Description
Ever wanted to enjoy a classic peach cobbler without heating up the kitchen or spending hours baking? Slow-Cooker Peach Cobbler is the perfect recipe! This delightful dessert combines juicy, fresh peaches with a tender, cinnamon-spiced batter, all cooked effortlessly in a slow cooker.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Batter:
- 1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1/4 cup 2% milk, warmed
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- For the Peach Filling:
- 6 cups sliced, peeled fresh peaches (about 6 large)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Optional Topping:
- Vanilla ice cream
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Flour, Sugar, Baking Powder, Cinnamon, Salt: Form a tender, slightly sweet batter with a warm, spiced flavor.
- Egg, Milk, Butter: Create a thick, moist batter that bakes into a cake-like topping.
- Fresh Peaches: The star of the dish, providing juicy, sweet-tart flavor and vibrant color.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a caramel-like sweetness to the peaches.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens the peach flavor and balances sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the peaches with a warm, aromatic note.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Adds a creamy, cool contrast to the warm cobbler (optional but classic).
Substitutions and Variations
- Peaches: Use canned peaches (drained, about 6 cups) or frozen peaches (thawed) if fresh aren’t available.
- Flour: Swap with gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
- Milk: Use whole milk, almond milk, or oat milk for dietary preferences.
- Butter: Replace with margarine or a dairy-free butter alternative.
- Sugar: Reduce to 1 tablespoon in the batter or use a sugar substitute.
- Brown Sugar: Swap with maple syrup or honey for a different sweetness.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and check vanilla extract for additives.
- Lower Sugar: Use half the brown sugar or a sugar-free peach filling.
- Spiced Up: Add 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg or ginger to the batter.
- Mixed Fruit: Combine peaches with 1 cup blueberries or raspberries for a twist.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
- Grease a 5-quart slow cooker.
- Peel and slice 6 large fresh peaches to yield 6 cups.
- Measure 1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour (divided), 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/8 teaspoon salt for the batter.
- Warm 1/4 cup 2% milk (microwave for 10-15 seconds) and melt 2 tablespoons butter.
- Ensure 1 large egg is at room temperature.
- Measure 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract for the peaches.
Tip: Peeling peaches is easier if you blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer to ice water.
Step 2: Make the Batter
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk 1 cup flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/8 teaspoon salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk 1 large egg, 1/4 cup warmed milk, and 2 tablespoons melted butter until smooth.
- Combine: Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir just until moistened. The batter will be thick and slightly lumpy.
Tip: Don’t overmix to keep the batter light and tender.
Step 3: Assemble in the Slow Cooker
- Spread Batter: Spread the batter evenly onto the bottom of the greased 5-quart slow cooker.
- Prepare Peaches: In a large bowl, combine 6 cups sliced peaches, 1/4 cup flour, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract. Toss to coat.
- Add Peaches: Spoon the peach mixture evenly over the batter.
Tip: The batter rises slightly, so ensure peaches are spread evenly for consistent cooking.
Step 4: Cook
- Cover and cook on High for 1.75-2 hours, until the peach mixture is bubbly and the batter is set (a toothpick inserted in the batter should come out clean).
Tip: Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain heat; check at 1.5 hours if your slow cooker runs hot.
Step 5: Serve
- Scoop warm cobbler into bowls and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired.