If you are craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug from the South, look no further than The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe. This classic treat is bursting with juicy peaches coated in a tender, spiced biscuit crust, striking the perfect balance between sweet and comforting. Every bite sings with fresh peach flavor, a hint of cinnamon, and that buttery crust you just can’t resist. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this cobbler brings a touch of Southern charm right to your table and promises smiles all around.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each component plays a key role, from the luscious frozen peaches that provide juicy sweetness to the mix of spices that awaken the aroma and flavor. The combination of sugars adds depth and caramelized notes, while the two types of butter — room temperature and cold — create a crust that’s both flaky and tender.
- Frozen peaches (2 bags, 20 ounces each): Using frozen peaches keeps the flavor consistent year-round and saves you prep time.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup + ½ cup + 3 tablespoons): Sweetens the peaches and adds a crunchy sugar topping on the crust for texture.
- Brown sugar (1 cup + ½ cup): Gives a rich, molasses undertone to both the filling and the crust.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness and adds warmth to the peach filling.
- Almond extract (½ teaspoon, optional): Adds a subtle nutty hint that perfectly complements the peaches.
- Cinnamon (½ tablespoon + 1 tablespoon): Essential for that signature Southern flavor and the comforting spice aroma.
- Nutmeg (½ teaspoon): Provides a subtle spicy depth that enhances the overall spice profile.
- Cornstarch (2 teaspoons): Thickens the peach juices, giving the filling a luscious, pudding-like consistency.
- Cream of tartar (1 teaspoon): Helps stabilize the filling and keeps the peaches bright and fresh.
- Unsalted butter (½ stick room temperature + 1 stick cold): Butter lends richness to the filling and creates the flaky, golden crust.
- Water (2 tablespoons + ¼ cup boiling hot): Hydrates the filling and brings the dough together just right.
- Fresh lemon juice (1 teaspoon): Brightens the peach flavor and balances the sweetness.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The base for the biscuit topping, providing structure and a tender crumb.
- Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Leavens the biscuit dough for a light, fluffy crust.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
How to Make The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray to make sure your cobbler won’t stick. This step sets the stage for baking your peaches to perfection and creating a golden crust without any fuss.
Step 2: Combine the Peach Filling
In your greased baking dish, toss together the frozen peaches, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla and almond extracts, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, cream of tartar, room temperature butter, water, and lemon juice. Mixing all these ingredients well allows the sugars and spices to coat the peaches thoroughly, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor. Cover the dish with foil before baking to trap steam and create a juicy filling.
Step 3: Bake the Peaches
Bake the covered peach mixture for 20 minutes. This initial bake softens the peaches and thickens the juices, so they become perfect for the cobbler topping that follows. It’s the foundation of that luscious fruit base you’re aiming for.
Step 4: Prepare the Biscuit Topping
While the peaches are baking, mix together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and ½ tablespoon cinnamon in a large bowl. Then, cut in the cold unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This technique creates those signature flaky layers in your crust, which is absolutely essential for The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe.
Step 5: Make the Dough
Stir boiling hot water into the flour and butter mixture gently just until everything comes together into a drop biscuit-like dough. Be careful not to over-mix here — you want tender biscuits, not tough ones. The warmth of the water melts some butter and brings your dough into perfect shape.
Step 6: Top the Peaches
When the peaches have baked, take the dish out and spoon dollops of your dough over the filling in golf ball sizes, leaving small gaps so the crust can bake through properly. This rustic, uneven topping is part of the charm and allows the juicy peaches to peek through.
Step 7: Sprinkle and Bake
Mix the remaining ½ tablespoon cinnamon with the 3 tablespoons of sugar and sprinkle this over the dough for a beautifully spiced, crunchy crust. Bake uncovered for 30 to 45 minutes, checking after 30 minutes. You want the topping golden brown and cooked through — that caramelized sugar-spice blend is pure magic.
Step 8: Serve Warm and Enjoy!
Once baked, let it cool just slightly to set before serving this soul-soothing cobbler. A warm slice of this dessert is simply irresistible and guarantees smiles all around your table.
How to Serve The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe
Garnishes
Top your peach cobbler with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the most classic Southern experience. Fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of toasted pecans add a nice contrast both in flavor and texture, turning this humble cobbler into something truly special.
Side Dishes
This cobbler shines as a dessert on its own, but pairing it with a light, refreshing salad or crispy fried chicken makes for an unforgettable Southern feast. A cup of strong black coffee or a lightly sweetened iced tea complements its sweetness beautifully if you want a balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your cobbler in individual ramekins for a charming presentation perfect for dinner parties or holiday meals. You can also turn it into parfaits layered with Greek yogurt or mascarpone for a delightful breakfast twist that still carries the heart of The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The peach cobbler actually tastes better after resting as the flavors meld together, so leftovers are a treat in their own right. Just make sure to keep it covered to prevent the crust from drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cobbler in a freezer-safe dish or portioned into containers for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil to avoid freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the texture and flavor of The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy. If desired, add a little extra sprinkle of cinnamon sugar before reheating to refresh the crust’s delightful crunch.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peaches instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh peaches can work wonderfully when they’re in season. Just peel and slice about 4 to 5 cups of peaches, and you might want to adjust the sugar slightly depending on their sweetness. Frozen peaches are great for convenience and consistent flavor year-round.
Is almond extract really necessary?
While the almond extract is optional, it truly elevates the flavor by adding a subtle, nutty warmth that pairs beautifully with peaches. If you don’t have it, vanilla extract alone will still give you a delicious cobbler.
What can I substitute for cream of tartar?
If you don’t have cream of tartar, you can leave it out. It helps stabilize the peach filling and brightness but isn’t essential. A small squeeze of extra lemon juice can compensate in terms of acidity.
Can I make this cobbler gluten-free?
Yes, swapping all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup will work. Just make sure your blend contains xanthan gum or another binder for the best texture in the biscuit topping.
How do I get the perfect flaky biscuit topping?
Cold butter is key. Cut it into the dry ingredients just until pea-sized crumbs form, and don’t over-mix when adding water. Handling the dough gently keeps the butter cold and creates those irresistible flaky layers.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe to fill your kitchen with warm, inviting aromas and your heart with happy memories. It’s truly a dessert that’s simple to make but unforgettable to eat—perfect for sharing with family and friends. I promise, once you try it, this cobbler will become a beloved staple in your recipe collection, ready to brighten any day or occasion. So grab those peaches and get baking—your sweetest Southern treat awaits!
Print
The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This Southern Peach Cobbler recipe features tender, juicy peaches baked under a buttery, cinnamon-spiced biscuit topping. Perfect for a cozy dessert, this classic dish combines the sweetness of peaches with warm spices and a crisp, golden crust, making it a comforting treat ideal for family gatherings or any time you crave a taste of Southern hospitality.
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
Cobbler 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 of cobbler)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine peach filling ingredients: In the baking dish, mix the frozen peaches, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, cream of tartar, room temperature butter, water, and fresh lemon juice thoroughly.
- Bake peaches covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake the peach mixture for 20 minutes to soften the peaches and blend flavors.
- Prepare the cobbler topping dry mix: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and ½ tablespoon of cinnamon.
- Cut in the butter: Cut the cold butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, ensuring a flaky texture.
- Add boiling water to form dough: Carefully stir in the boiling hot water just until the dough comes together like drop biscuit dough, avoiding overmixing.
- Spoon topping onto peaches: Remove the peaches from the oven and spoon the cobbler dough in golf ball-sized dollops over the peach filling, leaving small gaps for even cooking.
- Sprinkle cinnamon sugar topping: Combine the remaining ½ tablespoon cinnamon with 3 tablespoons granulated sugar and sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cobbler dough dollops.
- Bake uncovered: Bake the cobbler uncovered for 30 to 45 minutes, checking at 30 minutes. The topping is ready when golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve warm: Remove the cobbler from the oven and serve warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For the best flavor, use ripe frozen peaches or thaw slightly before mixing.
- The almond extract enhances the peach flavor but is optional if you prefer to omit it.
- Make sure the boiling water is added gently to avoid overworking the biscuit dough for a tender topping.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
