Go Back
Adam

Southern Peach Cobbler – A Classic Comfort Dessert with Sweet, Juicy Flavor

Nothing evokes the warmth of Southern hospitality like a bubbling tray of homemade peach cobbler. With its juicy, syrupy peaches tucked beneath (or sometimes above!) a fluffy, golden-brown crust, this dessert is a soulful tribute to tradition. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed cold the next morning for breakfast, Southern peach cobbler is as timeless as it is delicious. 🥄🍑 In this guide, you’ll learn how to craft the perfect cobbler using pantry staples, fresh or canned peaches, and that unmistakable touch of buttered comfort. Let’s bake some sweetness into your day, Southern style.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Bake Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

🍑 For the Peach Filling:
  • 6 –7 fresh peaches peeled and sliced (or 2 (15 oz) cans, drained)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg optional for depth
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour for thickening
🍰 For the Cobbler Topping:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup milk
  • ½ cup butter 1 stick, melted
  • Optional Topping:
  • 1 tbsp sugar mixed with ½ tsp cinnamon for sprinkling

Method
 

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or a deep pie dish with a bit of butter or nonstick spray.
Step 2: Make the Peach Mixture
  1. In a large bowl, mix:
  2. Peaches (fresh or canned)
  3. White sugar
  4. Brown sugar
  5. Cinnamon
  6. Nutmeg
  7. Lemon juice
  8. Vanilla extract
  9. 2 tbsp flour
  10. Stir until the peaches are well coated and the sugar begins to dissolve. Set aside to macerate.
Step 3: Mix the Batter
  1. In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  2. 1 cup flour
  3. 1 cup sugar
  4. Baking powder
  5. Salt
  6. Then stir in milk until you have a smooth batter.
  7. Pour the melted butter into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Then pour the batter on top of the butter — do not stir.
Step 4: Add the Peaches
  1. Spoon the peach mixture (with juices) evenly over the batter. Again, do not stir — the batter will rise up and around the fruit as it bakes.
  2. Sprinkle the top with your cinnamon-sugar mix if desired for extra sparkle and flavor.
Step 5: Bake the Cobbler
  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set. The peach syrup should be bubbling around the edges.
  2. Let cool slightly before serving — the filling will thicken as it rests.

Notes

🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Classic: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Breakfast Style: Enjoy chilled or room temp with coffee the next morning.
Extra Indulgent: Drizzle with caramel sauce or a splash of heavy cream.
Savory Contrast: Pair with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese (yes, it’s a thing!).
🔄 Variations
🧈 Buttermilk Biscuit Cobbler
Replace milk in the batter with buttermilk for a tangy biscuit-style topping.
🥥 Coconut Peach Cobbler
Add ½ cup shredded coconut to the topping and 1 tsp coconut extract to the peaches.
🥭 Mixed Fruit Cobbler
Combine peaches with blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a summer fruit mix.
🍷 Boozy Twist
Add 1 tbsp bourbon or spiced rum to the peach mixture before baking.
🌾 Gluten-Free Version
Use a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend in both the filling and topping.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage
Store cooled cobbler in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating
Oven: Warm at 325°F for 10–15 minutes.
Microwave: Reheat single servings in 30-second bursts.
Freezing
Freeze fully baked and cooled cobbler for up to 2 months.
Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as above.
❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use canned or frozen peaches?
Yes! Canned (drained) or frozen (thawed and drained) peaches work beautifully when fresh aren’t in season.
2. What’s the difference between a cobbler and a crisp?
Cobbler has a biscuit or cake-like topping, while a crisp includes oats and a crumbly streusel top.
3. Do I need to peel the peaches?
Peeling is ideal for smoother texture but not required. The skins soften during baking.
4. Can I make this in advance?
Yes! Assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5 extra minutes to bake time.
5. How do I know when it's done?
The top should be golden and the filling bubbling. A toothpick in the topping should come out clean.
6. What’s the best way to thicken the filling?
A little flour or cornstarch mixed into the peach mixture helps prevent a runny cobbler.
7. Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes. Reduce both white and brown sugar in the filling by ¼ cup each without losing flavor.
8. Can I add nuts?
Chopped pecans or almonds make a great crunchy topping.
9. How do I prevent soggy cobbler?
Use a hot oven, don’t overfill with fruit juice, and avoid covering during baking.
10. What spices pair well with peaches?
Cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, ginger, and even clove all work beautifully.
💡 Pro Tips for a Perfect Peach Cobbler
Use ripe but firm peaches for the best texture.
Don’t stir the batter and fruit — layering is key to the classic Southern look.
Bake until the edges bubble and the top is deep golden brown.
Let it rest before serving — the filling sets up as it cools.
Double the recipe for a crowd and bake in a 9x13 dish.
🏁 Conclusion
This Southern Peach Cobbler is more than just dessert — it’s heritage in a bowl. With its golden crust, warm peachy filling, and just the right amount of sweetness, this classic recipe brings comfort and joy to every occasion.
Whether you’re serving it on a sultry summer evening or warming up your kitchen in the winter, this cobbler never fails to deliver smiles. 🍑✨
One bite in and you’ll know — this is the peach cobbler recipe you’ve been looking for.