Fresh Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe

Fresh Southern peach cobbler is a timeless dessert that epitomizes Southern hospitality and tradition. This classic dish features sweet, juicy peaches enveloped in a buttery, biscuit-like topping, creating a comforting and delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it as a summertime dessert or serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream during the cooler months, peach cobbler is a crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through creating an authentic Southern peach cobbler from scratch, ensuring a delicious and memorable dessert every time.

Ingredients for Fresh Southern Peach Cobbler

For the Peach Filling:

• 6-8 ripe peaches: About 4 cups, peeled, pitted, and sliced. Choose ripe but firm peaches for the best flavor and texture.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar: Adjust based on the sweetness of the peaches and your taste preference.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness and enhance the peach flavor.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the peach filling and give it a pleasing consistency.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth to the peach filling.
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Complements the cinnamon with a hint of spice.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the peaches.

For the Cobbler Topping:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the base for the biscuit topping.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the topping.
• 1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps the topping rise and become light and fluffy.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the topping.
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter: Cold and cut into small pieces, for a flaky texture.
• ¾ cup milk: Use whole milk for the best flavor and texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a subtle flavor to the topping.

How to Make Fresh Southern Peach Cobbler

1. Prepare the Peaches Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel, pit, and slice the peaches into thin wedges. Place the peach slices in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle with granulated sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Toss to combine until the peaches are evenly coated. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to allow the juices to release.
2. Prepare the Peach Filling Pour the peach mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly to ensure the peaches cook uniformly.
3. Make the Cobbler Topping In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold, cut-up butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Pour in the milk and vanilla extract. Stir gently until just combined. The batter will be thick but should spread easily over the peaches.
4. Assemble the Cobbler Drop spoonfuls of the cobbler batter over the peach filling, spreading it out as evenly as possible. Don’t worry about covering the peaches completely; it’s okay if some of the filling is exposed. The batter will spread and puff up as it bakes.
5. Bake the Cobbler Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The peach filling should be bubbly and thickened.
6. Cool and Serve Allow the peach cobbler to cool slightly before serving. This dessert is delicious warm, at room temperature, or even cold. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.
7. Storing Leftovers Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving. Peach cobbler can also be frozen for up to 2 months; wrap it tightly and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

About the Main Ingredients

• Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches are the star of this dessert. They provide a juicy, sweet base for the cobbler filling. If fresh peaches are not available, you can use frozen peaches, but be sure to thaw and drain them before use.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the peaches and enhances their natural flavor. The amount of sugar can be adjusted based on the sweetness of the peaches and personal preference.
• Lemon Juice: Adds acidity that balances the sweetness and brightens the flavor of the peaches.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the peach filling and gives it a pleasant consistency.
• Spices (Cinnamon and Nutmeg): Add warm, aromatic flavors that complement the sweetness of the peaches.
• Butter: Provides richness and creates a flaky texture in the cobbler topping.
• Milk: Hydrates the dry ingredients and helps form the batter for the topping.
• Baking Powder: Leavens the batter, making it rise and become light and fluffy.

Fresh Southern peach cobbler is a delightful and comforting dessert that celebrates the flavors of summer. With its sweet, juicy peaches and tender biscuit topping, it’s a dish that will surely become a family favorite. Enjoy making and savoring this classic treat!