This Southern Peach Cobbler is a warm and comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With juicy peaches and a buttery, flaky crust, it’s like a hug in a dish!
While baking, your kitchen will smell like a dreamy Southern bakery. I can’t resist a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top—it’s the best way to enjoy it! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh peaches are ideal for flavor and texture. However, if they’re out of season, you can use canned peaches, just make sure they’re well-drained. I prefer fresh during peak summer for that juicy sweetness!
Sugars: The recipe uses both granulated and brown sugar. The brown sugar adds a deeper flavor. For a healthier option, you can use coconut sugar or honey, but adjust the quantity slightly since honey is sweeter.
Spices: Cinnamon is the classic choice for peach cobbler, but feel free to experiment with a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a warm twist. Just remember, a little goes a long way!
Milk: Whole milk is preferred for creaminess, but you can use almond milk or oat milk for dairy-free options. Ensure they are unsweetened to keep the sugar balance right.
How Do I Avoid a Soggy Cobbler?
A common concern with cobblers is the dreaded sogginess. To keep your bottom layer fluffy, here’s what I recommend:
- Let the peach mixture sit for at least 10-15 minutes. This helps the juices concentrate but ensures you drain excess liquid before adding them to the baking dish.
- Make sure to pour the batter into the greased dish first, then spoon the peach mixture on top without stirring. This keeps the batter from getting too wet.
- Also, monitor your baking time closely. An overcooked cobbler can become chewy, while undercooking can leave wet batter.
Following these tips can help you serve a perfectly textured peach cobbler every time! Enjoy it warm with a scoop of ice cream for a satisfying treat.
How to Make Southern Peach Cobbler
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Peach Mixture:
- 6 cups fresh peaches, sliced (or 4 cups canned peaches, drained)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (divided)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For Serving:
- Ice cream or whipped cream (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful peach cobbler will take about 15 minutes of prep time and approximately 40-45 minutes baking time. So, in total, you should plan for about 1 hour of your time to enjoy this delicious treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your cobbler bakes evenly and comes out just right!
2. Prepare the Peach Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced peaches, 1/2 cup of the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Stir everything together and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. This helps the peaches release their delicious juices, making your cobbler extra tasty!
3. Make the Batter:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Then, pour in the milk and melted butter. Mix everything gently until just combined. It’s okay if there are a few lumps—this will make the batter fluffy!
4. Assemble the Cobbler:
Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish or a cast-iron skillet. Spread it out evenly. Next, carefully spoon the peach mixture over the batter. Make sure to distribute the peaches evenly, but don’t mix them into the batter. You want those sweet peaches to sit on top!
5. Bake the Cobbler:
Now, place your dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the top is a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the cobbler comes out clean. Your kitchen will start smelling amazing!
6. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s done baking, let the cobbler cool for just a few minutes before serving. It’s delicious warm and extra special when topped with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy every bite of your homemade Southern Peach Cobbler!
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen peaches, make sure to thaw them first. Drain any excess water after thawing and proceed with the recipe as written. The texture might be slightly softer, but they will still taste delicious!
How to Adjust Sweetness?
If you prefer a less sweet cobbler, feel free to reduce the amount of granulated sugar to 3/4 cup instead of 1 cup. Additionally, if your peaches are particularly sweet, you could also skip the brown sugar or reduce it to 2 tablespoons for a bit less sweetness.
What Other Fruits Can I Use?
You can get creative and substitute other fruits like berries, apples, or pears for the peaches! Just make sure to keep the total fruit quantity around 6 cups, as this helps the texture and moisture level stay balanced.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the peach mixture and batter separately a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and combine them the next day before baking. Keep in mind that you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the ingredients are cold from the fridge.
