Southern Peach Cobbler is a warm, comforting dessert packed with juicy peaches and a soft, buttery crust. It’s like a hug in a dish—sweet and oh-so-delicious!
I love serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser! You might just want to keep the secret to yourself! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh peaches are the best choice for flavor. If they’re out of season or not available, use canned peaches—just make sure to drain them well. You can also try other fruits, like nectarines or even berries, for a fun twist.
Sugar: This recipe uses granulated sugar for both the filling and batter. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, consider using coconut sugar or honey. Keep in mind, honey is sweeter, so use a little less!
Milk: Whole milk gives a rich texture, but you can substitute with almond milk, oat milk, or even buttermilk for a unique flavor. Just remember to check for unsweetened options if you don’t want extra sugar.
Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended for balanced flavor. If you need a dairy-free option, you can replace it with coconut oil or a plant-based butter. This will still give you that nice, buttery taste.
How Can I Make Sure My Batter is Just Right?
Getting the batter right is easy once you know a few tips! The goal is to mix just enough to combine the wet and dry ingredients without overmixing. Here’s how:
- Mix the dry ingredients first to ensure they’re evenly distributed.
- When adding milk and melted butter, stir gently. It’s okay if it’s a bit lumpy; this means your cobbler will be fluffy!
- Just fold it until you don’t see dry flour anymore—no need for perfection here!
This gentle approach keeps your batter light and airy, which is key to a fluffy cobbler that beautifully soaks up the peach juices as it bakes.
How to Make Southern Peach Cobbler?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Peach Filling:
- 4 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (or canned peaches, drained)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Serving:
- Ice cream or whipped cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Southern Peach Cobbler takes about 15 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll need to bake it for 35-45 minutes. So, plan for about 1 hour in total to have a warm and comforting dessert ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Peaches:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grab a mixing bowl and combine the sliced peaches, 1/2 cup of sugar, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Gently toss everything together so the peaches are well coated. Let this mixture sit for about 10 minutes to let the flavors blend.
2. Mix the Batter:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 cup of sugar, baking powder, and salt until everything is mixed well. Next, stir in the milk and melted butter into the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; don’t worry if the batter is a little lumpy—it will bake up perfectly!
3. Assemble the Cobbler:
Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or a large cast-iron skillet, spreading it out evenly. Then, gently spoon the peach mixture over the batter. Make sure not to stir it; the peaches will sink down into the batter as it cooks, creating that lovely cobbler texture.
4. Bake and Enjoy:
Place your cobbler in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes. It’s ready when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top if you like. Enjoy your delicious Southern Peach Cobbler!
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen peaches, just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mixing with the sugar and spices. This helps maintain the right consistency in your cobbler.
What If I Don’t Have All-Purpose Flour?
No worries! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. If you want a healthier option, whole wheat flour can also work, but keep in mind it may result in a denser cobbler.
How Should I Store Leftover Peach Cobbler?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual servings for a quick treat!
Can I Make This Cobbler Vegan?
Yes! To make it vegan, replace the milk with a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and use melted coconut oil or vegan butter instead of unsalted butter. Everything else can stay the same!
