Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe

The Sweetest Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe for Summer Joy

Summers in the South burst with sweet, juicy peaches that inspire mouthwatering southern peach cobbler recipes passed down through generations.

Ripe, golden peaches nestle beneath a buttery, golden-brown crust that crumbles perfectly with each spoonful.

This classic dessert brings memories of lazy afternoon gatherings and warm family kitchens.

Fragrant cinnamon and tender fruit create a delectable harmony that dances on your palate.

Baked until golden and bubbling, this cobbler promises comfort in every delightful bite.

The simple ingredients and easy preparation make this a go-to dessert for any occasion.

Grab a scoop of vanilla ice cream and savor the pure, sweet magic of this southern classic.

FAQs

  • What ingredients make the peach filling flavorful?

Granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice create a rich, complex flavor profile that enhances the natural sweetness of the peaches.

  • How does cornstarch help in the recipe?

Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, helping to create a syrupy, cohesive peach filling that isn’t too runny and holds together when baked.

  • Why is it important to stir the peach mixture frequently while cooking?

Frequent stirring prevents the sugars from burning, ensures even heat distribution, and helps the cornstarch slurry incorporate smoothly into the filling.

  • Can I adjust the spices in the recipe?

Yes, you can customize the spice levels by adding more or less cinnamon and nutmeg to suit your personal taste preferences.

Southern Peach Cobbler: Why This Classic Endures

  • Elevate Home Baking: Master a classic Southern dessert with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, perfect for novice and experienced bakers alike.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers nostalgic, warm flavors that bring family and friends together, creating memorable moments around a delicious shared treat.
  • Versatile Seasonal Delight: Adapts beautifully with fresh summer peaches or frozen fruit, making it a year-round dessert that celebrates seasonal bounty.
  • Quick Prep, Big Rewards: Requires minimal kitchen skills and basic pantry staples, allowing you to create a stunning dessert with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Southern Peach Cobbler Ingredient List

Fresh Fruits:
  • Peaches: Sweet, ripe summer fruits that create the delicious base of this classic Southern dessert.
Sugar and Sweeteners:
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide balanced sweetness and help create a rich, caramelized flavor in the filling and topping.
Baking Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Forms the foundation of the cobbler's tender, cake-like topping.
  • Cornstarch: Helps thicken the peach filling and create a smooth, glossy texture.
  • Baking Powder: Gives the cobbler batter a light and fluffy rise.
Spices and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that complement the sweet peaches and add depth to the dessert.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides a rich, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste.
Liquid and Fat Ingredients:
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps bind the cobbler batter.
  • Butter: Creates a rich, tender texture in the cobbler topping.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, tangy note that balances the sweetness of the peaches.
Optional Topping:
  • Vanilla Ice Cream: Provides a cool, creamy contrast to the warm cobbler.

Southern Peach Cobbler: Bake Like a Pro

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375F (190C).

Grab your baking dish or cast-iron skillet and give it a light grease to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Peachy Magic

Toss these delightful ingredients into a saucepan:
  • Fresh peach slices
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • Lemon juice

Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

Step 3: Thicken The Fruity Goodness

Whisk cornstarch with cold water to make a smooth slurry.

Pour this into simmering peaches and cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly until the mixture transforms into a luscious, thick filling.

Remove from heat.

Step 4: Craft The Dreamy Batter

Mix these ingredients in a large bowl:
  • Flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Add melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract.

Blend until silky smooth.

Step 5: Layer With Love

Pour the thickened peach mixture into your prepared dish.

Generously spoon batter over the peaches, letting it spread naturally during baking.

Step 6: Sprinkle Cinnamon Stardust

Optional but recommended: Mix sugar and cinnamon, then dust over the batter for an extra flavor punch.

Step 7: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the cobbler into the oven for 40-45 minutes.

Watch for a gorgeous golden-brown top and bubbling edges.

Cover with foil if browning too quickly.

Step 8: Let It Rest

Pull the cobbler out and let it chill for 15 minutes.

This helps the filling set and makes serving a breeze.

Step 9: Serve With Joy

Scoop out warm cobbler and crown it with vanilla ice cream.

The warm-cold contrast will make taste buds dance with delight!

Southern Peach Cobbler: Tips for the Best Cobbler

  • Drain excess liquid from peaches before cooking to ensure a crisp, golden crust that doesn't become mushy.
  • Add a splash of bourbon or amaretto to the peach filling for a rich, sophisticated taste that elevates the classic dessert.
  • Use a mix of ripe and slightly firm peaches to create a balanced filling with varying textures and natural sweetness.
  • Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Cover leftover cobbler with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days, gently reheating in the oven to restore its freshly-baked texture.

Southern Peach Cobbler: Experiment With the Recipe

  • Gluten-Free Peach Cobbler: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend to create a celiac-friendly version that maintains the classic cobbler texture.
  • Vegan Peach Delight: Swap butter with coconut oil, use plant-based milk, and replace eggs with a flaxseed mixture to craft a completely dairy-free and animal-product-free cobbler.
  • Low-Sugar Peach Option: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while preserving the rich peach flavor for health-conscious individuals.
  • Tropical Fruit Remix: Exchange peaches with a combination of mangoes and pineapples to create an unexpected tropical-inspired cobbler with similar baking techniques and textures.

Southern Peach Cobbler: Southern-Style Serving

  • Peachy Perfection Pairing: Top your Southern Peach Cobbler with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, letting the cold sweetness melt into the warm, gooey peach filling.
  • Breakfast Bliss Remix: Transform leftover cobbler into a morning treat by serving a slice alongside crispy bacon and a hot cup of coffee for a delightful sweet-and-savory breakfast.
  • Whipped Cream Wonder: Crown your cobbler with a dollop of freshly whipped cream, sprinkled with a light dusting of cinnamon for an extra touch of homemade comfort and elegance.
  • Brunch Showstopper: Present the cobbler as a centerpiece dessert at a weekend brunch, accompanied by fresh mint leaves and a drizzle of caramel sauce for a stunning presentation.

Southern Peach Cobbler: Keep It Tasting Great

  • Store leftover peach cobbler in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and absorbing other food odors.
  • Keep freshly baked cobbler at room temperature for up to 2 days if you plan to enjoy it soon. Place a clean kitchen towel loosely over the dish to maintain its texture.
  • Preserve your cobbler for longer by freezing it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Wrap the dish securely with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
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Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe

Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe


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4.6 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Southern peach cobbler celebrates summer’s sweetest bounty with a golden, buttery crust nestled over juicy, cinnamon-spiced peaches. This classic dessert brings comfort and nostalgia to your table, inviting you to savor each warm, delectable spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 68 fresh peaches (or 2 15-ounce/425 grams cans), peeled and sliced
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted

Filling Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Topping and Finishing Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • Vanilla ice cream (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish or large cast-iron skillet with a light greasing to prevent sticking.
  2. Combine sliced peaches with sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice in a saucepan, stirring to integrate flavors and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  3. Create a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with cold water, then incorporate into the simmering peach mixture, stirring continuously for about 5 minutes until the filling thickens and becomes glossy.
  4. In a separate mixing bowl, blend dry ingredients including flour, sugars, baking powder, and salt, then introduce melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract, whisking until the batter achieves a smooth, consistent texture.
  5. Transfer the thickened peach filling into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even distribution across the surface.
  6. Carefully ladle or pour the cobbler batter over the peaches, aiming to cover most of the filling while allowing some peaches to peek through for visual appeal.
  7. Optional: Sprinkle a mixture of sugar and cinnamon over the batter to enhance flavor and create a decorative topping.
  8. Place the cobbler in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, watching for a golden-brown topping and bubbling edges. If the surface browns too quickly, shield with aluminum foil.
  9. After removing from the oven, allow the cobbler to rest for 15 minutes, enabling the filling to set and making serving more manageable.
  10. Serve the warm cobbler accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream, creating a delightful temperature and texture contrast.

Notes

  • Boost Flavor Experiment with adding a splash of bourbon or almond extract to the peach filling for a more complex, rich taste profile.
  • Customize Texture For a crispier topping, sprinkle a thin layer of coarse sugar over the batter before baking to create a delightful crunch.
  • Dietary Swap Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour blend to make this dessert accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Fresh vs. Frozen Use fresh, ripe peaches during summer for the most vibrant flavor, but frozen peaches work perfectly well during off-seasons.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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