Classic Peach Cobbler

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I never knew peach cobbler could be so simple until my grandma showed me her way of making it. Growing up, I thought it was this fancy dessert that required special baking skills and secret ingredients. My first attempts were pretty rough – either too dry or swimming in juice.

Turns out, I was just overthinking it. The key is picking good peaches and letting them do most of the work. While some recipes call for complicated steps and fancy add-ins, this basic version reminds me of summer afternoons at grandma’s house. And honestly? It tastes just as good, if not better, than those tricky versions.

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Why You’ll Love This Peach Cobbler

• Simple ingredients – You probably have most of these basic pantry staples already at home – just grab some fresh peaches and you’re ready to bake!
• Easy preparation – No fancy techniques needed here – just mix, layer, and bake. The oven does most of the work for you.
• Perfect for any occasion – This dessert works just as well for casual family dinners as it does for summer parties and potlucks.
• Comforting taste – The combination of sweet peaches and buttery cake creates that classic, homestyle dessert everyone remembers from grandma’s kitchen.
• Customizable serving options – Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream, top it with whipped cream, or enjoy it just as is – it’s delicious any way you choose.

What Kind of Peaches Should I Use?

Fresh, ripe peaches are the way to go for a classic cobbler, but you’ve got options depending on the season. During peak summer months (July through September), look for freestone peaches – they’re the ones where the flesh separates easily from the pit, making them perfect for baking. Yellow peaches tend to be a better choice than white peaches since they’re a bit more tart and hold their shape better when baked. If fresh peaches aren’t in season, you can use frozen peaches (just thaw and drain them first) or even canned peaches in a pinch – just be sure to drain them well and reduce the sugar in the recipe since they’re usually packed in syrup.

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Options for Substitutions

This classic peach cobbler is pretty flexible with substitutions. Here’s what you can swap out:

• Fresh peaches: If fresh peaches aren’t in season, you can use frozen peaches (thawed and drained) or canned peaches (drained). For canned, reduce the sugar by ¼ cup since they’re usually packed in syrup. You could even try other fruits like nectarines, plums, or a mix of berries.
• All-purpose flour: You can swap in self-rising flour, just skip the baking powder and salt in the recipe. For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum.
• White sugar: Brown sugar works great too – it’ll give a deeper, caramel-like flavor. You can also use coconut sugar, though it might make the color darker.
• Milk: Any milk will work here – whole, 2%, almond, or oat milk. For extra richness, try using half-and-half or buttermilk.
• Butter: While real butter gives the best flavor, you can use margarine or coconut oil. Just make sure whatever you use is melted before adding to the recipe.
• Cinnamon: Feel free to skip it or try other warm spices like nutmeg or apple pie spice. A pinch of cardamom is nice too!

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Baking

The biggest mistake when making peach cobbler is using underripe or overripe peaches – look for fruit that’s firm but gives slightly when pressed, and has a sweet peachy smell at the stem end. When preparing the batter, avoid overmixing as this can lead to a tough, dense cobbler instead of the tender, cake-like texture we’re after – mix just until the ingredients are combined and no dry flour remains. Another common error is opening the oven door too frequently while baking, which causes uneven cooking and can make your cobbler sink in the middle – resist the urge to peek and let it bake undisturbed for at least the first 25 minutes. For the best texture, let the cobbler cool for 15-20 minutes before serving, as this allows the fruit juices to thicken and the topping to set properly.

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What to Serve With Peach Cobbler?

This sweet, fruity dessert practically begs for a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream on top – the contrast between warm cobbler and cool, creamy ice cream is just perfect! If you’re not in the mood for ice cream, a dollop of fresh whipped cream or even a pour of cold heavy cream works beautifully too. For breakfast or brunch, I like serving peach cobbler with a cup of hot coffee or tea to balance out the sweetness. You can also add a sprinkle of toasted pecans or a drizzle of caramel sauce if you’re feeling fancy.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: This peach cobbler stays good in the fridge for about 4-5 days when covered with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. The topping might soften a bit over time, but it’ll still taste great! Just remember to let it cool completely before storing.

Freeze: If you want to save some for later, you can freeze your cobbler for up to 3 months. Place it in a freezer-safe container, making sure it’s wrapped well to prevent freezer burn. The texture of the peaches might change slightly when thawed, but the flavor will still be there!

Warm Up: To enjoy your leftover cobbler, pop individual portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, or warm up a larger portion in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, and it’ll taste just like it’s fresh from the oven!

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 1500-1700
• Protein: 15-20 g
• Fat: 70-80 g
• Carbohydrates: 220-240 g

Ingredients

• 5 peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced (approx. 4 cups)
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup milk
• Ground cinnamon

Step 1: Prepare the Peaches

In a saucepan, combine sliced peaches, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir the mixture together until well combined. Cook on medium heat for a few minutes until the sugar dissolves and the peaches start to release their juices. Remove from heat and set the mixture aside. If you’re using canned peaches, skip this step and proceed to the next.

Step 2: Preheat and Melt the Butter

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. While the oven is preheating, slice butter into pieces and place them in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Place the dish in the oven to allow the butter to melt. Once the butter has completely melted, remove the dish from the oven.

Step 3: Prepare the Batter

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Gradually stir in milk, mixing just until the ingredients are combined. Pour this batter over the melted butter in the baking dish, smoothing it into an even layer.

Step 4: Add the Peaches

Spoon the prepared peaches and their juice over the batter in the baking dish. If using canned peaches, pour them directly over the batter. Sprinkle a generous amount of cinnamon over the top to add extra flavor.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

Bake the dish in the preheated oven at 350 degrees F for approximately 38-40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and fully cooked. Serve the peach cobbler warm, optionally with a scoop of ice cream for a delightful treat.