The Best Peach Cobbler is a warm, comforting dessert that’s brimming with juicy peaches and topped with a golden, buttery crust. The peaches are soft and sweet, with just the right amount of cinnamon and sugar to bring out their natural flavor. Every bite gives you a perfect mix of fruity filling and fluffy topping.
I love making this peach cobbler when peaches are at their peak because it fills the kitchen with such a wonderful aroma. It’s one of those recipes you can easily make from scratch, and I always enjoy peeling and slicing the peaches, knowing the cozy dessert that’s about to come together. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to prepare, even if you’re not much of a baker.
My favorite way to serve peach cobbler is warm straight from the oven, paired with a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream. The contrast of hot and cold is just unbeatable. It’s perfect for sharing with family or friends on a quiet weekend or for celebrating a special moment without any fuss. Whenever I serve it, people always ask for seconds—that’s how you know it’s a hit!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Peaches: The star of this cobbler! Choose ripe, juicy peaches for the best natural sweetness. If fresh peaches aren’t available, frozen peaches work well—just thaw and drain excess juice first.
Sugar: A mix of granulated and brown sugar adds sweetness and a touch of depth. Brown sugar gives a subtle caramel flavor, but you can use all granulated sugar if needed.
Butter: Melted butter makes the topping rich and golden. Unsalted is best so you can control salt, but salted butter is okay—just reduce added salt slightly.
Flour & Baking Powder: Essential for the cobbler batter to rise and get that cakey, fluffy texture. Use all-purpose flour and fresh baking powder for best results.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Always my favorite topping! The cold creaminess balances the warm, gooey cobbler perfectly. For a dairy-free option, try coconut or almond milk-based ice cream.
How Can I Make Sure the Cobbler Topping Comes Out Perfectly Golden and Fluffy?
Getting that soft but golden topping is all about the batter and oven.
- Mix your wet and dry ingredients just until combined—don’t overmix or the topping will get dense.
- Pour batter into the dish first, then spoon peaches on top without stirring. This helps the batter rise through the fruit as it bakes.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 40-45 minutes until the top is a warm golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Keep an eye on it toward the end. If it browns too fast, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning.
With these tips, the topping will be light, fluffy, and beautifully golden every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish – Perfect size to hold all the peaches and batter, and it bakes evenly.
- Mixing bowls – One large for peaches, one for batter, so you can mix each separately without mess.
- Measuring cups and spoons – To get the sugars, liquids, and spices just right.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – Easy for gently tossing peaches and mixing batter without overworking it.
- Oven mitts and a toothpick – For safe handling and to check when the cobbler is done.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom: This gives a warm, spicy twist that complements the peaches nicely.
- Use different fruits: Swap peaches for nectarines, berries, or a mix of stone fruits for variety.
- Top with oats or nuts: Mix some rolled oats or chopped nuts into the topping before baking for extra crunch.
- Spice it up: Add a splash of vanilla extract or a dash of cayenne pepper for an unexpected flavor kick.
The Best Peach Cobbler
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 cups fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup milk
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving
Time Needed
This peach cobbler recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 40 to 45 minutes to bake, making the total time around 1 hour. It’s a quick and easy dish that fills your kitchen with a lovely aroma while baking.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Peaches
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, mix your sliced peaches with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Stir gently so the peaches are coated well. Let this sit for a few minutes while you prepare the batter.
2. Make the Batter
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and the remaining 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Once combined, slowly stir in the milk and melted butter until the batter is smooth and evenly mixed.
3. Assemble and Bake
Pour the batter into an ungreased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly. Then carefully spoon the peach mixture over the batter. Don’t stir—the batter will rise up and around the peaches while baking, creating a lovely cobbler effect. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the batter comes out clean.
4. Serve Warm
Once baked, remove the peach cobbler from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve it warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a delicious contrast of hot and cold.
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, frozen peaches work well in this recipe! Just be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mixing with the sugars and spices to avoid a watery cobbler.
How Should I Store Leftover Peach Cobbler?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm, and consider adding a fresh scoop of ice cream when serving.
Can I Make This Peach Cobbler Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup, and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free as well.
Is It Okay to Make the Cobbler Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the peach mixture and batter separately a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. Assemble and bake just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
