Peach Cobbler Recipe

A delicious traditional Southern dessert with juicy peaches and a crisp, sweet topping.

Peach Cobbler is a time-honored dessert that has been cherished for generations in the South. This sweet, syrupy confection features ripe, juicy peaches beneath a golden, crispy crust. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed later as a delightful breakfast, Peach Cobbler captures the essence of summer with its luscious fruit and fragrant, buttery topping.

The origins of Peach Cobbler can be traced back to the early American settlers who were resourceful in their baking methods. With limited access to traditional baking ingredients and equipment, these settlers would 'cobble' together a rough crust over fresh fruit filling using basic pantry staples. Over time, the recipe has evolved, but it retains its rustic charm and remains a testament to culinary ingenuity.

Ingredients

• <b>For the Peach Filling:</b>
• 8 cups sliced fresh peaches (about 8 peaches)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• <b>For the Topping:</b>
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
• 1/4 cup boiling water
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling)

Nutrition

Calories: ~310 calories

Instructions

1. Prepare Peaches: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Peel and slice fresh peaches. In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced peaches, granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Mix until the peaches are evenly coated.
2. Transfer to Baking Dish: Transfer the peach mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread the mixture out evenly to cover the bottom of the dish.
3. Prepare Topping: In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the chilled, diced butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
4. Form Dough: Gradually add the boiling water to the flour mixture, stirring until the dough comes together.
5. Spoon Topping: Drop spoonfuls of the dough over the peach mixture. It doesn't need to cover the peaches completely; the topping will spread during baking.
6. Sprinkle Sugar: Sprinkle one tablespoon of granulated sugar over the dough topping to add a bit of extra crunch and sweetness.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbling around the edges.
8. Cool and Serve: Allow the cobbler to cool for about 15 minutes before serving. Serve warm, preferably with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Enjoy your Peach Cobbler warm with a creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of whipped cream. The contrast of the cool, creamy ice cream with the warm, sweet peaches and crispy topping is utterly delightful. For an additional twist, you can add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg over the ice cream for an extra burst of flavor.

Peach Cobbler is versatile enough to be experienced in various ways. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and it can be enjoyed cold for a refreshing take or reheated for a classic experience. To reheat, simply pop a portion into the microwave for about 30-45 seconds or until warm.

If you'd like to experiment, consider trying different fruits such as mixed berries, apples, or pears for a uniquely flavored cobbler that suits your current fruit bounty. A combination of peaches and berries can offer a delightful contrast in taste and appearance.

When baking for a crowd, this Peach Cobbler recipe can easily be doubled and baked in a larger dish. Just be sure to adjust the baking time as needed; the cobbler is ready when the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly.

Ensuring the perfect cobbler begins with selecting the right peaches. Opt for ripe, fragrant peaches that yield to gentle pressure but aren't too soft. If peaches are out of season, frozen peaches can be a convenient alternative. Avoid using canned peaches as they lack the fresh flavor that defines this dessert.

For an elevated flavor, consider adding a dash of almond extract to the peach filling. The subtle nutty undertone complements the sweetness of the peaches beautifully. Additionally, using brown sugar in the topping can add a deep, caramel-like flavor that pairs wonderfully with the fruit's natural sugars.

Creating the perfect Peach Cobbler is all about balancing sweetness and texture. The topping should be buttery and crisp to contrast the juicy, sweet peaches. Don’t worry if the dough appears thick; it will bake into a beautiful, biscuit-like consistency that soaks up the luscious peach juices.

Peach Cobbler transports you to a simpler time with its rustic charm and satisfying flavors. It's a dessert that invites gathering around the table, sharing stories, and making memories. Whether it's a summertime barbecue, a family get-together, or a cozy evening at home, this Peach Cobbler holds a place as a beloved and comforting treat.