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.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Bursting with Freshness: The use of ripe, juicy peaches as the centerpiece of this dessert ensures a fresh and vibrant flavor. These peaches provide natural sweetness and a delightful juiciness that is simply irresistible.
Balanced Sweetness and Spice: The cobbler masterfully balances sweetness with a hint of spice. The gentle spiciness from the cinnamon and nutmeg enhances the natural flavors of the peaches without overpowering them, creating a harmonious taste experience.
Perfectly Textured Topping: The topping, made from a simple combination of flour, sugar, and butter, bakes up to a golden-brown, crispy perfection. Its slightly crumbly texture contrasts beautifully with the soft, juicy filling beneath, offering a satisfying bite in every spoonful.
Comforting and Nostalgic: Peach cobbler is a classic Southern dessert that evokes feelings of warmth and comfort. It’s the kind of dish that brings back fond memories of family gatherings and cozy afternoons, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a touch of nostalgia.
Versatile and Easy to Prepare: The recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require advanced baking skills, making it accessible to both seasoned bakers and novices. Plus, it allows for versatility; you can easily adapt it by adding berries, using different spices, or experimenting with various toppings.
Deliciously Paired with Ice Cream: Serving the cobbler warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast of hot and cold, creamy and crispy. This combination elevates the dessert to a whole new level of indulgence.
Key Ingredients:
Peaches: The star of the dish, these ripe and juicy fruits provide a sweet, refreshing base with their natural sugars and vibrant flavor. Fresh peaches ensure a delightful juiciness and a summery essence that makes the cobbler special.
Lemon Juice: Adds a touch of acidity, balancing the sweetness of the peaches and enhancing their natural flavors. It also helps prevent the peaches from browning.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These warm spices add depth and complexity, enhancing the flavor of the peaches with a subtle, aromatic warmth that is quintessentially comforting.
Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent, helping the peach filling achieve the perfect consistency by binding the juices and creating a luscious, syrupy base.
Butter: Grated and chilled, the butter is essential for the topping, providing richness and helping achieve a golden, flaky crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft filling.
Cinnamon Sugar Topping: A simple yet flavorful mixture of sugar and cinnamon sprinkled on top, adding an extra layer of sweetness and spice that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
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 your oven to 425°F (220°C).
In a spacious bowl, mix the peach slices, lemon juice, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, and salt. Stir until well combined, then transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Bake the peach mixture for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the topping:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining 1 cup of sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the chilled, grated butter into the dry mix and toss gently to combine.
Pour in the boiling water and stir quickly until just mixed. The batter should remain slightly lumpy.
Remove the baking dish from the oven and spoon the topping mixture over the peach filling in large dollops.
For the cinnamon sugar topping, mix together the sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly over the cobbler.
Return the dish to the oven and bake until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling, approximately 25-30 minutes.
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and enjoy!
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
Calories: 320 | Protein: 2 g | Total Fat: 15 g | Saturated Fat: 9 g | Cholesterol: 40 mg | Carbohydrates: 45 g | Dietary Fiber: 2 g | Sugars: 30 g | Sodium: 300 mg
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.