Description

Ever wondered what summer tastes like in a single bite? Picture juicy, ripe peaches baked under a golden, buttery topping that’s just the right mix of crispy and soft. That’s the magic of Fresh Southern Peach Cobbler! This classic Southern dessert is like a warm hug from the South, perfect for family gatherings, barbecues, or a cozy night in.

Ingredients

Scale

You only need a handful of ingredients to create Fresh Southern Peach Cobbler, and they’re all about highlighting those juicy peaches. Here’s what you’ll need for 4 servings:

8 fresh peaches (peeled, pitted, and sliced into thin wedges): The star of the dish, bringing sweet, juicy flavor.
¼ cup white sugar (for filling): Sweetens the peaches and helps create a syrupy base.
¼ cup brown sugar (for filling): Adds a caramel-like depth to the filling.
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for filling): Warms up the flavor of the peaches.
⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle, nutty spice note.
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice: Brightens the peach flavor and prevents browning.
2 teaspoons cornstarch: Thickens the peach juices into a luscious sauce.
1 cup all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the cobbler topping.
¼ cup white sugar (for topping): Sweetens the biscuit-like topping.
¼ cup brown sugar (for topping): Adds richness to the topping.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the topping rise and become fluffy.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness in the topping.
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces: Creates a buttery, crumbly texture.
¼ cup boiling water: Brings the topping together into a soft dough.
3 tablespoons white sugar (for sprinkling): Adds a sweet crunch to the top.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for sprinkling): Enhances the topping with warm spice.

Why These Ingredients Matter

Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches are key for that juicy, summery flavor. They soften and release their juices during baking, creating a delicious filling.
Brown Sugar: Its molasses-like flavor adds depth to both the filling and topping.
Cornstarch: Ensures the peach filling isn’t too runny, creating a perfect sauce consistency.
Butter: Cold butter in the topping creates a flaky, crumbly texture that contrasts with the soft peaches.

Substitutions and Variations

Peaches: Use canned peaches (drained) or frozen peaches (thawed) if fresh aren’t available. About 4 cups of sliced peaches will do.
Flour: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free cobbler.
Sugar: Replace brown sugar with coconut sugar for a different flavor profile.
Spices: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom for a unique twist.
Vegan Option: Use vegan butter and a plant-based milk alternative (mixed with a bit of vinegar) in place of butter and water.

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Peel, pit, and slice 8 fresh peaches into thin wedges. If peaches are hard to peel, blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer to ice water to loosen the skins.

Tip: Choose ripe but firm peaches for the best texture. Overly soft peaches can turn mushy when baked.

Step 2: Make the Peach Filling

In a large bowl, combine the sliced peaches, ¼ cup white sugar, ¼ cup brown sugar, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and 2 teaspoons cornstarch.
Toss gently until the peaches are evenly coated.
Pour the peach mixture into a 2-quart baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Bake the peaches in the preheated oven for 10 minutes to soften and start releasing their juices.

Tip: Stir the peaches gently to avoid breaking them, ensuring even coating for a consistent filling.

Step 3: Prepare the Cobbler Topping

In another large bowl, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, ¼ cup white sugar, ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt.
Add 6 tablespoons of chilled, cubed butter and blend it in with your fingertips or a pastry blender until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
Stir in ¼ cup boiling water until the mixture forms a soft, just-combined dough.

Tip: Keep the butter cold for a flaky topping. Work quickly to avoid melting it with your hands.

Step 4: Assemble the Cobbler

Remove the peaches from the oven after 10 minutes.
Drop spoonfuls of the topping dough over the hot peaches, spreading it out slightly but leaving some gaps for a rustic look.
In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons white sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Sprinkle this evenly over the topping.

Tip: Don’t worry about making the topping perfect—its uneven, rustic look is part of the cobbler’s charm!

Step 5: Bake and Serve

Bake the cobbler for 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbly.
Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving to let the juices set slightly.

Tip: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the ultimate treat.