If you’re dreaming of a dessert that tastes like pure Southern sunshine, look no further than The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe. Lush, juicy peaches nestled beneath a pillowy golden crust, both bubbling and fragrant—the kind of treat that makes you want to pull up a chair with friends and savor every spoonful. This cobbler is the epitome of comfort food, bursting with fresh fruit and warm spices, and it’s a breeze to whip up even on a busy summer afternoon.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of classic kitchen staples, The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe comes together in a way that truly lets every flavor shine. Each ingredient has a purpose, from lending sweetness and spice to bringing that irresistible golden finish.
- Fresh peaches: The star of the show—choose ripe, fragrant peaches for the juiciest, most flavorful filling.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the fruit and the batter, giving balance and caramelization.
- Brown sugar: Adds a touch of molasses depth that pairs beautifully with peaches.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and a nostalgic spice that tastes like summer memories.
- Ground nutmeg: Just a hint creates a richer, more rounded flavor.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the peaches and keeps the flavor fresh, never flat.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the filling so it’s perfectly luscious, never runny.
- Unsalted butter: Melts into the baking dish, creating that signature buttery, crisped crust.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the base for the cobbler topping, keeping it tender yet substantial.
- Baking powder: Gives lift to the batter, ensuring a light, fluffy bite every time.
- Salt: Enhances all the sweet and fruity notes.
- Milk: Brings the batter together for a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a gentle, aromatic finish that ties it all together.
How to Make The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Peach Filling
Start by peeling, pitting, and slicing those gorgeous fresh peaches—this is where The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe really begins to shine. In a large saucepan, combine your peaches with ¼ cup of granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Let everything cook gently over medium heat for about 5 minutes, just until the mixture is bubbly and ever-so-slightly thickened. This step coaxes out all the natural juices and blends the flavors into a swoon-worthy filling.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
While your peach filling simmers, pop the butter right into your 9×13-inch baking dish and slide it into a preheated 375°F oven. Let it melt completely—this not only greases your pan but also creates a rich, golden layer that will help the cobbler topping develop those deliciously crisp edges.
Step 3: Whisk the Batter
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, the remaining ½ cup granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Pour in the milk and vanilla extract, and stir until you have a smooth, lump-free batter. The batter is simple but magical, setting the stage for the fluffy, cake-like topping that makes this cobbler so beloved.
Step 4: Assemble the Cobbler
Carefully remove your hot, buttery baking dish from the oven. Pour the batter evenly over the melted butter—resist the urge to stir! Next, spoon the luscious peach mixture over the batter. Again, no stirring allowed. This layering is what creates the signature cobbler texture: the batter rises up and around the peaches, creating pockets of golden, buttery goodness.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide your cobbler into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden and the filling is bubbling all around the edges. Let it cool for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the juices to thicken and the flavors to settle—though the irresistible aroma might make waiting the hardest part!
How to Serve The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing completes The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe like a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream slowly melting into the warm cobbler. For a little extra flair, sprinkle with a dash of cinnamon or a few fresh peach slices right before serving. A dollop of whipped cream also works wonders for an indulgent touch.
Side Dishes
While this cobbler can easily steal the show on its own, it pairs beautifully with other Southern favorites. Try serving it after a barbecue feast, alongside fresh berries, or with a simple fruit salad for a light, summery finish. A glass of sweet tea or chilled white wine makes the perfect companion.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, try baking individual cobblers in ramekins for a personalized, picture-perfect dessert. Or, for a rustic picnic, scoop the warm cobbler into mason jars and top with ice cream right before serving. However you present it, the homey, golden look of The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe always wins hearts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cobbler is a true blessing—just cover your baking dish tightly with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to develop, and it makes a fantastic snack or breakfast treat straight from the fridge or gently warmed.
Freezing
Want to save a taste of summer for later? Cool the cobbler completely, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, or portion into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop the cobbler (covered with foil) into a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes, or until heated through. For single servings, a quick zap in the microwave works, but the oven keeps the topping crisp. Don’t forget the ice cream on top!
FAQs
Can I use canned or frozen peaches instead of fresh?
Absolutely! If fresh peaches aren’t in season, canned or frozen work well—just be sure to drain canned peaches thoroughly and reduce the added sugar. Frozen peaches can be used straight from the freezer; they’ll release a bit more juice, which makes the filling extra luscious.
Is it okay to leave the peach skins on?
While peeling peaches gives a softer, more classic texture, leaving the skins on is perfectly fine for a rustic feel and a bit of extra color and fiber. Just wash the peaches well before slicing.
Can I make The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. Double-check that your other ingredients (like baking powder) are gluten-free as well, and you’ll have a cobbler everyone can enjoy.
How do I know when the cobbler is done baking?
Look for a deeply golden, crisped top with bubbling fruit filling peeking around the edges. The center should be set and not doughy—if you’re unsure, insert a toothpick into the topping; it should come out mostly clean.
Can I add other fruits or flavorings?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in berries, plums, or even a handful of cherries for a twist. A splash of bourbon, a pinch of cardamom, or a little almond extract can also elevate The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe into something uniquely yours.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about sharing The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe with people you love—every bite is a little taste of Southern hospitality. Whether you’re a cobbler pro or a first-timer, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try and let the sweet, sun-ripened flavor of peaches brighten your table!
Print
The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic Southern Peach Cobbler bursting with fresh peaches and warm spices, topped with a golden, buttery crust. Perfectly sweet, easy to prepare, and best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
Filling
- 8 fresh peaches (peeled, pitted, and sliced – about 6 cups)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
Crust and Batter
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (divided into ¼ cup for filling and ½ cup for batter)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the cobbler.
- Prepare Peach Filling: In a large saucepan, combine the sliced peaches, ¼ cup granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes bubbly and slightly thickened, then remove from heat.
- Melt Butter: Place the butter in a 9×13-inch baking dish and put it in the preheated oven to melt while you prepare the batter, ensuring an even buttery base.
- Mix Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining ½ cup granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
- Assemble Cobbler: Carefully remove the hot baking dish with melted butter from the oven. Pour the batter evenly over the melted butter without stirring. Then, spoon the peach mixture evenly on top of the batter, again avoiding stirring to allow the crust to rise through the filling.
- Bake: Bake the cobbler for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cobbler cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the filling to set. Serve warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an authentic Southern treat.
Notes
- Best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing.
- If using canned peaches instead of fresh, drain them well and reduce the added sugar slightly to avoid excess sweetness.
- For extra depth of flavor, add a pinch of cardamom or a splash of bourbon to the peach mixture before cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scoop (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
