Fresh Southern Peach Cobbler

Fresh Southern Peach Cobbler is a classic, comforting dessert that embodies the essence of summer with its sweet, juicy peaches and buttery, biscuit-like topping. This recipe combines ripe peaches with a touch of lemon juice, sugar, and spices, creating a luscious filling that bakes to perfection under a golden, crisp topping.

Topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, this cobbler is the perfect ending to any meal and pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Ideal for gatherings or a cozy family dinner, this dish is sure to bring a taste of Southern hospitality to your table.

Fresh Southern Peach Cobbler

Ingredients

FOR THE FILLING:

9 cups peaches, sliced into thin wedges (about 8 fresh peaches, or 3 lbs)

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1/2 teaspoon salt

FOR THE TOPPING:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

12 tablespoons butter, chilled and grated

1/2 cup boiling water

FOR THE CINNAMON SUGAR TOPPING:

1/3 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 425°F.

In a large bowl, combine the peaches, lemon juice, 1 cup sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, cornstarch, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir to combine and transfer to a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Bake for 10 minutes. While peach filling bakes, work on the topping:

In a clean mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the grated butter and toss to combine.

Stir in the boiling water quickly, just until combined. Batter will be lumpy.

Remove baking dish from oven and drop topping over the filling in large spoonfuls.

Stir together cinnamon and sugar for topping and sprinkle over the top. Bake until top is golden brown and filling is bubbly, 25-30 minutes.

Serve with vanilla ice cream and enjoy!

Tip: This may bubble over — place on a baking sheet to catch any drips.

Notes:

Peach Selection: Use ripe, but firm peaches for the best texture. If peaches are not in season, you can use frozen peaches; just thaw and drain them before using.

Adjusting Sweetness: Depending on the sweetness of your peaches, you might need to adjust the amount of sugar in the filling. Taste the peach mixture before baking and add more sugar if needed.

Topping Texture: The topping should be dropped over the filling in spoonfuls, leaving some gaps for the filling to bubble through. This will create a rustic, uneven texture that’s typical of cobblers.

Spice Variations: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your preference. For example, you can add a pinch of allspice or ginger for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestion: Serve the cobbler warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Bubbling Over: To prevent any mess in your oven, place the baking dish on a baking sheet to catch any drips or spills that might occur during baking.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving to bring back some of its original texture.

Making Ahead: You can prepare the peach filling and topping separately and assemble the cobbler just before baking. This is helpful if you want to get a head start on the dessert.

Crispier Topping: For a crispier topping, bake the cobbler a little longer if needed, but keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure the baking powder is gluten-free as well.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 8 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use canned peaches. Just be sure to drain them well and adjust the sugar in the filling as needed since canned peaches are often sweeter.

What if I don’t have a 9×13-inch baking dish?

You can use a different size baking dish; just adjust the baking time as needed.

A smaller dish may require a longer baking time, while a larger one may need less time.

Can I make this cobbler with other fruits?

Absolutely! You can substitute peaches with other fruits like apples, berries, or a mix of fruits.

Just adjust the sugar and spices to complement the fruit you use.

How can I make the topping more tender?

To make a more tender topping, try adding a bit more butter or use buttermilk instead of boiling water.

Can I prepare this cobbler ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the peach filling and topping in advance.

Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble the cobbler just before baking.

What should I do if the topping browns too quickly?

If the topping starts to brown too quickly, cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking until the filling is bubbly and the topping is cooked through.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour. It will give the topping a slightly nuttier flavor and denser texture.

How do I know when the cobbler is done?

The cobbler is done when the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

You can insert a toothpick into the topping; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

What can I use as a dairy-free alternative for the topping?

Use a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil instead of butter in the topping.

You can also use almond milk or another non-dairy milk in place of the boiling water if needed.

How should I store leftovers?

Store leftover cobbler in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving for the best texture.