Best Ever Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe + Video
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Our Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe makes the perfect summer dessert! Fresh, sweet Southern peach flavor baked with a crispy cobbler topping. Make this easy Southern peach cobbler recipe for dessert tonight!
There’s nothing like the flavor of fresh peaches! Once peach season rolls around, this simple and fresh peach cobbler recipe is all that is on my mind!
Making this easy peach cobbler recipe is one of my favorite things to do, and the flavor of the ripe peaches is the best.
Not only is this the easiest way to use up a perfectly ripe peach, but it’s a simple and quick bake time and process as well.
Those who love Southern food will agree that a dish of this on warm summer evenings topped with cold vanilla ice cream literally makes the perfect dessert.
The entire dish is made using simple ingredients that you can get easily from the farmer’s market and grocery store.
I urge you to make this traditional Southern peach cobbler the next time you’re craving great recipes.
You’ll see why it’s my favorite dessert!
Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe
This dessert always transports me to a small Southern town, where your neighbor bakes you a fresh cobbler with peaches they picked off their tree.
You sit on your porch drinking iced tea watching the sunset. Your kids play out front with the neighborhood kids, and you haven’t a worry in the world.
While we can’t all live that laid-back lifestyle, you can still enjoy some magical flavors every time you make this easy Southern peach cobbler recipe!
The topping is crisp on the outside and cakey on the inside. Served alongside a scoop of vanilla or frozen banana ice cream, you’re sure to be in heaven.
Can’t get enough of that peach flavor? Try this classic dessert in milkshake form — it’s delicious!
I also have dump cake and slow cooker versions of this Southern peach cobbler recipe, or you can enjoy it in cheesecake form.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Peaches – Fresh fruit is best for this Southern peach cobbler recipe. You’ll be able to create thin slices, which will also soften to perfection in the oven.
Canned fruit is already too soft, though frozen slices could be used in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before use. - Sugar – Use a blend of regular granulated and brown sugar. It’s just the right amount of sweetness, plus a hint of caramel flavor that pairs so well with peaches.
You’ll also need some extra granulated sugar to sprinkle over the cobbler topping, though raw or demerrera sugar could add a nice crunch! - Cornstarch – Don’t forget this ingredient! It’s key to getting the perfect texture in your Southern peach cobbler filling — it will be too watery without cornstarch.
- Spices – Ground cinnamon and nutmeg add loads of warmth to the fruit and really put this dessert over the top.
Mace or cloves could be used in place of the nutmeg if needed. - Lemon juice – Adds a touch of brightness to the Southern peach cobbler. Use freshly squeezed citrus juice for the best flavor!
How to Make Southern Style Peach Cobbler
The process is quite simple.
So simple, in fact, that my 7-year-old was able to make this Southern peach cobbler recipe with very little assistance — I just sliced the fruit and cut the butter into the flour mixture.
- Coat peaches thoroughly. Mix together the sugars, spices, and cornstarch until well blended, then toss with the peaches.
This ensures that they are coated in a little bit of everything. - Use very cold butter. The colder, the better. You can even freeze it before cubing if you’d like!
Cut it into the cobbler dough with a pastry blender, a fork, or 2 butter knives. - Don’t overwork the dough. Stir in the water until just combined, then spoon immediately over the filling.
We want it to bake up tender and fluffy, not hard and tough. - Adjust oven temperature as needed. Glass or dark pans heat differently, causing your Southern peach cobbler to bake faster.
If using these, reduce the oven by 25 degrees but keep the baking time the same.
Storing and Reheating Southern Peach Cobbler
Allow the dessert to cool, then cover tightly or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Southern peach cobbler will keep for 4 to 5 days in the refrigerator.
To reheat, you can microwave individual servings or warm them in the oven to get the top a bit crispy again.
Either way, use a low temperature setting (50% power in the microwave) so you don’t overcook the fruit filling before the topping is warmed through.
Don’t want to wait? This Southern style peach cobbler is just as delicious cold!
Easy Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe FAQ
Be sure to use plenty of cornstarch when tossing the fruit with spices. Peaches will release liquid when baked, so when that mixes with the cornstarch, it becomes a thick syrup instead of just juice.
That depends if you’re referring to the fruit or the cocktail! Peaches are grown in China, Spain, Italy, Greece, and the US. A Southern peach would refer to the fruit that is famously grown in the state of Georgia, located in the southern US near the Gulf of Mexican. But there’s also an alcoholic drink by the same name, making use of one of Georgia’s other famous products — bourbon! Combine that with peach schnapps and fresh juice, and you’ve got yourself a Southern Peach drink.
Cobbler is done when the topping is fluffy and golden, with thick fruit filling bubbling through the cracks. Slice into the center of the cobbler topping with a knife, but don’t go all the way through. If it comes out clean, it’s done. If it comes out with any crumbs or gooey pieces, then bake for a few more minutes and try again.
It’s hard to pick! The golden brown crust covering the top of this easy recipe is one major perk! Adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top is another…but overall, I would say that the filling ingredients of this old fashioned peach cobbler recipe stand out to me. I love those sliced peaches! This is what makes this traditional dessert one of the best, and my go to personal preference during the summer months.
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Other Easy Recipes Using Peaches
Best Ever Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe + Video
Ingredients
- 8 fresh peaches, peeled, pitted and sliced into thin wedges
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
For Cobbler Topping
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup boiling water
for sprinkling
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (if you are using a dark or glass pan – 425°F if you are using a light color pan).
- In a large bowl, combine peaches, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup light brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss to coat evenly, and pour into a 2 quart baking dish. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, prepare cobbler topping: in a large bowl, combine flour, sugars, baking powder, and salt.
- Blend in butter with your fingertips, or a pastry blender, until mixture resembles coarse meal. Stir in water until just combined.
- Remove peaches from oven, and drop spoonfuls of topping over them.
- Sprinkle entire cobbler with the sugar. Set your baking dish on a baking sheet (this cobbler can drip into the oven otherwise). Bake until topping is golden, about 30 minutes.
- Top with ice cream if desired. Serve and enjoy!!
Video
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published September 2011, updated and republished July 2024
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I haven't made this recipe because I think of myself as a non-baker. But I love peaches and I love peach cobbler, so I'm going to make your recipe and will report back with my results. Thanks.
Niagara region un Ontario, Canada has amazing peaches and other fruits; sadly the season is too short! Thanks for the recipe,I just finished making it and will take it out of the oven shortly!
I made this recipe with canned peaches. I used 3 cans. It turned out perfectly and was a hit! I made sure to drain the peaches well before putting them in the bowl, and it was the perfect thickness. I used a 9 X 13 pan, and it fit nicely. Also, I added a teaspoon or so of vanilla extract to the cobbler crust on top, and it added a nice touch! A easy recipe that is yummy! It doesn't get much better than that!
What sized cans did you use? Thank you
Just made this, and had to make a second one the next day, as everyone loved it so much! Thanks for sharing…it's fabulous!
Thanks so much! We are so happy you enjoyed it!
This recipe was fantastic. I bought my peaches from an Illinois peach orchard for this recipe ..fresh off the trees. It fit nicely into a glass pan and the guests loved it. Everyone wanted a dollop of vanilla ice cream on the warm cobbler. It doesn't get any better than this.
Is there any certain type of peaches to use? Should they be firm or soft?
Does this need to be made fresh or can I make it one day ahead. if so how do I store it?
You can certainly make it ahead. I make it, wrap it in foil and refrigerate it. Then I warm it up before serving. Enjoy!
Can you freeze it?
Had cobbler half cooked when got call canceling event I was preparing it for. Have frozen it. Hope it freezes,thaws,finishes baking well. Too expensive to waste.
Absolutely! I have baked it and frozen it. Freezing it after par-baking is an interesting test. Let me know how it goes!
I made this recipe exactly as posted and the cobbler came out wonderful except the dough under the top crust was still raw? Isn't it usual when making dough to use cold water?
Saved as a favorite, I love your web site!
Why is the butter cut in if boiling water is added? Seems to defeat the purpose of cutting in the butter.
Hello,
How many pounds of frozen sliced peaches is equivalent to 8 fresh peaches?
Thank you
Instead of cinnamon, I always use ground cloves and I make a lot of peach cobbler in the summer time. Cloves add a special flavor to peaches.
I have tried several cobbler recipes and this one is a winner! Made it with blueberries adding a bit of lemon zest along with the lemon juice. Enjoyed by everyone!
Perfect!!! was looking for dessert to go with my Baby Back Ribs. Now I just have to change my rib sauce to use Hot Pepper peach perserves instead of mango, a match made in heaven,
Excellent recipe, came out perfect and tasted heavenly and so simple to do too, thanks Donna.
This is in the oven right now. Seriously, we had to resist just eating the peaches when I pulled them out of the oven after the first 10 minute stint. I'm not usually a peach person, but this was SO easy, and really good! Thanks for sharing!
We are so happy to hear that!! Enjoy!
Is it possible to cut this in half?. It's only the Hubby and me
My mom and I made today from our harvest of peaches.
Have a tree in yard.
It is so tasty omg.
Wish I could show a picture it even looks beautiful.
Made this, it was good. Not sure about the topping. Will make it again using cold water. Never made a biscuit type dough with hot water.
Hi. Can I use frozen peaches? There aren't any good fresh peaches in my area this time of year
Nice dishes! These desserts make my mouth watery.
I had the best and largest Peaches From Calhoun County Illinois the size of a softball juicy so wear a bib of have wipes with you. And smell like sweet juicy peaches. Try them you will love them.
Colorado peach cobbler!! I had to reduce the temp to 375 to get it a golden brown but my oven runs hot
I would post a photo if I could. Super yummy
Has anyone added bourbon? I saw a recipe very similar with 1/4 C. Bourbon added.
will there be a temp change or cooking time change with a convection?