Perfect Peach Cobbler

Perfect peach cobbler is a classic summer dessert made with juicy, sweet peaches baked under a buttery biscuit-like topping. Finished with a sprinkle of sugar and best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this recipe is comfort food at its finest.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it celebrates ripe, fresh peaches in the best way possible. The fruit becomes soft and syrupy as it bakes, while the topping turns golden brown with a slight crunch on the edges and a tender center. It’s simple, rustic, and crowd-pleasing—ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or family dinners.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the peach filling:

• 4 pounds fresh peaches, sliced 1/2-inch thick
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the cobbler topping:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 g)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into 1-tablespoon chunks
• 2/3 cup cold buttermilk, plus extra for brushing
• 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, toss peaches with sugars, cornstarch, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon until combined. Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 10 minutes.
3. Make the topping: In a food processor, pulse flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add butter and pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits. Drizzle in buttermilk and pulse just until clumps form. (If making by hand, cut butter into flour mixture with a pastry cutter or fork before stirring in buttermilk.)
4. Assemble: Remove peaches from oven. Scatter topping in small chunks over peaches, leaving some gaps. Brush with buttermilk and sprinkle with turbinado sugar.
5. Bake for about 40 minutes, until topping is golden and filling is bubbly.
6. Cool for 20–30 minutes to allow juices to thicken. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 8–10 people.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Cooling time: 20–30 minutes
Total time: 1 1/2 hours

Variations

• Swap peaches for nectarines, plums, or a mix of summer stone fruits.
• Add blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a fruity twist.
• Use cinnamon sugar or cardamom for a spiced version.
• Make it dairy-free by using plant-based butter and buttermilk.
• Add chopped pecans or almonds to the topping for crunch.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 1 day or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole cobbler in a 325°F oven until heated through. Freezing is possible, but the topping may soften slightly—best enjoyed fresh.

FAQs

Do I need to peel the peaches?

Peeling is optional—peach skins soften during baking and add color and texture.

Can I use canned or frozen peaches?

Yes, drain canned peaches well or thaw and drain frozen peaches before using.

Can I make the topping without a food processor?

Yes, use a pastry cutter or your hands to cut the butter into the flour until crumbly, then stir in the buttermilk.

How do I prevent a soggy topping?

Pre-baking the peaches helps set the filling before adding the topping.

What’s the difference between cobbler and crisp?

Cobblers have a biscuit-like topping, while crisps use a crumbly oat-based topping.

Can I prepare peach cobbler ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the peach filling and topping separately, refrigerate, then bake just before serving.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Why is my cobbler runny?

It needs time to cool so the juices thicken. Cornstarch also helps set the filling.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, adjust to taste depending on how sweet your peaches are.

What should I serve with peach cobbler?

Vanilla ice cream is classic, but whipped cream or crème fraîche are also delicious.

Conclusion

Perfect peach cobbler is a golden, bubbly dessert that highlights the best of summer fruit. With its juicy peach filling and tender biscuit topping, it’s a recipe that feels both homey and special. Serve it warm with ice cream, and you’ll have a dessert that’s guaranteed to impress.

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