-by-step guide to make a Classic Peach Cobbler that will quickly become a family favorite.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

1. All-Purpose Flour (1 Cup)

The base of the batter, all-purpose flour provides structure to the cobbler. When mixed with sugar and milk, it forms a batter that rises to create a light, cake-like crust.

2. Granulated Sugar (1 Cup)

Sugar sweetens the batter and helps create the crispy, golden-brown top. You can adjust the sugar slightly depending on your sweetness preference, or even use brown sugar for a deeper flavor.

3. Milk (1 Cup)

Milk is the liquid ingredient that binds the flour and sugar together to create the batter. You can use whole milk, 2% milk, or even plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, depending on your preference.

4. Margarine or Butter (1 Stick or ½ Cup)

Butter (or margarine) adds richness and flavor to the cobbler. It also helps create the signature crispy edges as it bakes. For a slightly different flavor, you can substitute salted butter and reduce the amount of added salt.

5. Canned Peaches (29 oz Can)

Canned peaches are a quick and convenient way to make this dessert year-round. You’ll be using both the peaches and their juice to create the perfect texture in the cobbler. If you want to use fresh peaches, you can substitute about 4-5 medium peaches, peeled and sliced, and mix them with about ½ cup of sugar and a little lemon juice.

6. Vanilla Extract (¼ to ½ Teaspoon, Optional)

A touch of vanilla extract adds warmth and depth to the batter, enhancing the overall flavor of the cobbler. Though optional, it’s a great addition if you enjoy the subtle flavor of vanilla.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make the Perfect Peach Cobbler

This recipe comes together quickly, with minimal prep work. Once the ingredients are mixed, the oven does all the hard work. Let’s dive into the simple steps to make this delicious cobbler.

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Before you start assembling your ingredients, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your oven is ready to bake the cobbler as soon as it’s assembled.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

Take an 8×8-inch or 9×13-inch baking dish and place 1 stick (½ cup) of butter or margarine directly in the dish. Place the dish in the preheating oven for a few minutes to melt the butter. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn. Once the butter is melted and bubbly, remove the dish from the oven.

The melted butter will add rich flavor to the cobbler and help create the crispy crust on the edges.

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

Step 3: Mix the Batter

In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 cup of milk. Whisk the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. This simple batter will rise during baking to form the golden topping of the cobbler.

If you enjoy the flavor of vanilla, add ¼ to ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter at this stage. This optional step adds a warm, aromatic touch to the cobbler.

Step 4: Pour the Batter Over the Butter

Carefully remove the dish with the melted butter from the oven. Pour the batter evenly over the butter in the baking dish. Do not stir the batter into the butter this no-stir method is essential for the cobbler to form its distinct layers, with the batter rising over the peaches as it bakes.

Step 5: Add the Peaches

Open your 29-ounce can of peaches and spoon the peaches evenly over the batter in the dish. Once all the peaches are arranged, pour the peach juice from the can over the peaches. Again, do not stir—this ensures the cobbler will bake with a soft, juicy filling on the bottom and a crisp, golden crust on top.

Pro Tip: If you’re using fresh peaches, mix them with ½ cup of sugar and let them sit for a few minutes to release their juices. Add the peaches and their syrupy juices to the cobbler the same way you would with canned peaches.

Step 6: Bake the Cobbler

Place the baking dish back in the oven and bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes, or until the cobbler is bubbly and the top is golden brown. Depending on your oven and how crispy you like your cobbler, you may want to leave it in the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes.

The batter will rise up through the peaches, creating a perfectly layered cobbler with a soft, gooey peach filling and a slightly crisp, caramelized crust.

Pro Tip: If the top of the cobbler is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Once your Classic Peach Cobbler is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. The cobbler is best enjoyed warm, and it’s even more delicious when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top.

The combination of the warm peaches, buttery crust, and cold, creamy ice cream creates a decadent dessert that’s hard to resist.

Tips and Variations: Make It Your Own

1. Add Spices

For a more complex flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the batter or the peaches. These warm spices complement the peaches and make the cobbler even more aromatic and flavorful.

2. Use Fresh or Frozen Peaches

While this recipe calls for canned peaches for convenience, you can easily substitute with fresh or frozen peaches. If using fresh peaches, peel and slice about 4-5 medium peaches and mix them with ½ cup of sugar before adding them to the cobbler.

3. Make It Gluten-Free

To make this cobbler gluten-free, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that works well in baking. The cobbler will still rise beautifully and be just as delicious.

4. Add a Topping

For an extra crunchy texture, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or almonds on top of the peaches before baking. You can also drizzle caramel sauce over the finished cobbler for a rich, indulgent treat.

Conclusion: A Timeless Dessert for Any Occasion

This Classic Peach Cobbler recipe is a tried-and-true favorite that’s sure to please any crowd. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a dessert you can whip up quickly and easily. The result is a warm, comforting cobbler with a perfectly crispy, buttery crust and juicy peach filling. It’s perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy night in.

Serve it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, and enjoy the timeless flavors of this delightful dessert.