Old-Fashioned Peach Cobbler: A Timeless Dessert for Every Occasion
There’s something undeniably comforting about an Old-Fashioned Peach Cobbler. The sweet, juicy peaches bubbling beneath a golden, buttery crust—it’s like a hug in dessert form. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue, a family reunion, or just craving a cozy night in, this classic treat never goes out of style. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, even if you’re not a seasoned baker.
I remember the first time I made this cobbler for my grandmother. She took one bite, closed her eyes, and sighed, “Now that tastes like home.” That’s the magic of this recipe—it’s simple, nostalgic, and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s versatile! Don’t have fresh peaches? No problem. Canned or frozen work just as well. Want to add a twist? A sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of bourbon can take it to the next level. Let’s dive into this beloved dessert and make some memories along the way.
Why You’ll Love This Old-Fashioned Peach Cobbler
This recipe is a crowd-pleaser for so many reasons. Here’s why it’ll become your go-to dessert:
- Effortless to make: No fancy techniques—just mix, bake, and enjoy.
- Uses pantry staples: Flour, sugar, butter, and peaches (fresh or canned).
- Perfect for any season: Summer peaches shine, but frozen peaches work year-round.
- Endlessly customizable: Add vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Peach Cobbler
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 6 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (or 2 cans of peaches, drained)
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Toss the peaches with 1/2 cup sugar and set aside. If using canned peaches, skip the sugar.
- Make the batter: In a bowl, whisk flour, remaining sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in melted butter, milk, and vanilla until just combined.
- Assemble: Pour the batter into the dish, then spoon peaches evenly on top. Sprinkle with cinnamon if desired.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.
Tips for the Best Peach Cobbler
Want to make your cobbler unforgettable? Here are a few pro tips:
- Use ripe peaches: They’re sweeter and juicier. If they’re firm, let them sit on the counter for a day or two.
- Don’t overmix the batter: A few lumps are fine—overmixing makes the crust tough.
- Serve warm: Pair it with vanilla ice cream for that irresistible hot-and-cold contrast.
- Storage: Keep leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
For more fruity dessert inspiration, check out our Mixed Berry Crisp—it’s another easy, crowd-favorite!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen peaches for peach cobbler?
Absolutely! Thaw and drain them first to avoid excess liquid.
What’s the difference between peach cobbler and peach crisp?
Cobbler has a biscuit-like topping, while crisp uses an oat-based crumble. Both are delicious—try our Peach Crisp if you love crunchy toppings!
How do I prevent a soggy cobbler crust?
Make sure your peaches aren’t overly juicy. If using fresh, toss them with a bit of cornstarch to thicken the filling.
Can I make peach cobbler ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake it just before serving.
What’s the best way to peel peaches?
Blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer to ice water. The skins will slide right off.
Can I use other fruits in this cobbler recipe?
Definitely! Apples, berries, or cherries work wonderfully. Adjust sugar based on the fruit’s sweetness.
There you have it—a foolproof Old-Fashioned Peach Cobbler that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or savoring it solo, this dessert is sure to bring a little sweetness to your day. For more classic recipes, explore our guide to Vintage Desserts That Never Go Out of Style. Happy baking!
Print
Old-Fashioned Peach Cobbler
Description
A classic Southern peach cobbler with a buttery, biscuit-like topping that soaks up the sweet peach juices. Perfect served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- For the peach filling:
- 6 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (about 6–7 medium peaches)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- For the cobbler topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/4 cup boiling water
- For sprinkling:
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine peaches, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Mix well and pour into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake peach mixture for 10 minutes while you prepare the topping.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in boiling water until just combined (batter will be thick).
- Remove peaches from oven and drop spoonfuls of the topping over the hot peach mixture.
- Combine remaining 2 tablespoons sugar with 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and sprinkle over the topping.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until topping is golden brown and peach filling is bubbly.
- Let cool for 15 minutes before serving. Best served warm with vanilla ice cream.
Notes
For canned peaches: Use 2 (29 oz) cans of peaches in light syrup, drained (about 5 cups). Reduce sugar in filling to 1/2 cup total. The cobbler topping will be very thick – that’s normal! Don’t overmix it.
