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The Best Peach Cobbler – A Classic Southern Dessert with Juicy Peaches & Golden Crust

Peach cobbler is more than just dessert—it's a warm memory on a plate. Whether served at a family cookout, a Sunday dinner, or as a weeknight indulgence, The Best Peach Cobbler brings together juicy summer peaches, sweet cinnamon spice, and a golden biscuit-like topping that’s crisp on the outside and soft underneath. This classic Southern recipe is simple, rustic, and irresistibly comforting. Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of heavy cream, it’s the kind of dish that makes you sigh with happiness at the first bite. And trust us—this version truly earns its title as “The Best.”
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Cooling time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Peach Filling
  • 8 ripe peaches about 2 ½–3 lbs, peeled and sliced
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar packed
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
For the Cobbler Topping
  • 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
  • ¾ cup whole milk
  • Optional: cinnamon sugar for sprinkling

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium saucepan
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rubber spatula
  • Whisk
  • Oven mitts
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

Step 1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Lightly butter or spray a 9x13 baking dish and set aside.
Step 2. Prepare the Peaches
  1. Peel, pit, and slice your peaches into ½-inch wedges.
  2. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine:
  3. Sliced peaches
  4. ¾ cup sugar
  5. ¼ cup brown sugar
  6. 1 tbsp lemon juice
  7. 1 tbsp cornstarch
  8. 1 tsp cinnamon
  9. 1 tsp vanilla
  10. Pinch of salt
  11. Stir gently and simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened and syrupy.
Step 3. Pour Peach Mixture Into Dish
  1. Carefully transfer the hot peach filling into your prepared baking dish.
  2. Spread evenly with a spatula.
Step 4. Make the Topping
  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
  2. 1 ¼ cups flour
  3. 1 cup sugar
  4. 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  5. ½ tsp salt
  6. Add ¾ cup milk and stir just until combined.
  7. Pour in ½ cup melted butter and mix until a thick batter forms.
Step 5. Spoon Batter Over Peaches
  1. Drop batter by large spoonfuls evenly over the peaches.
  2. Don’t stir—it will naturally spread and bake into a golden top.
  3. Optional: Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for extra flavor and crunch.
Step 6. Bake the Cobbler
  1. Bake at 375°F for 35–45 minutes, or until topping is golden brown and filling is bubbly.
  2. A toothpick inserted into the topping should come out clean.
Step 7. Cool and Serve
  1. Let cool for 10–15 minutes before serving.
  2. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a splash of heavy cream.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store tightly covered for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Wrap individual portions in foil and freeze up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm in the microwave (30–60 seconds) or in a 325°F oven for 10–15 minutes.
🥄 Variations
Berry-Peach Cobbler: Add 1 cup of blueberries or blackberries for added color and tartness.
Buttermilk Topping: Use buttermilk instead of regular milk for a tangy twist.
Crisp-Cobbler Combo: Add a handful of oats and brown sugar to the topping for crunch.
Cast Iron Cobbler: Bake in a 10-inch cast iron skillet for a rustic look and deeper flavor.
Spiced Peach Cobbler: Add nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger for a cozy upgrade.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Do I need to peel the peaches?
Yes, peeling gives a smoother texture. You can blanch them for easy peeling, or leave skins on for a rustic style.
2. Can I use canned or frozen peaches?
Yes. Drain canned peaches well. Thaw and drain frozen peaches before using. Reduce sugar slightly if peaches are in syrup.
3. Why is my cobbler soggy?
Most likely underbaked. Bake until topping is firm and golden and filling is bubbling around the edges.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the peach filling and topping separately. Assemble and bake right before serving, or bake and reheat when needed.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—use a larger dish or two 9x13 pans. Increase baking time slightly.
6. Is this recipe very sweet?
It has a balanced sweetness. You can reduce the sugar slightly in both filling and topping if you prefer it less sweet.
7. What type of peaches are best?
Freestone peaches are best for easy slicing. Yellow peaches are more tart, while white peaches are sweeter and milder.
8. Can I use a boxed cake mix topping?
You can, but this homemade version is far more flavorful and textured.
9. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
10. What if my peaches aren’t very ripe?
You can roast or sauté them first to bring out sweetness, or add an extra tablespoon of sugar to the filling.
🏁 Conclusion
This Best Peach Cobbler recipe is everything you love about summer desserts—warm, golden, buttery, and bursting with peach flavor. It’s easy enough for weeknights, crowd-pleasing enough for potlucks, and comforting enough to become a forever family favorite. With a tender biscuit-style topping and caramelized fruit underneath, it delivers homey Southern flavor in every bite. This isn’t just a dessert—it’s tradition.