Name: The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 bags Frozen peaches (20 ounces each); 1 cup Granulated sugar (white sugar); 1 cup Brown sugar; 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon Almond extract (optional but recommended); ½ tablespoon Cinnamon; ½ teaspoon Nutmeg; 2 teaspoons Corn starch; 1 teaspoon Cream of tartar; ½ stick Butter, unsalted, room temperature; 2 tablespoons Water; 1 teaspoon Fresh lemon juice; 2 cups All-purpose Flour; ½ cup Granulated sugar (white sugar); ½ cup Brown sugar; 2 teaspoons Baking powder; 1 tablespoon Cinnamon (reserve ½ for garnishment); 1 stick Butter, unsalted, cold; ¼ cup Boiling hot water (see notes); ½ teaspoon Salt; 3 tablespoons Granulated sugar to dust top of cobbler

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If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate comfort dessert, “The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe” is about to steal your heart and wow your taste buds. Imagine a bubbling medley of tender, sun-kissed peaches under a buttery, cinnamon-kissed cobbler crust with just the right note of sweetness. It’s a recipe that conjures up porch swings, warm summer evenings, family gatherings, and those precious moments when dessert brings everyone together. Whether you serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or sneak a taste straight from the pan (no judgment here!), you’ll see why this cobbler gets its well-deserved reputation as a southern staple.

The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe is that it uses pantry staples and humble ingredients that create magic when combined. Each ingredient has a part to play, infusing the cobbler with flavor, golden color, and that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Frozen peaches (2 bags, 20 ounces each): They cut down on prep time and deliver consistent, juicy flavor all year long.
Granulated sugar (1 cup for filling, ½ cup for topping, 3 tbsp for dusting): Balances the tartness of the peaches and gives the crust a sparkle.
Brown sugar (1 cup for filling, ½ cup for topping): Adds caramel depth and a cozy, molasses richness.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Rounds out the fruity flavors with a touch of warmth.
Almond extract (½ tsp, optional but recommended): Enhances the peach flavor and adds an extra layer of fragrance.
Cinnamon (½ tbsp for filling, 1 tbsp for topping): Brings a comforting spice, half saved for sprinkling over the crust.
Nutmeg (½ tsp): A dash for gentle warmth that pairs beautifully with peaches.
Corn starch (2 tsp): Thickens the fruit juices, ensuring a luscious, not runny, filling.
Cream of tartar (1 tsp): Adds a slight tang and helps the topping stay tender.
Butter (½ stick for filling, 1 stick cold for topping): Creates a rich base and a flaky, golden topping.
Water (2 tbsp for filling, ¼ cup boiling for topping): Helps combine the filling and gives the topping that perfect, “just-dropped” biscuit texture.
Fresh lemon juice (1 tsp): Brightens the filling and highlights the natural sweetness of peaches.
All purpose flour (2 cups): The foundation of that irresistible, biscuit-like cobbler top.
Baking powder (2 tsp): Gives the cobbler topping its lovely rise and tender crumb.
Salt (½ tsp): Balances and enhances all the sweet and spicy notes.

How to Make The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Give a 9×13-inch baking dish a generous coating of non-stick spray. This not only saves you from scrubbing but ensures easy serving—and none of that golden crust gets left behind!

Step 2: Mix Up the Peach Filling

In your prepared baking dish, add the frozen peaches, both white and brown sugars, vanilla and almond extracts, cinnamon, nutmeg, corn starch, cream of tartar, butter, water, and fresh lemon juice. Use clean hands or a big spoon to toss everything together right in the dish, making sure every peach slice is glistening with flavor. Cover tightly with foil and pop it in the oven for 20 minutes, letting the peaches get meltingly tender and syrupy.

Step 3: Make the Cobbler Topping

As the peaches bake, gather all your topping ingredients: all purpose flour, both sugars, baking powder, salt, and half a tablespoon of the cinnamon. Drop cold chunks of butter into the dry mix, and use a pastry cutter (or your fingertips) to blend until the mixture looks like coarse, buttery meal—little crumbles help create a tender, biscuit-like crust. Pour in the boiling hot water and stir gently until just combined. The dough should be shaggy and spoonable, not smooth like cake batter.

Step 4: Add Topping and Garnish

When the peaches are bubbling nicely, remove the dish from the oven. Using a large spoon, scoop up dollops of cobbler dough (about golf ball-sized) and dot them evenly over the peaches. Don’t stress about full coverage; the beauty of The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe is in those golden, rustic gaps! Mix together your reserved cinnamon and sugar, then shower it over the dough for extra sparkle and crunch.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Return the dish to the oven, this time uncovered. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes. You’ll know you’re nearing perfection when the topping turns golden and delicious, and the peach juices bubble thickly around the edges. If you’re a crust-lover, aim for that extra bit of caramelization. Remove from the oven and let it cool just slightly (warm is best!), then serve and watch it disappear.

How to Serve The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe

Garnishes

There’s pure magic in a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melting blissfully over a warm serving of The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe. Or, if you prefer, try a dollop of freshly whipped cream, a sprinkle of extra cinnamon, or even a few chopped toasted pecans for a bit of crunch.

Side Dishes

For a true southern feast, pair your peach cobbler with lighter sides that contrast its richness. Consider fresh mint tea, a tart fruit salad, or buttery shortbread cookies. A big pitcher of sweet tea will embody that southern hospitality to the max!

Creative Ways to Present

Although cobbler straight from the casserole is always a winner, you can get creative with mini cast iron skillets, individual ramekins, or even mason jars for a picnic-ready treat. Serve in wide-mouthed mugs for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dessert that makes everyone feel special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftover The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator, where it will stay delicious for up to 3 days. The topping will soften slightly but will still be absolutely dreamy.

Freezing

Thanks to its sturdy structure, this cobbler freezes wonderfully. Let it cool completely, then double-wrap the baking dish (or individual portions) in both plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to three months. When you’ve got a peach craving, just thaw overnight in the fridge and heat up as desired.

Reheating

To recapture that fresh-baked magic, reheat slices in a 350-degree oven, covered loosely with foil, until warmed through—about 15 minutes. For a single serving, a minute or two in the microwave works in a pinch (just add a scoop of ice cream to crisp it up!).

FAQs

Can I use fresh peaches instead of frozen?

Absolutely! If peaches are in season and ripe, slice and peel them, then use an equal weight to the frozen peaches called for in The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe. You may want to reduce the initial baking time for the filling by about 5 minutes, since fresh peaches soften more quickly.

Do I need to thaw the frozen peaches before baking?

No need! Baking the peaches from frozen helps them maintain their shape and lets the sugars caramelize slowly, resulting in tender, syrupy fruit beneath that perfect cobbler crust.

What if I don’t have cream of tartar?

Cream of tartar helps keep the topping extra tender, but if you don’t have any, simply leave it out. Your cobbler will still be delicious—this recipe is wonderfully forgiving!

Can I make The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe gluten free?

Yes! Swap out the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free cup-for-cup baking blend. Just be sure your baking powder is gluten free as well. The cobbler will be just as cozy and crowd-pleasing.

Why is my cobbler topping not crisp?

If your cobbler comes out softer, it may be due to extra moisture from the fruit or not baking long enough. For a crispier crust, make sure to leave a bit of space between the dough dollops for air to circulate, and let it bake uncovered until you see golden brown edges and bubbling fruit.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving old-fashioned comfort with a generous side of southern sweetness, there’s no better way to treat yourself and loved ones than with The Best Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe. Whether you’re making memories at the kitchen table or sharing a warm plate with friends, this cobbler promises pure joy in every spoonful. Treat yourself—you won’t regret it!