This Southern Peach Cobbler is a warm, comforting dessert made with sweet, juicy peaches and a buttery, soft topping. It’s like a hug in a bowl!
I love making this when peaches are in season. It’s so easy to whip up, and my whole family dives in before I can even get a scoop for myself! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh peaches are best for their flavor and juiciness. If they’re out of season, canned peaches work too, just make sure to drain and rinse them well. Frozen peaches can be a good option—thaw and drain excess liquid before using.
Sugar: This recipe uses sugar for sweetness, with half just for the peaches. If you want a healthier touch, you can use coconut sugar or honey instead. Keep in mind that honey will change the texture a bit, so adjust the liquids as needed.
Milk: Regular milk is perfect here, but if you’re dairy-free, almond milk, oat milk, or any other plant-based milk can be swapped in. Just choose an unsweetened variety to control your dessert’s sweetness.
Unsalted Butter: If you’re out of butter, you can use vegetable oil or coconut oil. This can give your cobbler a unique flavor twist. If you need a dairy-free option, coconut oil works great and adds a subtle coconut flavor.
How Do I Get the Perfect Cobbler Crust?
Creating that lovely cobbler crust needs just the right approach. Making a thick batter is essential, as it will sit on top of the fruit during baking and rise up. When combining ingredients, mix just until combined to keep it light.
- After mixing the flour mixture, don’t overwork the batter; it should be lumpy but uniform.
- Pour the peach mixture in first, then spoon the batter gently over the top without stirring. This helps create that nice layered effect.
- A good tip is to let the cobbler cool slightly before serving. This helps it set a bit, making it easier to scoop out perfectly.
Delicious Southern Peach Cobbler
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Peach Filling:
- 4 cups fresh peaches, sliced (or 2 cans of peach slices, drained)
- 1 cup sugar, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Cobbler Batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
- Ice cream or whipped cream for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll bake it for 40 to 45 minutes. So, you can expect around 1 hour total to enjoy this delicious dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is hot and ready for your cobbler.
2. Prepare the Peach Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the sliced peaches, 1/2 cup of sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Stir everything together gently and set it aside for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to mix beautifully.
3. Make the Cobbler Batter:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar, baking powder, and salt. Once mixed, add in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything comes together well—don’t worry if the batter is a bit thick!
4. Assemble the Cobbler:
Pour the peach mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Carefully spoon the batter over the top of the peaches, but don’t stir it! This will create a lovely cobbler topping as it bakes.
5. Bake:
Put the dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 40 to 45 minutes. It’s done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the batter comes out clean.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. It’s best served warm, so top with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if you’d like. Enjoy your homemade Southern peach cobbler!
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If using frozen peaches, make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mixing with sugar and spices. This will help avoid a soupy cobbler. You can thaw them by placing them in the fridge overnight or using the microwave in short bursts.
What Can I Substitute for All-Purpose Flour?
You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead if needed. Just ensure it contains a binder, like xanthan gum, for the best texture. Alternatively, you can use whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor, but keep in mind it may alter the texture slightly.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover peach cobbler in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven at a low temperature until warmed through. To keep the topping crispy, reheat in the oven instead of the microwave.
Can I Add Other Fruits to the Cobbler?
Yes! Feel free to mix in other fruits like berries, apples, or plums for added flavor. Just make sure the total amount of fruit is about the same as the peaches used. Adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the other fruits for the best results!
