There’s nothing that says “summer” quite like a warm, bubbling peach cobbler with fresh peaches. This recipe captures the season’s best flavors, combining sweet, juicy peaches with a soft, cake-like biscuit topping that gets beautifully golden in the oven. It’s the kind of classic, comforting dessert that brings everyone to the table.
This isn’t just any cobbler; it’s a celebration of simplicity and flavor. We use real, fresh peaches for a filling that’s bright and authentic. The batter is poured over melted butter, creating a wonderfully tender, buttery crust that bakes up around the fruit. Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it’s pure dessert perfection.
Why You’ll Love This Fresh Peach Cobbler Recipe
This recipe is a keeper, and here’s why it will become your go-to summer treat:
- Perfectly Sweet & Juicy: Using fresh, ripe peaches creates a filling that is naturally sweet and incredibly flavorful, far superior to canned alternatives.
- Simple, Everyday Ingredients: You don’t need anything fancy! This recipe uses pantry staples like flour, sugar, butter, and milk.
- Classic Southern Style: We use the traditional Southern method where the batter bakes up through the fruit, creating a soft, tender crust in every bite. It’s pure comfort food.
- Crowd-Pleasing & Versatile: It’s the perfect dessert for family dinners, summer barbecues, or any time you need a simple yet impressive sweet treat.
The Best Peaches for Cobbler
The star of any peach cobbler with fresh peaches is, of course, the fruit! For the best results, choose ripe, fragrant peaches that give slightly when you press them. Freestone peaches are the ideal choice because their pits are easy to remove, making prep work a breeze. Look for varieties like Elberta, Redhaven, or O’Henry at your local farmers’ market.
If you only have clingstone peaches (where the flesh clings to the pit), they’ll still be delicious! You’ll just need a little extra patience when cutting them up. The key is using peaches that are at their peak of ripeness for that ultimate juicy, sweet flavor.
How to Quickly Peel Fresh Peaches
While you can leave the skins on, peeling peaches results in the best, most tender texture. The quickest way to do this is by blanching them.
- Boil Water: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Prepare a large bowl of ice water and set it aside.
- Score the Peaches: Using a sharp knife, make a small “X” on the bottom of each peach.
- Blanch: Carefully place the peaches in the boiling water for 30-60 seconds.
- Shock: Immediately remove the peaches with a slotted spoon and plunge them into the ice water.
- Peel: Once cool enough to handle, the skins should slip right off easily with your fingers or a paring knife.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe comes together with simple ingredients that work magic in the oven. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Fresh Peaches: The hero of the dish! You’ll need about 4 cups of sliced peaches.
- Lemon Juice: A little squeeze prevents the peaches from browning and brightens their natural flavor.
- Sugars: We use a combination of granulated sugar and brown sugar to sweeten the fruit and the batter, adding a hint of molasses flavor.
- Spices: A touch of cinnamon and nutmeg adds warmth and depth that pairs perfectly with the peaches.
- Butter: We use unsalted butter, melted directly in the baking dish, to create a rich, foolproof crust.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation for our simple, tender biscuit-style topping.
- Baking Powder: This gives the topping its light and fluffy lift.
- Salt: A pinch of salt balances all the sweetness.
- Milk: Binds the batter together and adds moisture. Whole milk provides the richest result.
How to Make Peach Cobbler with Fresh Peaches
Peach Cobbler with Fresh Peaches: The Ultimate Summer Dessert
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced peaches, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, brown sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a simmer (about 3-5 minutes). Remove from heat.
- Place the 1/2 cup of butter in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Place the dish in the preheating oven to melt the butter. While the butter melts, prepare the batter. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Pour in the milk and whisk until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven once the butter is melted. Pour the batter evenly over the melted butter. Do not stir. Spoon the warm peach mixture and its juices evenly over the batter. Do not stir.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. A toothpick inserted into the cake-like topping should come out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set. Serve warm, preferably with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
Peach Selection: For best results, use ripe, in-season freestone peaches.
Storage: Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Making this classic Southern dessert is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps for a perfect cobbler every time.
Step 1: Prepare the Peaches
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced peaches, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, brown sugar, and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 3-5 minutes, just until the sugars dissolve and the peaches soften slightly. Remove from the heat and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Pan and Batter
Place the stick of butter in a 9×13-inch baking dish and put it in the preheating oven. Let the butter melt completely, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Once melted, carefully remove the dish from the oven.
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, the remaining 1 cup of granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Pour in the milk and whisk until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps are perfectly fine.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Pour the batter evenly over the melted butter in the baking dish. Do not stir! Next, spoon the peach mixture (including all the juices) evenly over the batter. Again, do not stir. The magic of this recipe is that the batter will rise up and bake around the peaches, creating the perfect topping.
Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is a deep golden brown and the peach filling is hot and bubbly around the edges. A toothpick inserted into the center of the topping should come out clean.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
Let the cobbler cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set up slightly. This peach cobbler with fresh peaches is best served warm, perhaps with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Peach Cobbler
- Don’t Stir: Resist the urge to stir the layers after assembling them in the pan. This layering technique is what creates the signature texture of a classic Southern peach cobbler.
- Use Ripe Peaches: The better your peaches, the better your cobbler. If your peaches aren’t very sweet, you can add an extra tablespoon or two of sugar to the filling.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix the topping ingredients until they are just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense crust instead of a light and tender one.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For a smoother batter, use room temperature milk. It helps the ingredients incorporate more evenly.
Variations and Substitutions
Want to customize your cobbler? Here are a few ideas:
- Add a Crumble: For extra texture, you can add a simple crumble on top before baking. If you love toppings, check out our recipe for peach cobbler with crumble topping.
- Spike It: A tablespoon of bourbon or dark rum added to the peach mixture can add a wonderful, warm complexity.
- Different Fruit: This recipe works well with other stone fruits like nectarines, plums, or apricots.
- Frozen Peaches: No fresh peaches? You can still make a delicious cobbler. See our guide on using frozen peaches instead.
Serving and Storage
Peach cobbler is heavenly served warm from the oven. The contrast between the warm, gooey fruit and a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream is simply unbeatable. You can also serve it with whipped cream or a drizzle of heavy cream.
Store any leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or reheat the entire dish in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
Can You Freeze Peach Cobbler?
Yes, you can! To freeze a baked cobbler, let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with a layer of plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake uncovered at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can substitute frozen or canned peaches. If using frozen, thaw them first and drain any excess liquid. If using canned, be sure to drain them well and you may want to reduce the sugar in the recipe, as they are often packed in syrup.
It is highly recommended that you peel the peaches. Peeled peaches create a much smoother, more pleasant texture in the final dessert. However, if you’re short on time or prefer the texture of the skins, you can leave them on.
Your cobbler is done when the topping is a deep golden brown and the fruit filling is thick and bubbling vigorously around the edges of the pan. You can also insert a toothpick into the center of the topping; it should come out clean or with moist crumbs attached.
You can store leftover peach cobbler, tightly covered, at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can be enjoyed cold or reheated in the microwave or oven.
Freestone peaches are the best choice for cobbler because their pits are easy to remove. Look for varieties like Elberta, Redhaven, or O’Henry. The most important factor is using peaches that are ripe and fragrant for the best flavor.
The Perfect End to a Summer Meal
This peach cobbler with fresh peaches is more than just a recipe; it’s a nostalgic taste of summer that’s guaranteed to be a hit. It’s simple, delicious, and the perfect way to use up those beautiful seasonal peaches. Give it a try, and you’ll see why it’s a timeless favorite.
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. And don’t forget to save this recipe to your dessert board on Pinterest!
