This Easy Southern Peach Cobbler is a warm and comforting dessert made with juicy peaches and a buttery, flaky topping. It’s perfect for summer or anytime you’re craving something sweet!
I love how simple this recipe is! Just mix the peaches with a little sugar, pop it in the oven, and you have a delightful treat. Serve it warm with ice cream—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Peaches: Fresh peaches are key to this dish. If they’re not in season, feel free to use frozen peaches (thawed and drained) or canned peaches (drained). Just remember, fresh peaches offer a brighter flavor!
Sugars: The mix of granulated and brown sugar gives great depth. If you’re watching sugar, consider using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia in the same quantity. Adjust sweetness according to taste!
Cornstarch: This thickens the peach filling nicely. You can replace it with arrowroot powder or even flour in a pinch, though the texture may vary slightly.
Milk: If you need a dairy-free option, almond milk or oat milk work well here—just use unsweetened varieties to keep the flavor balanced!
How Do I Get the Perfect Cobbler Texture?
The key to a great cobbler is the method of layering. Don’t stir the peach mixture into the batter! Pour the batter first, then the peaches on top.
- Make sure your ingredients are mixed well, especially the dry ingredients.
- Allow the butter to cool slightly after melting to prevent cooking the batter.
- Check doneness by looking for a golden top and bubbling around the edges!
Easy Southern Peach Cobbler
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (about 6 large peaches)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- Additional sugar for sprinkling on top (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious peach cobbler takes about 15 minutes to prep and another 40-45 minutes to bake, making the total time around 1 hour. It’s a perfect dessert for any occasion or just a cozy night at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that heats up, lightly grease a 9-inch cast iron skillet or a similar baking dish to prepare for your cobbler.
2. Prepare the Peach Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the sliced peaches, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, optional nutmeg, fresh lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss everything gently until the peaches are well coated. Set the mixture aside for the flavors to mingle.
3. Make the Batter:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Then, stir in the melted butter and milk until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps!
4. Assemble the Cobbler:
Pour the batter into your prepared skillet, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Next, spoon the peach mixture evenly over the batter—do not stir! As it bakes, the batter will rise up around the peaches, creating a lovely texture.
5. Bake:
For an extra touch, sprinkle a bit of sugar on top of the peaches for a crunchy finish (optional). Now, place your cobbler in the oven and bake for about 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping is golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the cobbler from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve it warm, and if you like, top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy your comforting Southern peach cobbler!
FAQ for Easy Southern Peach Cobbler
Can I Use Canned or Frozen Peaches in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use canned or frozen peaches if fresh ones aren’t available. For canned, be sure to drain them well to avoid excess liquid. If using frozen peaches, thaw and drain them before mixing with the sugars.
What If I Don’t Have Cornstarch?
No worries! You can substitute cornstarch with an equal amount of all-purpose flour, though the filling may be slightly less thick. Alternatively, arrowroot powder works well too if you have it on hand!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Make This Cobbler in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the peach filling and batter separately ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply assemble and pop it in the oven! Note that it may need a few extra minutes in the oven if chilled.
