Classic Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe
Nothing says summer in the South quite like pulling a bubbling, golden peach cobbler straight from the oven—especially when it’s this Classic Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe. Overflowing with juicy peaches and crowned with a sweet, buttery crust, every bite is a nostalgic trip to porch swings and sunshine. Whether you’re a cobbler connoisseur or baking it for the first time, this recipe guarantees flavor, comfort, and a dash of old-fashioned hospitality that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Classic Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe shines thanks to its beautifully simple ingredients. Each one brings something special—juicy peaches for sweetness and color, spices for warmth, and a magical batter that rises up to cradle all that luscious fruit.
- Fresh Peaches (8 cups): Ripe, juicy peaches are the heart of this recipe—use fresh for unbeatable flavor and color.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup for peaches, 1 cup for batter): Sugar not only sweetens but also draws out the wonderful juices and helps create that caramelized top.
- Ground Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Just the right pinch infuses the filling with comforting warmth.
- Ground Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Nutmeg adds subtle fragrance and depth.
- Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon): A splash of lemon brightens the peaches and balances their sweetness.
- Cornstarch (2 teaspoons, optional): For those who prefer a thicker filling—it helps soak up extra peach juices.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 cup): Forms the sturdy yet tender batter for the cobbler top.
- Baking Powder (1 teaspoon): Essential for lift and lightness in the fluffy crust.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): A small amount that makes every other flavor pop.
- Whole Milk (1 cup): Adds richness and creates a smooth, pourable batter.
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, melted): The secret to a golden, irresistible crust—don’t skip it!
- Optional Topping (2 tablespoons sugar + 1 teaspoon cinnamon): For that final sweet, crackly finish.
How to Make Classic Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Before you start mixing, set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot when your cobbler is ready. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a deep ovenproof skillet with butter or nonstick spray—this helps ensure every delicious piece lifts out with ease.
Step 2: Prepare the Peaches
In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the peeled and sliced peaches with 1 cup of sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and (if desired) cornstarch. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes. This rest time helps the sugar draw out the peach juices and lets the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 3: Make the Batter
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the milk, stirring until smooth (don’t worry if it’s a little lumpy). Pour in the melted butter and stir just until everything is combined. Do not overmix, or you’ll lose out on that tender cobbler topping.
Step 4: Assemble the Cobbler
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, laying it out evenly. Next, spoon the soaked peaches and their syrup over the top of the batter—no need to stir it in! As it bakes, the batter will rise up between the peaches, creating pockets of golden crust and thick, fruity filling.
Step 5: Add Optional Topping
If you’re a fan of a sweet crunch, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the peaches before baking. It bakes into a sparkly, extra-flavorful crust that’s absolutely irresistible.
Step 6: Bake
Slide your dish into the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The cobbler is ready when the top is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the crust comes out clean. The peach juices will bubble up around the edges—this is a sign of cobbler perfection!
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow your Classic Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe to cool for a few minutes—if you can resist! Serve it warm, ideally with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream or homemade whipped cream. Each serving is a gorgeous, gooey, golden masterpiece.
How to Serve Classic Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe
Garnishes
A classic dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream turns this cobbler into a show-stopping dessert. For a little color and tang, consider a sprinkle of fresh mint or a dusting of powdered sugar on top just before serving.
Side Dishes
While the cobbler can certainly stand on its own, it pairs beautifully with a light fruit salad, a citrusy sorbet, or even a handful of toasted pecans on the side. Each bite balances out the warm, rich flavors of the Classic Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking and serving the cobbler in individual ramekins for a personal touch at dinner parties. You can also layer it parfait-style in mason jars with extra peaches and cream, or offer it as a brunch dish alongside coffee for a delightfully unexpected treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep the cobbler’s flavor and texture at their best, cover the baking dish tightly and refrigerate any leftovers. The Classic Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe will keep well for up to 3 days—just be sure to let it cool completely before storing.
Freezing
Cobbler is surprisingly freezer-friendly! Once fully cooled, wrap the dish in plastic wrap and foil, or portion individual servings into airtight containers. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months, and enjoy ripe summer flavors even in the dead of winter.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the cobbler in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and the top crisps up again. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave, though the crust will be softer—still delicious with a scoop of ice cream!
FAQs
Can I use canned or frozen peaches?
Absolutely! While fresh peaches are classic, canned or thawed frozen peaches work beautifully in the off-season. Just be sure to drain canned peaches or thaw and drain frozen ones to avoid excess liquid.
Is the cornstarch necessary?
Cornstarch is optional, but it helps thicken the peach filling, especially if your fruit is very juicy. If you prefer a looser, saucier cobbler, you can leave it out.
Can I add other fruits to this cobbler?
Definitely—many Southern cooks mix berries, plums, or nectarines with peaches for a fun twist. Just keep the total fruit volume similar to the recipe for best results.
How do I know when the cobbler is done?
Look for a deep golden-brown crust, bubbling fruit around the edges, and a toothpick inserted in the crust that comes out mostly clean. Also, your kitchen will smell amazing!
Can I make the cobbler in advance?
You can assemble the peach filling and batter a few hours ahead, but for the best texture, bake the Classic Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe just before serving. Leftovers reheat well, so don’t stress if you have extras!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to create a little Southern magic in your own kitchen, you can’t go wrong with this Classic Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe. It’s simple, soul-satisfying, and destined to make you and your loved ones smile. Grab some juicy peaches, preheat that oven, and treat yourself—you absolutely deserve it!
Print
Classic Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of the South with this Classic Southern Peach Cobbler recipe. Sweet, juicy peaches are nestled beneath a golden, buttery crust for a dessert that sings of summer. Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream for a truly delightful treat.
Ingredients
For the Peaches:
- 8 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (about 6–7 large peaches)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for peaches)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
For the Batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for batter)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
Optional Topping:
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for sprinkling on top
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Peaches: Combine peaches, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Let sit for 10 minutes.
- Make the Batter: Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, milk, and melted butter.
- Assemble the Cobbler: Pour batter into dish, top with peach mixture without stirring.
- Add Optional Topping: Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture over peaches.
- Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool slightly before serving with ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
- You can use frozen peaches if fresh ones are not in season.
- This cobbler is best enjoyed warm but also tastes great at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Southern, Peach Cobbler, Dessert, Easy, Comfort Food
