The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a truly comforting dessert, look no further than The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe. This glorious treat combines luscious, syrupy peaches with cinnamon-laced, golden biscuit topping for a bubbling, fragrant bake that embodies southern hospitality and home-baked warmth. Whether you’re sharing it during a family barbecue or savoring a bowl by yourself, it’s a recipe destined to become a legend in your personal dessert storybook!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe proves that a few well-chosen, high-quality ingredients can create unforgettable results. Each element shines on its own yet works together to provide that iconic flavor, juicy texture, and tantalizing golden crust you crave in The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe.
- Frozen peaches (2 bags, 20 ounces each): The soul of the cobbler—frozen peaches retain sweetness and texture, perfect for that syrupy filling.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup for filling, 1/2 cup for topping, 3 tbsp for dusting): Balances tartness and brings out the natural fruit flavor.
- Brown sugar (1 cup for filling, 1/2 cup for topping): Adds a deep, caramel-like note that’s absolutely irresistible with peaches.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Infuses the filling with a sweet and aromatic background warmth.
- Almond extract (1/2 tsp, optional but encouraged): Subtle nuttiness that complements peaches beautifully—don’t skip if you can help it!
- Cinnamon (1/2 tbsp in filling, 1 tbsp in topping—half reserved): Iconic spice for cobbler, it creates that signature southern scent and flavor.
- Nutmeg (1/2 tsp): Just a sprinkle boosts the overall warmth and depth in every bite.
- Corn starch (2 tsp): Ensures a silky, thick peach sauce that coats every spoonful.
- Cream of tartar (1 tsp): A surprising twist that adds subtle tang and helps with biscuit texture.
- Butter (1/2 stick for filling, 1 stick cold for topping): Lends richness to both the peaches and the cobbler crust.
- Water (2 tbsp in filling, 1/4 cup boiling for topping): Helps everything come together and keeps it juicy.
- Fresh lemon juice (1 tsp): Pops the flavor and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- All purpose flour (2 cups): The base of your biscuit topping—look for unbleached for more flavor.
- Baking powder (2 tsp): Makes the cobbler topping beautifully light and fluffy as it bakes.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances flavor and keeps the sweetness balanced.
How to Make The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Fire up your oven to 375 degrees so it’s perfectly hot when you’re ready for baking. While it’s heating up, grab a 9×13 baking dish—big enough for all those juicy peaches and generous biscuit dollops. Give it a good mist of non-stick spray, so everything lifts out easily later.
Step 2: Build the Peach Filling
In the baking dish itself, combine the frozen peaches, white and brown sugars, vanilla and almond extracts, cinnamon, nutmeg, corn starch, cream of tartar, half stick of butter, water, and fresh lemon juice. This all-in-one-bowl approach means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. Toss everything together gently until those peaches are well coated—every bit of fruit should be glistening and ready for the oven.
Step 3: Bake the Peaches
Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the oven for a 20-minute head start. This stage softens the peaches, melts the butter, and begins to thicken that luscious syrup, building the delicious base for The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe. Your kitchen will already begin to smell heavenly!
Step 4: Mix the Biscuit Topping
While the peaches cook, grab a large mixing bowl to combine the all-purpose flour, both sugars, baking powder, salt, and half a tablespoon of that aromatic cinnamon. Blend these dry ingredients together, setting the stage for our flaky biscuit topping.
Step 5: Cut in the Butter
Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the cold stick of butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The little pockets of butter are what make the biscuit topping incredibly light with golden, melt-in-your-mouth edges once it bakes.
Step 6: Add Hot Water and Finish the Dough
Pour in the boiling water and gently mix just until the dough comes together. It should look like thick, drop biscuit dough—don’t overwork it, so it stays tender.
Step 7: Assemble the Cobbler
Remove the partially baked peaches from the oven (carefully, they’ll be bubbling and hot). Using a spoon, drop blobs of dough about the size of a golf ball over the peach filling, leaving a bit of space between each one. Don’t worry if the peaches peek through! That’s the charming, rustic look that makes The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe so appealing.
Step 8: Sprinkle and Finish Topping
Mix together the reserved cinnamon and extra sugar, then sprinkle this sweet, fragrant mixture generously over the biscuit dough. This final touch bakes into a lightly crisp, caramelized crown that’s utterly irresistible.
Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection
Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for another 30 to 45 minutes. The cobbler is ready when the topping is beautifully golden brown and the peach filling is bubbling around the edges. Let it cool slightly—then dive in and enjoy all the peachy, cinnamony goodness!
How to Serve The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe
Garnishes
Classic southern style calls for simplicity, but a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting into the warm cobbler is sure to win hearts. A dollop of softly whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted sliced almonds adds elegance, while a dusting of cinnamon on top brings out the spices in every bite.
Side Dishes
The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe shines brightest alongside traditional southern fare: think juicy barbecue, fried chicken, or fresh summer salads. For a brunch twist, pair it with buttermilk waffles or crispy bacon—the sweet and savory combo never disappoints!
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping dinner party, serve your cobbler in individual ramekins for a personal touch. Or, go picnic style and layer the cobbler into mason jars for an adorable portable dessert. To impress, top each serving with a drizzle of honey or a splash of amaretto liqueur for grown-up flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftovers to room temperature, then cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers. Your cobbler will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, and the flavors often deepen after a night’s rest.
Freezing
Want peach cobbler on demand? You absolutely can freeze this treat. Allow the cobbler to cool completely, wrap it well in plastic and foil, or use an airtight container. It’ll keep its texture and sunny flavor for up to 3 months; just make sure to thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-baked charm, pop a portion (or the whole dish!) in a 350 degree oven until heated through and bubbly—about 15 to 20 minutes. For a single serving, the microwave works in a pinch but cover the cobbler to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peaches instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If you’re lucky enough to have ripe, juicy fresh peaches, use the same amount by weight. Peel and slice them before using, and you might need a touch less sugar if they’re especially sweet.
What if I don’t have almond extract?
No worries—the cobbler is still fantastic without it, but if you love a hint of nuttiness, a splash of amaretto liqueur or even a few finely chopped almonds mixed into the topping delivers similar magic.
Can I make The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the flour and make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free. The biscuit topping will still bake up tender and delicious.
Do I need to thaw the peaches first?
Not at all. Using frozen peaches straight from the bag saves time and means you can whip up The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe any time the craving hits—no need to plan (or wait) in advance.
Can I reduce the sugar for a less sweet cobbler?
Definitely. If you prefer a less sweet dessert, feel free to cut back on either the white or brown sugar by up to a third. The cobbler will still be delicious and let the peaches shine even more.
Final Thoughts
The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe has a way of making everyday meals feel like a special event. If you’re ready to fill your kitchen with sunshine and serve up joy on a spoon, this cobbler is calling your name—grab those peaches and get baking!
Print
The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the taste of summer with this irresistible Southern Peach Cobbler. Juicy peaches, warm spices, and a tender biscuit topping make this dessert a true crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Filling:
- 2 bags Frozen peaches (20 ounces each)
- 1 cup Granulated sugar (white sugar)
- 1 cup Brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon Almond extract (optional but recommended)
- 1/2 tablespoon Cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon Nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons Corn starch
- 1 teaspoon Cream of tartar
- 1/2 stick Butter (unsalted, room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons Water
- 1 teaspoon Fresh lemon juice
Topping:
- 2 cups All-purpose Flour
- 1/2 cup Granulated sugar (white sugar)
- 1/2 cup Brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons Baking powder
- 1 tablespoon Cinnamon (reserve 1/2 for garnishment)
- 1 stick Butter (unsalted, cold)
- 1/4 cup Boiling hot water
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 3 tablespoons Granulated sugar (to dust top of cobbler)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Mix the peaches together with the ingredients until everything is fully combined. Cover the dish with foil and cook the mixture in the oven for 20 minutes.
- While peaches are cooking, combine the all-purpose flour, both white and brown sugars, baking powder, salt, and 1/2 tablespoon of the cinnamon.
- Add the hot water and stir together with a spoon until it’s just combined. The cobbler should have a drop biscuit-like texture.
- Remove the peaches from the oven and spoon cobbler dough mixture over the peaches. Make each dough droplet about the size of a golf ball leaving a tiny bit of space between each one to ensure they cook through.
- Peaches will not be fully covered. Combine sugar and remaining 1/2 tablespoon cinnamon and sprinkle the mixture over dough.
- Place the dish back in the oven uncovered and cook for an additional 30-45 minutes, until crust is golden brown. Check on it after 30 minutes for doneness and remove it once the cobbler crust is golden brown and delicious. Enjoy!
Spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray. In the same dish, add the frozen peaches, white and brown sugars, vanilla and almond extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, corn starch, cream of tartar, butter, water, and lemon juice.
Work the cold stick of butter into the flour mixture by breaking it up with a pastry cutter or with your hands. Work it in until it looks like coarse meal or crumbles.
Notes
- For the boiling hot water, simply microwave water until very hot or bring to a boil on the stovetop.
- Ensure the cobbler dough is not overmixed to maintain its texture.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 47g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 59g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 41mg
Keywords: Southern Peach Cobbler, Peach Dessert, Fruit Cobbler Recipe
