The first bite of this fresh Southern peach cobbler always brings me back to sticky summer nights in my aunt’s kitchen, where the scent of ripe peaches filled the air and the windows stayed cracked open to let in the crickets. This isn’t just a dessert — it’s a warm, sweet way to slow down and savor the season.
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Why You’ll Love This Peach Cobbler
This fresh Southern peach cobbler is the kind of dessert that brings people together. It’s bright, buttery, and beautifully simple. With juicy summer peaches, a cinnamon-sugar biscuit topping, and that unmistakable Southern charm, this cobbler fits every moment — backyard BBQs, weeknight dinners, or late-night cravings.
Even better? It’s easy to make, and nearly impossible to mess up.
What Is a Cobbler?
A fresh Southern peach cobbler is an old-school dessert made of sweet fruit baked under a thick, biscuit-like topping. Unlike crisps or crumbles — which use oats or streusel — cobblers get their rustic, golden finish from soft spoonfuls of dough that puff up in the oven.
It’s comfort food in dessert form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Peach Filling
- 8 fresh peaches, peeled and sliced
- ¼ cup white sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tsp cornstarch
For the Biscuit Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup white sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- ¼ cup boiling water
For the Cinnamon Sugar Sprinkle
- 3 tbsp white sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Can I Use Frozen or Canned Peaches?
Absolutely. While fresh is best for flavor, canned and frozen peaches work well too. Just make sure to drain canned peaches fully and thaw frozen ones, patting them dry to reduce extra moisture.
Use about 40 oz of frozen or two 16 oz cans of sliced peaches for this fresh Southern peach cobbler.
How to Choose the Best Fresh Peaches
Start by checking the stem area. Ripe peaches will have a golden hue, a sweet smell, and just a bit of give when gently squeezed.
If yours are still firm, leave them on the counter for a couple of days. To speed things up, tuck them in a paper bag with a banana.
How to Peel Peaches
Peeling peaches can feel fussy, but here’s a simple trick:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil
- Score a shallow X on the bottom of each peach
- Blanch them for 30 seconds
- Move them to an ice bath
The skins should slip right off.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prep and Bake the Peaches
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
In a large bowl, toss your sliced peaches with both sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch.
Pour them into a 2-quart baking dish and bake for 10 minutes.
Step 2 – Mix the Topping
Meanwhile, combine the flour, sugars, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
Cut in the chilled butter with your fingers or a pastry cutter until it looks like coarse crumbs.
Stir in boiling water just until the dough comes together.
Step 3 – Assemble and Bake
Drop spoonfuls of the dough over the hot peaches. Don’t spread — leave space so the peaches peek through.
Mix 3 tbsp of sugar with 1 tsp cinnamon, then sprinkle over the top.
Bake for 30 minutes, until golden and bubbling.
Expert Tips for the Best Cobbler
- Avoid a runny filling: Use ripe peaches, drain excess moisture, and don’t skimp on the cornstarch.
- Use the drop method: Plopping the topping in dollops creates a rustic look and prevents sogginess.
- Flavor boosters: The brown sugar and nutmeg add cozy depth.
- Serve warm with ice cream: Vanilla ice cream melts into every crevice and makes each bite extra special.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Store leftover cobbler in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave or bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes to crisp the topping again.
Want to freeze it? Assemble the cobbler but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to the cook time for a perfectly bubbling fresh Southern peach cobbler.
Fresh Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe
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Fresh Southern Peach Cobbler | Amazing & Easy Dessert
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 (2-quart) cobbler
Description
Fresh Southern peach cobbler is warm, buttery, and packed with juicy peaches. The golden biscuit topping makes it a go-to comfort dessert, especially during summer.
Ingredients
**Filling:**
8 fresh peaches, peeled and sliced
¼ cup white sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
¼ tsp ground cinnamon
⅛ tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp lemon juice
2 tsp cornstarch
**Topping:**
1 cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup white sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
6 tbsp cold unsalted butter, diced
¼ cup boiling water
**Sprinkle:**
3 tbsp white sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss peaches with sugars, spices, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Pour into a 2-quart baking dish.
3. Bake the peach mixture for 10 minutes.
4. In another bowl, combine flour, sugars, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly.
5. Add boiling water and stir until just combined.
6. Drop spoonfuls of the topping over the hot peaches.
7. Mix remaining sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over topping.
8. Bake for 30 minutes or until topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Notes
Use ripe, slightly soft peaches for best flavor.
To peel easily, blanch peaches for 30 seconds, then place in ice water.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in microwave or 350°F oven.
To freeze: assemble unbaked cobbler, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Best served warm with vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 562
- Sugar: 55g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 99g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
More Such Recipes
If you love this cobbler, try these next:
- Peach Cobbler Pound Cake – a unique twist on traditional cobbler flavor in a cake form
- Easy Italian Peach Crumb Cake – a perfect summer dessert using fresh peaches
- Peach Cobbler Cupcakes – bite-sized treats inspired by the classic Southern cobbler
- Fresh Peach Salsa – a fresh and savory way to use ripe peaches beyond desserts
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble the cobbler (without baking) and store it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Or freeze it unbaked for up to 3 months.
What size baking dish should I use?
Use a 2-quart baking dish. An 8×8-inch square pan also works well. Avoid dishes that are too large, or the topping may dry out.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Definitely. Double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch dish. You might need to add an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time.
Final Thoughts
This fresh Southern peach cobbler recipe is more than a dessert — it’s a little moment of comfort, pulled warm from the oven and shared with the people you love. I hope it finds a place in your kitchen, especially when the peaches are sweet, the days are long, and you just want something a little cozy.
Try it with nectarines or blackberries, or make it your new summer tradition.
You’ll find more peach recipes and seasonal tips over on my Pinterest and Facebook page — come hang out!