The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe

Peach cobbler is a beloved dessert that perfectly captures the essence of summer. With its sweet, juicy peaches and a golden, buttery crust, The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe is ideal for gatherings, family dinners, or simply a comforting treat after a long day. This recipe combines classic southern flavors with an easy-to-follow method, ensuring every bite is rich and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal prep work and simple ingredients you likely already have at home.
• Deliciously Sweet: The combination of frozen peaches, sugars, and spices creates a rich flavor that will delight your taste buds.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Perfect as a dessert for holidays, potlucks, or just because you deserve a sweet treat.
• Comforting Texture: The contrast between soft peaches and the crumbly cobbler crust makes each bite irresistible.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite spices or serve it with ice cream for an extra special touch.

Tools and Preparation

To make The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to ensure perfect results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9×13 baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Pastry cutter or fork
• Spoon for mixing

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking Dish: A 9×13 dish allows for even baking and ample space for the cobbler to rise.
• Mixing Bowls: Using separate bowls helps keep ingredients organized while preparing your peach filling and cobbler topping.
• Pastry Cutter: This tool makes it easy to incorporate cold butter into flour, ensuring a flaky texture in your cobbler crust.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 2 bags Frozen peaches (20 ounces each)
– 1 cup Granulated sugar (white sugar)
– 1 cup Brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon Almond extract (optional but recommended)
– 1/2 tablespoon Cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon Nutmeg
– 2 teaspoons Corn starch
– 1 teaspoon Cream of tartar
– 1/2 stick Butter (unsalted, room temperature)
– 2 tablespoons Water
– 1 teaspoon Fresh lemon juice
– 2 cups All-purpose Flour
– 1/2 cup Granulated sugar (white sugar)
– 1/2 cup Brown sugar
– 2 teaspoons Baking powder
– 1 tablespoon Cinnamon (reserve 1/2 for garnishment)
– 1 stick Butter (unsalted cold)
– 1/4 cup Boiling hot water (see notes)
– 1/2 teaspoon Salt
– 3 tablespoons Granulated sugar (to dust top of cobbler)

How to Make The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your cobbler bakes evenly from the start.

Step 2: Prepare the Peaches

Spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray. In the same dish:
Add the frozen peaches.
Mix in both white and brown sugars, vanilla and almond extracts, cinnamon, nutmeg, corn starch, cream of tartar, butter, water, and lemon juice.

Step 3: Mix Ingredients Together

Stir until all ingredients are fully combined. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the oven for about 20 minutes.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

While the peaches are cooking:
In a separate bowl, combine all-purpose flour, both white and brown sugars, baking powder, salt, and half a tablespoon of cinnamon.

Step 5: Incorporate Cold Butter

Work cold butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your hands until it resembles coarse meal.

Step 6: Add Hot Water

Pour in boiling hot water and stir gently until just combined. The mixture should achieve a drop biscuit-like texture.

Step 7: Assemble the Cobbler

Remove peaches from the oven. Spoon dollops of cobbler dough over the peach mixture. Each piece should be about the size of a golf ball with small gaps between them.

Step 8: Garnish

Mix remaining granulated sugar with half a tablespoon of cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture over the dough before baking.

Step 9: Bake Until Golden Brown

Return the dish to the oven uncovered. Bake for an additional 30 to 45 minutes until the crust is golden brown. Check after about half an hour to ensure it’s not overcooked.

Enjoy your delicious homemade peach cobbler!

How to Serve The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe

Serving peach cobbler is an art that enhances the experience of this delightful dessert. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your enjoyment of The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe.

A La Mode

• Serve warm peach cobbler with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The creaminess of the ice cream complements the warm, sweet peaches perfectly.

Whipped Cream

• Top your peach cobbler with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. This adds a light and airy texture that balances the richness of the cobbler.

With Fresh Mint

• Garnish each serving with a sprig of fresh mint. The mint provides a refreshing contrast and adds a pop of color to the dish.

Drizzled with Honey

• Drizzle honey over the cobbler for an extra touch of sweetness. This works especially well if you prefer a more natural sweetener.

Served in Individual Portions

• For a more elegant presentation, serve peach cobbler in individual ramekins. This makes for a lovely dessert at dinner parties.

How to Perfect The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe

Perfecting your peach cobbler can take it from good to great! Here are some tips to ensure your The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe turns out amazing every time.

• Use ripe peaches: Choose fresh, ripe peaches when available for the best flavor. If using frozen, make sure they are high-quality and without added sugars.

• Adjust sweetness: Taste your peaches before adding sugar. Depending on their ripeness, you may want to adjust the amount of sugar used in the recipe.

• Don’t overmix dough: Mix your cobbler dough just until combined. Overworking it can lead to tough biscuits instead of tender ones.

• Monitor baking time: Keep an eye on your cobbler while it bakes. Ovens can vary, so check for doneness at 30 minutes and adjust as necessary.

• Let it cool slightly: Allow the cobbler to cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This helps thicken the filling and makes it easier to serve.

Best Side Dishes for The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe

Pairing side dishes with peach cobbler can create a well-rounded meal experience. Here are some delicious options that complement The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe beautifully.

1. Grilled Chicken: A simple grilled chicken breast seasoned with herbs makes for a savory contrast to the sweet dessert.

2. Cornbread: Classic southern cornbread is a perfect side; its slightly sweet flavor pairs well with peaches.

3. Collard Greens: These hearty greens offer a nutritious and flavorful side that balances out the sweetness of the cobbler.

4. Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad brings richness that contrasts nicely with warm peach flavors.

5. Biscuits and Gravy: For breakfast or brunch, serve biscuits smothered in gravy alongside peach cobbler for an indulgent treat.

6. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits provides freshness and acidity to cut through the sweetness of the dessert.

7. Ice Cream Float: Combine soda and ice cream for a fun beverage that pairs well with dessert, providing both refreshment and sweetness.

8. Pecan Pie: Another southern classic, pecan pie offers rich flavors that complement peach cobbler’s fruity notes beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Peach cobbler is a beloved dessert, but even the best recipes can go wrong. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe.

• Using fresh peaches instead of frozen: While fresh peaches can be delicious, they may not provide the same sweetness and consistency as frozen peaches in this recipe.
• Skipping the pre-baking step: Failing to pre-bake the peach mixture can lead to a soggy bottom crust. Always cover and cook the peaches before adding the cobbler topping.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Precision is key in baking. Use proper measuring cups and spoons to ensure you have the right amounts of flour, sugar, and other ingredients.
• Ignoring texture of the dough: The cobbler dough should resemble coarse meal. If it’s too wet or sticky, it won’t bake properly. Adjust with more flour if necessary.
• Overbaking or underbaking: Keep an eye on your cobbler as it bakes. Overbaking can make it dry, while underbaking may result in a gooey texture. Look for a golden-brown crust.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Ensure it cools completely before refrigeration to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer-safe container.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake uncovered for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual portions for about 30 seconds at a time until warm. Be cautious not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet on low heat with a splash of water and cover until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe.

Can I use fresh peaches instead of frozen?

Yes, but frozen peaches provide better consistency and sweetness for this recipe.

How do I know when my peach cobbler is done?

Look for a golden brown crust on top. A toothpick inserted into the dough should come out clean.

Can I customize this peach cobbler recipe?

Absolutely! You can add spices like ginger or nutmeg, or mix in other fruits for variety.

What should I serve with peach cobbler?

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delightful treat!

Final Thoughts

The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with different fruits or spices based on your preference. This comforting dessert is sure to impress at any gathering, so try it out today!