Classic Peach Cobbler: A Southern Comfort Dessert

Classic Peach Cobbler: A Southern Comfort Dessert

Peach cobbler is one of those desserts that evokes memories of summer and family gatherings. With its tender, buttery crust and juicy, sweet peach filling, it’s a dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. Whether you’re using fresh summer peaches or canned peaches for convenience, this peach cobbler recipe will deliver a delicious treat that’s sure to please everyone. Here’s how to make a classic peach cobbler from scratch.

Ingredients:

For the Peach Filling:

• 6-8 large fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced (or 2 large cans of sliced peaches, drained)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, to balance sweetness)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

For the Cobbler Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
• 1/2 cup milk (whole or buttermilk)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Peach Filling:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced peaches with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and lemon juice if using. Toss everything together until the peaches are evenly coated with the sugar and spice mixture.
   • Transfer the peach mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Dot the top with small pieces of butter.
2. Make the Cobbler Crust:
   • In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
   • Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Pour in the milk and vanilla extract, stirring until just combined. The dough should be slightly sticky but easy to handle.
   • On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. You can either cut the dough into strips to create a lattice pattern or leave it whole to cover the entire cobbler. If you prefer a more rustic look, simply drop spoonfuls of dough over the peaches.
3. Assemble the Cobbler:
   • Carefully place the dough over the peach filling in your desired pattern. If using strips, weave them into a lattice. If covering the cobbler with a whole sheet of dough, cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
   • Brush the top of the dough with a little milk and sprinkle with coarse sugar if you like a crunchy, sweet topping.
4. Bake the Cobbler:
   • Place the cobbler in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbling around the edges.
   • If the crust is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
5. Serve:
   • Remove the cobbler from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This allows the filling to set a bit.
   • Serve the peach cobbler warm, either on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top.

Tips for Success:

• Choosing Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches are ideal for the best flavor, but if peaches are out of season, canned or frozen peaches work just as well.
• Balancing Sweetness: The amount of sugar can be adjusted based on the sweetness of your peaches. Taste the filling before adding it to the baking dish and adjust the sugar if needed.
• Crust Variations: For a more decadent crust, you can add a tablespoon of sugar to the dough or use a mixture of half butter and half shortening for extra flakiness.
• Serving: Peach cobbler is best enjoyed warm. If you have leftovers, you can reheat them in the oven to retain the crispiness of the crust.

This classic peach cobbler is a delicious and comforting dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it at the end of a family dinner or serving it at a summer barbecue, this dessert is sure to be a hit. With its sweet, juicy filling and tender, flaky crust, every bite is a taste of Southern hospitality. Enjoy!