What I love most about this homemade peach cobbler is that it’s forgiving. Don’t have perfectly ripe peaches? No problem! Use frozen. Not a pastry chef? No sweat! The topping is practically impossible to mess up. And the aroma that fills the house while it bakes? Pure heaven. I usually start making this southern peach cobbler after dinner and put it in the oven while I’m catching up on my shows. By the time I’m ready for bed, the house smells amazing, and I have a delicious dessert waiting for me in the morning.
I know some folks get intimidated by baking, but trust me, once you try this southern peach cobbler, you’ll be hooked. It’s comfort food at its finest, and it’s guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone’s face. So, grab your apron, and let’s get baking! I’m so excited to share my family’s favorite southern peach cobbler with you.
INGREDIENTS
Alright, let’s gather our ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to make my ridiculously delicious southern peach cobbler. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty standard stuff you probably already have in your pantry!
- 6-8 medium peaches, peeled and sliced (fresh or frozen) – I always use fresh peaches when they’re in season. There’s just nothing like the juicy, sweet flavor of a perfectly ripe peach. But honestly, frozen peaches work just fine in this southern peach cobbler, especially when you’re in a pinch!
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – Now, some folks swear by self-rising flour, but I prefer all-purpose. It gives you a little more control over the texture of the southern peach cobbler topping.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – Feel free to adjust this to your liking. If your peaches are super sweet, you might want to reduce the sugar a bit.
- 1 cup milk – Whole milk is my go-to, but you can use whatever kind you have on hand. Even almond milk works in a pinch!
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted – Don’t skimp on the butter! It’s what makes the topping so rich and golden brown.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder – This is what gives the topping its light and fluffy texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A little bit of vanilla goes a long way in enhancing the flavor of the peaches.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional) – I love adding a touch of cinnamon to my southern peach cobbler. It adds a warm, cozy flavor. Some people also like nutmeg, but that isn’t for me.
- Optional: a squeeze of lemon juice – To brighten up the peaches!
When making southern peach cobbler, you can find the best deals on peaches at your local farmer’s market during the summer months. And here’s a trick I learned from my mom: To easily peel peaches, score an “X” on the bottom of each peach, then blanch them in boiling water for 30-60 seconds. The skins will slip right off! For cost-saving tips on the ingredients for my southern peach cobbler: I like to buy peaches in bulk when they are in season and freeze them. Freezing peaches allows you to enjoy this delightful dessert year-round, regardless of peach season. This ensures you always have the key ingredient on hand, ready to transform into a warm, comforting cobbler.
As for storage, if you’re using fresh peaches and they’re not quite ripe yet, you can store them in a paper bag on the countertop for a day or two. Once they’re ripe, store them in the refrigerator to keep them fresh longer. The most important tip for southern peach cobbler is to not forget to buy vanilla ice cream to go with it.
HOW TO MAKE – STEP-BY-STEP
Okay, darlings, let’s get down to business! Here’s how to make my amazing southern peach cobbler, step-by-step. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think! I promise, it will be the best peach cobbler you’ve ever had!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter. This is important so your southern peach cobbler doesn’t stick!
- Prepare the peaches: If you’re using fresh peaches, peel and slice them into about 1/2-inch thick slices. If you’re using frozen peaches, you can thaw them slightly, but it’s okay if they’re still a little frozen. After you’ve sliced your peaches, in a bowl, add the peaches, sugar, cinnamon (if using) and lemon juice (if using). Stir everything together until the peaches are evenly coated.
- Make the batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the milk and vanilla extract, and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter. It should be a little lumpy, and that’s okay!
- Pour the melted butter into the greased baking dish. Then, pour the batter over the melted butter. Don’t stir! This is the secret to the southern peach cobbler’s golden, crispy crust.
- Gently spoon the peaches and their juices over the batter. Try to distribute the peaches evenly across the dish. Again, don’t stir! We want those peaches to sink down into the batter as it bakes.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. In my kitchen, southern peach cobbler usually takes about 50 minutes, but ovens vary, so keep an eye on it. Don’t worry if your southern peach cobbler looks a little bubbly around the edges – that’s just the peaches doing their thing!
- Let cool slightly before serving. This is the hardest part, I know! But trust me, it’s worth the wait. Letting the southern peach cobbler cool slightly allows the juices to thicken up a bit.
While the southern peach cobbler is cooking, I usually do a quick clean-up of the kitchen, catch up on a few emails, or maybe even sneak in a chapter of my book. Your southern peach cobbler should smell like warm peaches, cinnamon, and pure comfort. If you don’t smell that, you did something wrong! This easy peach cobbler recipe is really simple to follow. So, don’t worry if you’re a beginner baker – you got this!
SERVING
Alright, the southern peach cobbler is out of the oven, it’s cooled slightly, and the aroma is driving everyone wild! Now, let’s talk about serving this little slice of heaven.
The kids love our southern peach cobbler when I top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s the classic pairing for a reason! The cold ice cream melting into the warm cobbler is just pure bliss. Sometimes, I’ll get fancy and add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.
My go-to side dishes that pair with southern peach cobbler are usually pretty simple. I like to serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, but sometimes I also add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or a drizzle of caramel sauce. It doesn’t need much else, to be honest! Maybe a glass of sweet tea or lemonade.
This southern peach cobbler is perfect for so many occasions! I make it for family gatherings, potlucks, picnics, and of course, Sunday suppers. It’s also a great dessert to bring to a friend’s house or to bake for a neighbor who needs a little cheering up. I love making a fresh peach cobbler for summer parties. It’s always a huge hit.
For presentation, I like to serve the southern peach cobbler straight from the baking dish. It just looks so rustic and inviting! I usually set out a serving spoon and let everyone dig in. However, you can also cut it into squares and arrange them on a platter if you’re feeling fancy. Adding a sprig of mint or a dusting of powdered sugar can elevate the presentation, making it visually appealing for guests.
If you have extra southern peach cobbler (which is a rare occurrence in my house!), you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. To reheat it, you can microwave it for a few seconds or bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. I think southern peach cobbler tastes even better the next day!
I’ve tried a few seasonal variations of this southern peach cobbler. In the fall, I like to add a touch of apple pie spice to the peaches. In the winter, I sometimes use canned peaches and add a splash of bourbon to the batter. My friends always ask for this southern peach cobbler recipe, so I started my blog.
FAQs
Alright, let’s tackle some of the most frequently asked questions about my southern peach cobbler. I’ve heard it all, from “Can I use canned peaches?” to “What if my topping is too dry?”. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
- Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh or frozen? Absolutely! Canned peaches work just fine in this southern peach cobbler. Just make sure to drain them well before adding them to the dish. I find that using canned peaches makes the homemade peach cobbler a little sweeter, so you may want to reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe.
- Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour and baking powder? Yes, you can! If you’re using self-rising flour, omit the baking powder and salt from the recipe.
- What if my topping is too dry? If your topping is too dry, add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency. You want it to be thick but pourable. You know what I do when my southern peach cobbler topping looks dry? I add a little melted butter. It always does the trick.
- What if my peaches are not sweet enough? If your peaches are not sweet enough, you can add a little more sugar to the peach mixture. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the flavor.
- Can I add other fruits to the cobbler? Of course! This easy peach cobbler recipe is very versatile. You can add other fruits, such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries. Just make sure to adjust the amount of sugar accordingly. My family loves it when I add a handful of blueberries to the southern peach cobbler. It adds a nice pop of color and flavor.
- Can I make this cobbler ahead of time? Yes, you can! You can assemble the southern peach cobbler ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake it, just preheat the oven and bake as directed. Just keep in mind that the topping may be a little more soggy if you make it ahead of time.
- How do I prevent the topping from getting too brown? To prevent the topping from getting too brown, you can tent the baking dish with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
My readers have also asked me if you can use a cast iron skillet to make southern peach cobbler. The answer is yes, you definitely can! It actually adds a nice crispy crust to the cobbler. It’s my go-to recipe when I need a best peach cobbler!
My Final Thoughts
This southern peach cobbler recipe holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me of my childhood and all the wonderful times I spent with my family. It’s a simple, comforting dessert that always brings a smile to my face.
Here are my southern peach cobbler Pro Tips:
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing the batter will result in a tough topping.
- Use ripe peaches: Ripe peaches will give the cobbler the best flavor.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment: Feel free to add other fruits or spices to the cobbler to make it your own.
I’ve tried a few different variations of this southern peach cobbler over the years. One of my favorite is adding a sprinkle of ginger to the peach mixture. It adds a nice warmth and spice to the cobbler. I also like to add a dollop of mascarpone cheese to the topping. It makes it extra creamy and decadent. Another favorite southern peach cobbler recipe version is to add a crunchy topping, like a streusel with oats and brown sugar, for added texture.
My husband loves the version with the ginger, while my kids prefer the classic version with vanilla ice cream. No matter how you make it, I hope you enjoy this southern peach cobbler as much as my family does.
I encourage you to make this southern peach cobbler your own. Add your own personal touch, experiment with different flavors, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. That’s how you learn and grow as a baker! I hope your southern peach cobbler cooking experience is filled with joy, laughter, and deliciousness. Trust me, once you try this southern peach cobbler, you’ll be hooked. It’s such a simple, easy peach cobbler recipe and a sure way to impress! And honestly, there’s nothing quite like a warm slice of southern peach cobbler to make everything feel right in the world.
If you liked this recipe, you might also enjoy my southern peach bread recipe, or for another taste of the south, try my southern cornbread poppers recipe!
PrintSouthern Peach Cobbler: A Taste of Southern Comfort
This Southern Peach Cobbler recipe is a timeless classic, brimming with juicy peaches and a golden, buttery crust. Perfect for summer gatherings!
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 6 fresh, ripe peaches, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced peaches with 1/4 cup of the sugar and the cinnamon. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir in the milk until just combined.
- Pour the melted butter into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Pour the batter over the melted butter. Do not stir.
- Spoon the peach mixture evenly over the batter.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the peaches are bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
For an extra touch of flavor, add a splash of vanilla extract to the peach mixture. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.