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If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug from the South, you absolutely cannot go wrong with The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe. This timeless classic marries the juicy sweetness of peaches with a tender, cinnamon-spiced crust that bakes up golden and irresistible. Every bite bursts with rich, comforting flavors and just the right touch of spice, making it a dessert that’s as delightful to make as it is to devour. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this peach cobbler will quickly become your go-to southern sweet.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, each carefully chosen to bring authentic Southern flavor and perfect texture. From the sweet, tender peaches to the buttery crust with a hint of spice, these ingredients come together effortlessly to create a mouthwatering dessert.
- Frozen peaches (2 bags, 20 ounces each): Provides juicy, sweet fruit that holds up beautifully in the oven.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup + ½ cup + 3 tablespoons): Sweetens both the peaches and the topping for balanced flavor.
- Brown sugar (1 cup + ½ cup): Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the filling and crust.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the natural fruit sweetness with warm, aromatic notes.
- Almond extract (½ teaspoon, optional): Offers a subtle nutty depth that lifts the dish.
- Cinnamon (½ tablespoon + 1 tablespoon total): Provides aromatic warmth that perfectly complements peaches.
- Nutmeg (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle spicy kick that rounds out the flavor profile.
- Cornstarch (2 teaspoons): Thickens the peach filling for a luscious texture.
- Cream of tartar (1 teaspoon): Helps give the crust a light, airy quality.
- Unsalted butter (½ stick room temperature + 1 stick cold): Brings rich flavor and flaky texture to the crust and filling.
- Water (2 tablespoons + ¼ cup boiling water): Moistens the filling and dough to just the right consistency.
- Fresh lemon juice (1 teaspoon): Brightens the sweetness and balances flavors.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Forms the foundation of the tender, biscuit-like topping.
- Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Leavens the crust to a light, fluffy finish.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors in the cobbler.
How to Make The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Bake the Peaches
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray. In the dish, toss together your frozen peaches with granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla and almond extracts, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, cream of tartar, room temperature butter, water, and lemon juice. This combination ensures the peaches cook to a tender, bubbling filling bursting with deep, spiced sweetness. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes to let those flavors meld beautifully.
Step 2: Make the Cobbler Dough
While the peaches begin baking, in a large bowl, combine the flour, both sugars, baking powder, salt, and half of the cinnamon. Cut cold butter into this mixture with a pastry cutter or rub it in with your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs. Next, stir in the boiling water just until the dough comes together into a soft, drop biscuit-like batter. This dough will create the perfect golden topping with tender crumb and just a hint of cinnamon.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Cobbler
Once the peach filling has had its initial bake, remove it from the oven and spoon dollops of your dough evenly over the surface, leaving little gaps so the peaches peek through and all the dough cooks through thoroughly. Mix the remaining cinnamon with sugar and sprinkle over the dough dollops to create a beautifully spiced, crackly crust. Bake uncovered for 30 to 45 minutes more, checking at 30 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Remove from the oven and allow the cobbler to cool for a few minutes. Serve it warm, letting the comforting aroma fill the room before diving into spoonfuls of fruity, cinnamon-kissed goodness. This is truly The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe, one bound to bring smiles to any table.
How to Serve The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your cobbler with a scoop of rich vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A sprinkle of toasted pecans or a drizzle of honey can add delightful texture and sweetness. Fresh mint leaves provide a beautiful color contrast and a refreshing note that pairs wonderfully with the warm spices.
Side Dishes
For a full Southern-inspired meal, serve your peach cobbler alongside lightly sweetened iced tea or a cold glass of buttermilk. If you want to keep things light, fresh seasonal fruit or a citrus salad can complement the richness of the dessert beautifully. This cobbler also shines at brunch with crispy bacon or sausage on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your peach cobbler to the next level by serving it in individual ramekins or mason jars for charming single servings. Layer it with extra cream or yogurt in trifles for visual appeal. A rustic wooden board with a warm cobbler in a cast iron skillet brings that classic homestyle vibe that’s both inviting and instagrammable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cobbler can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it just as delicious if not even better the next day. Simply cover tightly to keep the crust from drying out and enjoy cold or reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe either before or after baking. Freeze the unbaked cobbler in a foil-covered dish for up to 3 months, then bake from frozen, adding extra time. Alternatively, freeze baked cobbler in portions and thaw overnight in the fridge for a quick dessert fix anytime you need it.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave for about 30 seconds or place the whole cobbler in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 15-20 minutes. This method preserves the crispness of the crust while warming the filling perfectly. Serve warm for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peaches instead of frozen for this recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh peaches work beautifully in The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe when they’re in season. Just peel, slice, and use about 6 cups of fresh peaches in place of frozen. Keep in mind fresh peaches might release a bit more juice, so you may want to adjust the cornstarch slightly.
Is almond extract necessary for the flavor?
The almond extract is optional but highly recommended because it adds a lovely depth and subtle nuttiness that complements the peaches and vanilla. If you don’t have it on hand, the cobbler will still be delicious without it.
Can I make this cobbler gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Be mindful that texture might vary slightly, but it will still capture the essence of The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe.
Why do we bake the peaches before adding the dough topping?
Baking the peaches first helps thicken the filling and release their juices. This ensures the fruit is tender and bubbling under the biscuit topping, giving you that perfect gooey and textured cobbler experience.
How do I know when the cobbler topping is done?
The topping should be golden brown with a slightly crisp surface and cooked through inside. You can check by gently pressing on the dough dollops; they should spring back softly without raw dough in the center. Ovens vary, so start checking at 30 minutes and bake until beautifully browned.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe—it’s comfort, nostalgia, and joy all wrapped into one warm, spiced dish. Whether you’re baking it for family, good friends, or a quiet night in, this cobbler promises to delight every single time. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready for a Southern dessert experience you’ll want to make again and again.
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The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
- Total Time: 50-60 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This Southern Peach Cobbler recipe features juicy frozen peaches baked under a tender, cinnamon-dusted biscuit topping. With a mix of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and subtle hints of vanilla and almond extracts, it’s a classic dessert perfect for all occasions.
Ingredients
Peach Filling
- 2 bags frozen peaches (20 ounces each)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional but recommended)
- ½ tablespoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- ½ stick unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Dough Topping
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon (reserve ½ tablespoon for garnishing)
- 1 stick cold unsalted butter
- ¼ cup boiling hot water
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (to dust top)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Peach Filling: In the prepared baking dish, combine the frozen peaches, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, cream of tartar, softened butter, water, and lemon juice. Stir thoroughly until well combined. Cover the dish tightly with foil.
- Bake Peach Base: Bake the covered peaches in the oven for 20 minutes to start softening and melding the flavors.
- Prepare Dough Mixture: While the peaches bake, in a large bowl, mix together the flour, both sugars, baking powder, salt, and half the cinnamon (½ tablespoon).
- Incorporate Butter: Cut the cold butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Boiling Water: Pour in the boiling water and gently stir just until a drop biscuit-like dough forms—avoid overmixing to keep the dough tender.
- Top the Peaches with Dough: Remove the peach mixture from the oven and spoon the cobbler dough in golf ball-sized dollops over the peaches. Leave small gaps between dollops so the peaches can bubble through and the dough cooks evenly.
- Sprinkle Topping Sugar: Combine the reserved ½ tablespoon cinnamon with 3 tablespoons granulated sugar and sprinkle this mixture evenly over the dough dollops for extra flavor and a slight crunch.
- Bake the Cobbler: Return the uncovered cobbler to the oven and bake for 30 to 45 minutes. Check after 30 minutes; the cobbler is done when the biscuit topping turns golden brown and is cooked through.
- Serve Warm: Allow the cobbler to cool slightly, then serve warm. Enjoy this classic Southern dessert on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- The almond extract is optional but recommended to enhance the peach flavor.
- Using frozen peaches works well year-round, but fresh peaches can be substituted when in season.
- Be careful not to overmix the dough to keep it light and flaky.
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
