The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe

Peach cobbler is a beloved dessert that captures the essence of southern comfort food. With its warm, sweet peaches nestled under a golden, flaky crust, The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe is perfect for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply as a delightful treat to enjoy any day of the week. This recipe stands out for its ease of preparation and the use of frozen peaches, making it accessible year-round without compromising on flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses common pantry staples and frozen peaches, ensuring you can whip it up anytime.
• Versatile Dessert: Enjoy it warm with vanilla ice cream or serve at picnics and barbecues; it fits any occasion.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet peaches and warm spices creates an irresistible taste that everyone will love.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With generous servings, it’s perfect for sharing with family and friends at gatherings.
• Quick Prep Time: Ready in just about 50 minutes, including baking time, this cobbler is quick and easy to make.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious peach cobbler, you’ll need some essential tools that will make your baking experience seamless.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• 9×13 baking dish: The ideal size for even baking and generous servings of cobbler.
• Mixing bowls: Necessary for combining ingredients efficiently without mess.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure accuracy in ingredient quantities for the best results.
• Pastry cutter: Perfect for incorporating cold butter into the flour mixture to achieve that desired crumbly texture.

Ingredients

Here’s what you will need to make The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe:

For the Peach Filling

• 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

For the Cobbler Crust

• 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 step ensures your cobbler bakes evenly from the start.

Step 2: Prepare the Peach Filling

• Spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray.
• In the same dish, add the frozen peaches along with white sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, corn starch, cream of tartar, butter, water, and lemon juice.
• Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
• Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Cobbler Dough

While the peaches are cooking:
– In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, both sugars (white and brown), baking powder, salt, and half a tablespoon of cinnamon.
– Using a pastry cutter or your hands, work cold butter into this flour mixture until it resembles coarse meal or crumbles.
– Pour in hot water and stir until just combined; aim for a drop biscuit-like texture.

Step 4: Assemble the Cobbler

• Once the peach filling has baked for 20 minutes, remove it from the oven.
• Spoon dollops of cobbler dough over the peach mixture; each piece should be about the size of a golf ball with slight spacing in between to allow them to cook properly.
• Sprinkle remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture over dough droplets.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden Brown

Return the dish to the oven uncovered. Bake for an additional 30-45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Check after 30 minutes; bake longer if needed. Once done, let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious peach cobbler!

How to Serve The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe

Serving peach cobbler is a delightful experience that enhances its warm, sweet flavors. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dessert.

Classic Vanilla Ice Cream

• Pairing peach cobbler with classic vanilla ice cream adds a creamy, cold contrast to the warm cobbler. The flavors blend beautifully.

Whipped Cream

• A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of the cobbler brings a light and airy touch, making each bite even more enjoyable.

Fresh Mint Leaves

• Garnishing with fresh mint leaves not only adds a pop of color but also provides a refreshing flavor that complements the sweetness of the peaches.

Drizzle of Caramel Sauce

• For an indulgent twist, drizzle some caramel sauce over the cobbler. This will enhance the sweetness and add a rich flavor layer.

Nuts for Crunch

• Sprinkling chopped nuts such as pecans or almonds on top adds a satisfying crunch, contrasting nicely with the tender peaches.

Sweetened Yogurt

• Serve with a side of sweetened yogurt for a tangy alternative to ice cream. This makes for a lighter option while still being delicious.

How to Perfect The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe

To achieve the ultimate peach cobbler, consider these helpful tips that ensure your dessert shines.

• Use Fresh Peaches: If possible, opt for fresh peaches in season for the best flavor and texture. Frozen peaches work well too but may alter the taste slightly.

• Don’t Overmix Dough: When combining ingredients for the cobbler topping, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough dough instead of light and fluffy biscuits.

• Adjust Sugar to Taste: Depending on how sweet your peaches are, you may need to adjust the sugar in your recipe. Taste before baking to get it just right.

• Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cobbler as it bakes. Ovens vary, so check for golden brown crust at around 30 minutes but be prepared to bake longer if needed.

Best Side Dishes for The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe

Peach cobbler pairs well with various side dishes that can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Southern Biscuits – Flaky and buttery biscuits make a perfect accompaniment, balancing out the sweetness of the cobbler.

2. Cornbread – A slice of cornbread offers a savory contrast that complements the flavors of peach cobbler beautifully.

3. Grilled Chicken – Serving grilled chicken alongside creates a well-rounded meal by adding protein and smoky flavors that pair nicely with peaches.

4. Green Salad – A fresh green salad adds crunch and acidity, cutting through the richness of the cobbler for a balanced plate.

5. Roasted Vegetables – Roasted seasonal vegetables bring earthy flavors, making them an excellent side dish that contrasts with dessert.

6. Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw introduces crunch and brightness that works well alongside sweet desserts like peach cobbler.

7. Pork Chops – Juicy pork chops seasoned traditionally create a hearty main course that balances out the sweetness of your dessert perfectly.

8. Baked Beans – Sweet baked beans add another layer of flavor while offering comfort food vibes alongside your delicious peach cobbler.

Peach cobbler is a delightful dessert, but sometimes things can go wrong. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using fresh peaches – Frozen peaches are recommended for this recipe as they provide the right texture and sweetness. If you choose fresh, ensure they’re perfectly ripe.
• Skipping the soaking time – Allowing the peaches to sit with sugar and spices helps enhance their flavor. Don’t rush this step even if you’re excited to dig in!
• Overmixing the cobbler dough – Mixing too much can lead to tough biscuits instead of a fluffy topping. Stir until just combined for best results.
• Not checking for doneness – Every oven is different. Check your cobbler after 30 minutes; it should be golden brown and bubbly before serving.
• Serving immediately – It’s tempting to dive in right away, but letting it cool slightly allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Your patience will be rewarded!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-5 days for best taste and freshness.

Freezing The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe container.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave – Heat individual servings on high for 30-60 seconds, checking regularly.
• Stovetop – Warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use other fruits for cobbler?

Yes! You can substitute with berries, apples, or even mixed fruits for a delicious twist.

How do I know when my cobbler is done?

The crust should be golden brown and the peach filling bubbling around the edges.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.

What should I serve with peach cobbler?

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

Can I prepare it ahead of time?

You can assemble it before baking and store it in the fridge overnight. Just bake when ready!

Final Thoughts

This recipe for The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe is perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home. Its warm flavors are sure to please any crowd. You can also customize it by adding nuts or different spices according to your taste. Enjoy this timeless classic!