Warm, bubbling peaches, a golden, biscuit-like crust, and a scoop of melting vanilla—this Classic Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe brings summer straight to your table. Designed for beginner home cooks, the recipe is forgiving and sensory: juicy, caramelized fruit scented with lemon and cinnamon, and a tender, buttery topping that soaks up peach juice for the ultimate comfort dessert.
Why You’ll Love ThisClassic Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare with minimal equipment and straightforward steps…
- Uses simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have on hand…
- Perfect for feeding a family or serving at summer gatherings—always a crowd-pleaser…
A Little Background
Peach cobbler is a cornerstone of Southern cooking: rustic, homey, and built around the season’s best fruit. This version follows the traditional approach of spooning fruit over a batter that rises into a golden crust as it bakes, creating pockets of tender cake and luscious, syrupy peaches. It’s the kind of dessert that arrives at picnics, potlucks, and Sunday suppers—comfort food with roots in practicality and plenty of heart.
Key Ingredients for perfect Classic Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe
- Ripe peaches (6–8): Peeled and sliced for juicy, flavorful filling.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the peaches and helps create a syrupy filling.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the tender, cake-like topping when combined with milk.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Melted in the pan to give the cobbler a rich, golden base.
- Cornstarch or flour (thickener): Keeps the peach juices from becoming too runny.
Step-by-Step Instructions to make Classic Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Prepare the peaches: peel and slice 6–8 ripe peaches (about 6 cups). Toss slices with ¾ to 1 cup granulated sugar, 1–2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or 2 tablespoons flour), and ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon. Let sit while you make the batter.
- Melt ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter in the prepared baking dish by placing it in the oven briefly or melting on the stovetop and pouring into the dish.
- Make the batter: whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir in 1 cup milk until smooth.
- Pour the batter evenly over the melted butter in the baking dish—do not stir. Gently spoon the peach mixture over the batter, spreading pieces and syrup evenly (the batter will rise around the fruit).
- Sprinkle a little extra sugar and a pinch of cinnamon over the top if desired. Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let rest 10–15 minutes to thicken slightly. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Pro Tips & Variations
- For best flavor, use fully ripe peaches. If using frozen, thaw and drain excess liquid before tossing with sugar and thickener.
- Check doneness by looking for bubbling fruit along the edges and a golden top; if the crust browns too quickly, tent with foil for the remaining time.
- Variations: add a splash of bourbon or vanilla to the filling, stir in ½ teaspoon nutmeg, or swap half the sugar for brown sugar for deeper caramel notes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Pair with strong coffee, iced tea, or a glass of sweet dessert wine for an extra-special finish—ideal for backyard dinners, holidays, or any time you crave a classic Southern treat.