Best Peach Cobbler Recipe (That’s So Easy to Make!)

There’s no dessert that screams “summer” quite like a warm, bubbling peach cobbler. Imagine sweet, jammy peaches swimming in a cinnamon-spiced syrup, all tucked under a soft, golden, cake-like topping. Served with a scoop of melting vanilla ice cream, it’s pure comfort in a bowl. This is, without a doubt, the best peach cobbler recipe you’ll ever need. It’s simple, reliable, and delivers that perfect old-fashioned flavor every single time.

We’ve tested every variable to create a truly foolproof guide. Whether you’re using beautiful fresh peaches from the farmer’s market or convenient canned ones from the pantry, this recipe works perfectly. Get ready to bake a dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Peach Cobbler Recipe

This isn’t just another dessert; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you’ll come back to again and again. Here’s why this recipe stands out:

• Incredibly Easy: The steps are straightforward, using simple pantry staples. No complicated techniques required!
• Perfectly Balanced: The filling is sweet but not cloying, and the topping is tender and buttery, creating the perfect contrast.
• No More Soggy Bottoms: Our method ensures the filling thickens beautifully, keeping the topping light and fluffy, never doughy.
• Versatile & Adaptable: We include clear instructions for using fresh, canned, or frozen peaches, so you can make it any time of year.
• A True Southern Classic: This recipe captures the heart and soul of an authentic Southern-style peach cobbler, making it a new family tradition.

The Key to the Best Peach Cobbler: Ingredients

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You don’t need anything fancy to create this stunning dessert. Here are the key players:

For the Peach Filling

• Peaches: Fresh yellow peaches are the star. They offer the best flavor and texture. We’ll also cover how to use canned or frozen peaches below.
• Sugar: A mix of granulated and brown sugar adds depth and a hint of molasses flavor to the filling.
• Lemon Juice: A splash of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavor of the peaches and prevents them from browning.
• Cornstarch: This is our secret weapon for a perfectly thick, jammy filling that never gets watery.
• Spices: A warm blend of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg complements the peaches beautifully.
• Butter: A little bit of unsalted butter melted in the bottom of the pan creates an incredibly rich base.

For the Cobbler Topping

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for our tender, cakey topping.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness.
• Baking Powder: This gives the topping its light, fluffy lift.
• Salt: A pinch of salt balances all the sweetness.
• Milk: We recommend whole milk for the richest flavor and most tender crumb.
• Melted Butter: Melted butter is mixed into the batter, making it incredibly easy and ensuring a rich flavor throughout.

Fresh, Canned, or Frozen Peaches?

While fresh peaches are our first choice during peak season, this recipe is designed to be delicious year-round. Here’s how to adapt it:

Using Fresh Peaches (Recommended)

For the absolute best peach cobbler recipe, use ripe, fragrant fresh peaches. You’ll need about 6-8 medium peaches. You can peel them or leave the skin on for a more rustic texture. Simply slice them, discard the pits, and you’re ready to go.

Using Canned Peaches

Canned peaches are a fantastic and convenient option. You’ll need about two 15-ounce cans. Be sure to drain them very well to avoid excess liquid, which can make the filling too thin. If they are packed in syrup, you may want to reduce the sugar in the filling by a couple of tablespoons.

Using Frozen Peaches

Frozen peaches work wonderfully too! The key is to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before using. If you add them while still frozen, they will release too much water during baking and can result in a soggy cobbler. For more details, check out our guide to using frozen peaches.

How to Make the Best Peach Cobbler: Step-by-Step

Best Peach Cobbler Recipe (That’s So Easy to Make!)

This is the best peach cobbler recipe you'll ever need! It features a sweet, bubbly fresh peach filling under a soft, buttery, cake-like topping. A truly foolproof and classic Southern dessert.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American, Southern

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Base & Filling

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
• 5 cups sliced peaches fresh, or drained canned/thawed frozen (about 6-8 medium peaches)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar packed
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp lemon juice fresh
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

For the Topping & Serving

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
• Vanilla ice cream for serving

Equipment

• 1 9x13 inch baking dish (or 10-inch cast iron skillet)
• 1 Large Mixing Bowl
• 1 Medium mixing bowl

Instructions

 

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place 1/2 cup of unsalted butter in a 9x13 inch baking dish and put it in the oven to melt. Once melted, carefully remove the dish and set it aside.
2. In a large bowl, gently toss the sliced peaches with 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly coated. Pour the peach mixture evenly over the melted butter in the baking dish. Do not stir.
3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Pour in the milk and 1/2 cup of melted butter, and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
4. Gently pour or spoon the topping batter evenly over the peach filling in the baking dish. Again, do not stir. The batter will spread and rise during baking.
5. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly and thick around the edges.
6. Remove the cobbler from the oven and let it rest on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set. Serve warm, topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Notes

Using Canned/Frozen Peaches: If using canned peaches, drain them very well. If using frozen, thaw them completely and drain off all excess liquid before using.
Don't Stir: Resisting the urge to stir the layers is key! This method allows the buttery base and sugary peaches to bake up and around the topping, creating a perfect texture.
Serving: This cobbler is best served warm, shortly after it's baked.

Pro Tips for a Perfect Peach Cobbler Every Time

Follow these simple tips to guarantee your cobbler comes out perfectly delicious, just like grandma used to make.

• Don’t Overmix the Topping: Mix the batter until just combined. A few small lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can develop the gluten and make the topping tough instead of tender.
• Let the Filling Bubble: Ensure the fruit filling is hot and bubbly before you pull the cobbler from the oven. This signals that the cornstarch has activated and the filling is properly thickened.
• Use a Slotted Spoon for Serving: When serving the warm cobbler, use a slotted spoon if you prefer less juice in each bowl. The syrupy goodness is delicious, but this gives you more control.
• Let It Rest: This is the hardest part! Let the cobbler rest for at least 15-20 minutes after it comes out of the oven. This allows the filling to set up properly, so it doesn’t run everywhere when you scoop into it.
• Serve it Warm: Peach cobbler is at its absolute best when served warm, preferably with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream.

Recipe Variations to Try

While this classic recipe is perfect as is, it’s also a great base for customization. Here are a few ideas:

• Brown Butter: For a deeper, nutty flavor, try browning the butter before adding it to the pan and the topping.
• Add a Little Spice: Feel free to add a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the filling for a different warm spice profile.
• Crumble Topping: If you prefer a crunchier topping, check out our amazing Peach Cobbler with a Crumble Topping.
• Cast Iron Skillet: Baking in a cast iron skillet gives the cobbler wonderfully crisp edges and a rustic presentation.
• Add a Splash of Bourbon: A tablespoon or two of bourbon in the peach filling adds a wonderful warmth and complexity.

Storing, Reheating, and Freezing

How to Store

Store leftover peach cobbler tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The topping will soften over time but will still be delicious.

How to Reheat

For the best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds. To reheat a larger amount and help crisp the topping, place it in an oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.

How to Freeze

You can freeze baked peach cobbler. Let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with a layer of plastic wrap and a layer of foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your New Favorite Summer Dessert!

This truly is the best peach cobbler recipe, destined to become your go-to dessert for summer gatherings, family dinners, and quiet nights in. It’s a celebration of simple ingredients and timeless flavor. We know you’ll love it as much as we do.

If you make this recipe, please leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out! And don’t forget to save it to your favorite dessert board on Pinterest!