Description
Fresh Southern Peach Cobbler is a timeless dessert rooted deeply in Southern cooking tradition. Unlike crisps or crumbles, a true cobbler is defined by its signature batter that magically rises during baking—forming a golden, caramelized crust on top while soaking up the natural juices of ripe peaches below. The result is a dessert that’s both rustic and indulgent, bursting with warm spice, buttery richness, and sun-ripened peach flavor. Served warm with vanilla ice cream, this cobbler is the essence of Southern comfort.
Who Is This Recipe For?
This recipe is perfect for:
- Home bakers who love classic Southern desserts
- Anyone with access to fresh, ripe summer peaches
- Families looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert
- Beginners who want an easy, foolproof baked dish
- Hosts needing a comforting dessert for gatherings or holidays
Why It’s Great
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- Highlights the natural sweetness of fresh peaches
- Authentic Southern batter-style cobbler (not cake, not crumble)
- Easy to prepare with no special equipment
- Delicious warm or cold, and even better with ice cream
Ingredients
Peach Filling
- 6–8 large ripe peaches, peeled and cut into thick slices
- 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust depending on sweetness of peaches)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Cobbler Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup whole milk, room temperature
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
For Serving
- High-quality vanilla bean ice cream
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- 9×13-inch baking dish or similar
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Vegetable peeler
- Knife and cutting board
How to Make Fresh Southern Peach Cobbler
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine sliced peaches, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Stir gently and set aside.
- Pour melted butter into the baking dish, spreading evenly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add milk and mix until smooth—do not overmix.
- Carefully pour the batter over the melted butter. Do not stir.
- Spoon the peach mixture evenly over the batter. Again, do not mix.
- Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, until golden brown and bubbling.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze fully baked cobbler for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F or microwave individual portions.
FAQ
Can I use canned or frozen peaches?
Yes. Drain canned peaches well, or thaw and pat dry frozen peaches to avoid excess liquid.
Do I need to peel the peaches?
Peeling is recommended for the best texture, but it’s optional if you prefer a more rustic result.
Why does the batter rise through the fruit?
The baking powder causes the batter to lift as it bakes, creating the classic cobbler texture.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Absolutely. Adjust sugar based on how sweet your peaches are.
Is this cobbler supposed to be gooey?
Yes—Southern cobbler has a soft, juicy bottom with a crisp, golden top.
Conclusion
This Fresh Southern Peach Cobbler is more than just dessert—it’s a celebration of summer, tradition, and simple ingredients done right. With its bubbling fruit, buttery crust, and warm spice, it delivers comfort in every bite. Whether served at a family gathering or enjoyed quietly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this cobbler remains a beloved Southern classic that never goes out of style.
