If you are craving a dessert that tastes like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe. This classic Southern treat is bursting with juicy peaches and perfectly spiced, tender biscuit topping that bakes up golden and irresistible. Whether you’re sharing it with family after dinner or bringing it to a friend’s barbecue, this cobbler has that comforting home-cooked magic that only Southern peaches can deliver.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, well-chosen ingredients that work together to create the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and texture. Each item plays a key role, from the luscious frozen peaches that provide the juicy base to the varying sugars that ensure just the right caramelized crust.
- Frozen peaches (2 bags, 20 ounces each): These juicy bites of summer bring authentic peach flavor all year round.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup + ½ cup + 3 tablespoons): Offers sweetness and helps create a caramelized crust on top.
- Brown sugar (1 cup + ½ cup): Adds depth and a hint of molasses that compliments the peaches beautifully.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Lifts the flavors and adds a warm, aromatic note.
- Almond extract (½ teaspoon, optional): A subtle nutty nuance that enhances the peach’s natural flavor.
- Cinnamon (½ tablespoon + 1 tablespoon): Provides a classic spice that permeates the filling and topping.
- Nutmeg (½ teaspoon): A hint of spice that enriches the overall flavor profile.
- Cornstarch (2 teaspoons): Thickens the juicy peach filling so it’s picture-perfect with each serving.
- Cream of tartar (1 teaspoon): Helps give the cobbler topping a tender texture.
- Unsalted butter (1½ sticks, divided): Adds richness to both the filling and the topping, key for that melt-in-your-mouth feeling.
- Water (2 tablespoons + ¼ cup boiling): Balances the dough moisture and helps activate the baking powder.
- Fresh lemon juice (1 teaspoon): Brings brightness and balances the sweetness of the peaches.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Creates the structure for the flaky, biscuit-like topping.
- Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Ensures your topping rises up light and fluffy.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the sweet and spicy notes for a well-rounded flavor.
How to Make The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Peach Filling
Start by heating your oven to 375°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. In the dish, toss together your frozen peaches with both sugars, vanilla and almond extracts, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, cream of tartar, half a stick of softened butter, water, and lemon juice. Give everything a good mix so the peaches soak in all those wonderful flavors. Cover your dish tightly with foil and pop it in the oven to bake for 20 minutes. This step softens the peaches and blends the spices into a luscious, bubbling filling.
Step 2: Make the Biscuit Dough
While your peaches are baking, combine flour, sugars, baking powder, salt, and half the cinnamon in a large bowl. Next, cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Then, gently stir in the boiling water just enough to form a biscuit-like dough. The warmth of the water activates the baking powder, helping your topping puff up perfectly in the oven.
Step 3: Top and Bake the Cobbler
Once your peaches have had their warm bath, carefully remove the foil and spoon dollops of the dough evenly over the fruit, keeping small gaps so the peaches peek through and the dough bakes evenly. In a small bowl, mix remaining cinnamon with sugar and sprinkle it generously over the top for a finishing touch. Bake uncovered for 30 to 45 minutes until the crust is a stunning golden brown and cooked through.
How to Serve The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe
Garnishes
Serving this peach cobbler warm is an absolute must. A scoop of cold vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream takes it to the next level and balances the warm spices with creamy coolness. For an extra special touch, sprinkle some toasted chopped pecans on top – they bring a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender peaches.
Side Dishes
This cobbler shines as a standalone dessert, but if you’re serving it at a Southern-inspired feast, pair it with classic treats like sweet tea, pecan pie, or buttermilk biscuits. It also complements light salads or grilled meats that balance savory and sweet flavors in the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, serve The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe in individual ramekins, sprinkled with tiny fresh peach slices or mint leaves. Alternatively, consider layering warm cobbler with whipped mascarpone cheese in a glass for a stunning parfait-style dessert that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your cobbler, make sure to cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store them in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, maintaining its juicy filling and tender biscuit topping.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this cobbler freezes well. Freeze it uncovered until the crust is solid, then wrap it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. It can be stored for up to 2 months without losing its delicious flavor or texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven until warm and bubbly again, usually about 15-20 minutes. This method helps keep the crust crisp on the outside and the filling piping hot. Avoid microwaving as it can make the topping soggy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peaches instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh, ripe peaches work beautifully in this recipe, especially when they’re in season. Just remember to peel and slice them, then reduce the baking time slightly to prevent overcooking.
Is almond extract necessary?
While it’s optional, the almond extract adds a lovely nutty depth that complements the peaches perfectly. If you don’t have it, just omit it; the cobbler will still taste amazing.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough in advance and keep it refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Bring it to room temperature before dolloping it over the peaches to ensure even baking.
What makes this the best Southern peach cobbler recipe?
It’s all about the balance of flavors and textures: sweet, spicy peaches with a perfectly fluffy biscuit topping that browns beautifully. The use of cream of tartar and boiling water in the dough gives it an authentic Southern texture that’s hard to beat.
How do I ensure the biscuit topping cooks evenly?
Leaving small gaps between the dough dollops allows steam to escape and heat to circulate, helping the biscuit topping cook through thoroughly without becoming soggy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that feels like a warm Southern welcome, I urge you to try The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that brings smiles, nostalgia, and satisfied sighs with every bite. Once you make it, it’s sure to become your own go-to treat that warms hearts all year round.
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The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
- Total Time: 50-60 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This classic Southern Peach Cobbler combines sweet, juicy peaches with a tender cinnamon-spiced biscuit topping. Featuring frozen peaches baked in a flavorful mixture of sugars, vanilla, almond extract, and warm spices, the dessert is crowned with buttery drop biscuits and a cinnamon sugar dusting. Perfectly golden and served warm, it’s an irresistible comfort dessert sure to delight any crowd.
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
Biscuit 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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Peach Filling: In the prepared baking dish, combine frozen peaches, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, cream of tartar, room temperature butter, water, and fresh lemon juice. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors. Cover the dish tightly with foil.
- Bake Peaches: Place the covered baking dish in the oven and bake the peach mixture for 20 minutes to soften the fruit and meld the flavors.
- Mix Dry Ingredients for Biscuit Topping: While the peaches are baking, in a large mixing bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and ½ tablespoon cinnamon reserved from before. Stir these dry ingredients together evenly.
- Incorporate Butter: Cut the cold butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers, working it in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This will create a flaky texture in the topping.
- Add Boiling Water: Carefully pour the boiling hot water into the flour mixture and stir gently just until the dough comes together, resembling a drop biscuit dough. Avoid overmixing to keep the topping tender.
- Top the Peach Filling: Remove the peach mixture from the oven and discard the foil. Using a spoon, drop golf ball-sized dollops of the biscuit dough over the peaches, leaving small gaps so the dough cooks evenly and the peaches can bake through.
- Sprinkle Sugar Cinnamon Topping: Mix the remaining ½ tablespoon cinnamon with 3 tablespoons granulated sugar. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the biscuit dollops to add crunch and spice as it bakes.
- Bake Cobbler Uncovered: Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for 30 to 45 minutes. Start checking at 30 minutes; the cobbler is done when the biscuit topping is golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve Warm: Allow the cobbler to cool slightly after removing from the oven. Serve warm to best enjoy the juicy peaches and soft cinnamon biscuit topping.
Notes
- Using frozen peaches makes this recipe accessible year-round and helps maintain a consistent texture.
- The almond extract is optional but adds a wonderful depth of flavor that complements the peaches.
- Be careful not to overmix the biscuit dough to keep it light and tender.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated; topping may lose some crispness.
