Description
Craving a classic, comforting dessert that’s bursting with summer flavor? This Peach Cobbler is the perfect treat, featuring juicy, spiced peaches topped with a golden, buttery topping. With its warm, spiced filling and tender, cake-like crust, this Southern-inspired dessert is ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
With a short list of ingredients, this recipe highlights the natural sweetness of peaches and a rich, buttery topping. Use ripe yellow peaches for the best flavor.
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Topping:
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140 g (1 ⅛ cups) all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the tender, cake-like topping.
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100 g (½ cup) granulated sugar: Sweetens the topping and helps it brown.
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1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives the topping a light, airy rise.
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¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
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175 g (¾ cup) milk: Adds moisture for a soft, cakey texture.
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100 g (7 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted: Creates a rich, golden crust.
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds a warm, sweet note.
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Peach Filling:
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3 yellow peaches: Provide juicy, sweet flavor and vibrant color.
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½ a lemon, juiced: Brightens the filling and prevents browning.
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50 g (¼ cup) brown sugar: Adds caramel-like sweetness.
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2 tablespoons cornstarch: Thickens the filling for a syrupy consistency.
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the peach flavor.
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½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice.
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½ teaspoon ground ginger: Brings a subtle, zesty kick.
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½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Complements the peaches with a nutty, warm note.
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Substitutions and Variations:
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Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk (e.g., almond or oat) and vegan butter.
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Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
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Lower Sugar: Reduce granulated sugar to 70 g and brown sugar to 30 g, or use a sugar substitute.
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Fruit Swap: Replace peaches with nectarines, plums, or a mix of peaches and berries.
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Flavor Boost: Add ¼ teaspoon almond extract to the filling or a pinch of cardamom for extra depth.
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Why These Ingredients Matter: The ripe peaches deliver juicy sweetness, the spices add warmth, and the buttery topping creates a tender, golden crust that balances the fruit’s tartness.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Tip: Place a baking tray under the baking dish to catch any bubbling juices during baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Topping
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 140 g all-purpose flour, 100 g granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt until combined.
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Add 175 g milk, 100 g melted unsalted butter, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Whisk until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the topping tender.
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Set the topping mixture aside.
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Tip: Whisk gently to avoid overworking the batter, which can make the topping dense.
Step 3: Prepare the Peach Filling
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Blanch the Peaches: Fill a large bowl with ice water and set aside. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Gently lower 3 yellow peaches into the simmering water and blanch for 30–60 seconds. Remove and immediately submerge in the ice water until fully cooled.
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Peel and Slice: Pinch the peach skin to create an opening or use a knife to score a line. Peel off the skin (it should come off easily). Cut peaches into ½-inch slices.
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Mix the Filling: In a 9-inch round baking dish, combine the sliced peaches with the juice of ½ a lemon, 50 g brown sugar, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ginger, and ½ teaspoon nutmeg. Toss until the peaches are evenly coated.
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Tip: Choose ripe but firm peaches for the best texture, and toss gently to avoid bruising the fruit.
Step 4: Assemble
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Pour the topping mixture over the peach filling in the baking dish. Don’t worry about covering every spot—some exposed peaches add a rustic charm.
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Tip: Spread the batter gently to ensure it reaches the edges, but leave some gaps for the filling to bubble through.
Step 5: Bake
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Place the baking dish on a baking tray to catch any spills.
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Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 60–65 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
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Tip: Check for doneness by ensuring the topping is set and lightly crisp; the filling should be thickened and syrupy.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
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Let the cobbler cool for at least 1 hour to allow the filling to set.
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Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
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Tip: Serve in bowls to capture the juicy filling, and reheat leftovers briefly for a warm, fresh taste.