There are few desserts that capture the soul of Southern comfort food quite like a warm Peach Cobbler. Imagine golden baked peaches bubbling in their sweet juices, tucked beneath a buttery, golden-brown crust that’s crisp on top but soft and fluffy underneath. Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it’s the kind of dessert that makes you close your eyes after the first bite and think, this is pure happiness.
Peach Cobbler has deep roots in American cooking, tracing back to the early settlers who adapted their pie-making traditions to the ingredients they had on hand. Instead of delicate pie crusts, they poured a simple biscuit-like batter over fruit, letting it bake into a rustic, bubbling dessert. Today, Peach Cobbler has become a beloved staple at family gatherings, summer cookouts, and holiday dinners alike.
Whether you’re looking for a dessert to showcase fresh seasonal peaches or a cozy treat in the middle of winter (hello, canned peaches!), this easy cobbler recipe is here to deliver.
Why You’ll Love This Peach Cobbler
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Simple Ingredients – Made with pantry staples and fresh or canned peaches.
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Quick Prep – No complicated steps, just mix, pour, and bake.
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Versatile – Delicious year-round with fresh, frozen, or canned peaches.
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Comforting – Warm, sweet, buttery, and irresistible with ice cream or whipped cream.
This is the kind of dessert that brings families together, filling the kitchen with the smell of baked peaches and butter.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this classic Peach Cobbler recipe, you only need a handful of simple ingredients:
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Peaches (6–7 cups, sliced) – Fresh, ripe peaches are ideal in summer, but frozen or canned work perfectly in other seasons.
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Granulated Sugar (1 cup, divided) – Sweetens both the peaches and the batter. Adjust slightly depending on the sweetness of your fruit.
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Brown Sugar (¼ cup, optional) – Adds a deeper caramel-like flavor.
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Lemon Juice (1 tbsp) – Brightens the fruit and balances the sweetness.
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Cinnamon (½ tsp) + Nutmeg (¼ tsp) – Warm spices that make the peaches pop.
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Unsalted Butter (½ cup, melted) – Creates a rich, golden crust.
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All-Purpose Flour (1 cup) – The base of the batter.
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Baking Powder (2 tsp) – Helps the topping rise and become fluffy.
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Salt (¼ tsp) – Enhances all the flavors.
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Milk (1 cup, whole or 2%) – Keeps the batter tender.
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Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Adds warmth and depth.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Peaches
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If using fresh peaches, peel (optional), pit, and slice them.
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In a medium saucepan, combine peaches with ½ cup sugar, brown sugar (if using), lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
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Cook over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until the peaches release their juices and the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
Tip: If using canned peaches, drain them well and skip the cooking step; just mix with sugar and spices.
2. Make the Batter
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and remaining ½ cup sugar.
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Stir in milk, vanilla, and melted butter until smooth. The batter will be pourable, similar to pancake batter.
3. Assemble the Cobbler
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Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Spoon the peach mixture evenly over the batter. Do not stir! The batter will rise up around the peaches as it bakes, creating that beautiful cobbled effect.
4. Bake
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Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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For extra crispiness, sprinkle the top with a tablespoon of sugar before baking.
5. Serve and Enjoy
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Let the cobbler cool for 10 minutes before serving—it will set as it rests.
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Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Tips and Variations
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Frozen Peaches – Thaw and drain before using.
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Add Berries – Try mixing in blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a colorful twist.
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Gluten-Free Option – Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
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Make It Ahead – Bake a day before and reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 15 minutes.
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Individual Cobblers – Divide batter and fruit into ramekins for single-serve desserts.
What to Serve with Peach Cobbler
Peach Cobbler is delicious on its own, but here are a few pairing ideas to make it extra special:
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Classic Vanilla Ice Cream – The cold creaminess against the warm cobbler is unbeatable.
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Cinnamon Whipped Cream – Light, fluffy, and spiced to perfection.
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Hot Coffee or Sweet Tea – For the ultimate Southern pairing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make Peach Cobbler with canned peaches?
Yes! Just drain the syrup and use about 6 cups of canned peach slices.
Q: Do I need to peel fresh peaches?
Not necessarily—peels soften during baking. Peel if you prefer a smoother texture.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
Q: Can I freeze Peach Cobbler?
Yes, baked cobbler freezes well. Wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Reheat before serving.
There’s something magical about a warm, bubbling dish of Peach Cobbler fresh out of the oven. It’s rustic yet elegant, simple yet satisfying, and timeless in its appeal. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue, Thanksgiving table, or just as a weeknight treat, this dessert will always steal the show.
So the next time you find yourself with a basket of peaches—or a craving for comfort—remember this recipe. Bake it, share it, and savor the sweet taste of Southern tradition.
