This Old-Fashioned Peach Cobbler combines sweet, syrupy peaches and a buttery, caramelized biscuit topping to create the ultimate peach dessert!
Here in the south, I am blessed with the juiciest, sweetest peaches this world has to offer. And while nothing quite compares to a juicy, ripe peach on a hot summer day, my favorite recipe to make with peaches is peach cobbler.
Specifically, this old-fashioned peach cobbler that is made with a sweet biscuit topping and warm, spiced peaches. It is a little bit of heaven in dessert form.
Reasons to love This peach cobbler Recipe
- Southern Classic. Just like Banana Pudding, Peach Cobbler is a staple here in the south--and can you blame us?! Both desserts are just divine.
- Easy Dessert Recipe. With basic pantry staples and peaches, this warm, gooey, buttery peach cobbler comes together with just minutes of prep work.
- Amazing Flavor. From the buttery, cakey topping to the juicy, warm peaches, this peach cobbler is everything a good dessert should be--sweet, warm, rich, soft, and crispy!
- Year-Round Dessert Recipe. While peaches may only be in season for a short period of the year, this peach cobbler recipe works using canned or frozen peaches as well.
- Crowd-Pleaser. No one seems able to resist this peach cobbler, especially when paired with homemade vanilla ice cream or a dollop of homemade whipped cream. It is just pure, old-fashioned comfort food!
Ingredients for Peach Cobbler
- Peaches: Use any variety of ripe, freestone peaches. While I prefer fresh peaches, you can prepare this cobbler any time of the year using frozen or canned peaches.
- Sugar: Brown sugar is used for the fruit filling, as it creates a much richer fruit filling and pairs wonderfully with the peaches. Granulated sugar is used for the biscuit topping to give it a sweet, caramelized finish.
- Spices: Cinnamon is a classic addition to peach cobbler. I also added a bit of ground ginger. It is unexpected but it makes this filling stand out from other recipes and gives the cobbler filling so much warmth.
- Lemon Juice: A tiny bit of lemon juice will help balance out the sweetness and create a rich syrup. Fresh lemon juice is, of course, best, but jarred can be used in a bind.
- Cornstarch: The cornstarch will help to thicken up the juices from the peaches to create a thick, rich, syrup in the cobbler. Use tapioca starch in place of cornstarch if needed.
- Homemade Biscuit Mix: Mix all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder for a simple homemade biscuit base that is so much better tasting than a pre-made mix.
- Butter: Be sure to use unsalted, cold butter for the best results.
- Buttermilk: Buttermilk is a key ingredient in the cobbler topping. However, there is no need to purchase buttermilk if you don't have it on hand. Simply add ½ teaspoon distilled vinegar or lemon juice to a mixing cup and pour in enough milk to equal ½ cup milk. Let sit for 5 minutes before using.
How to Make Peach Cobbler
The following tips are provided to help you achieve perfect results. You will find the ingredient quantities and detailed instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Prepare Peaches for Cobbler
While you can use fresh, frozen, or canned peaches, the preparation for each will vary slightly.
- If using fresh peaches, remove the peels and pit from the peaches and then slice them into wedges.
- For frozen peaches, defrost 6 cups of frozen peach slices and drain off the juices before preparing the cobbler.
- If using canned peaches, drain 45 ounces of canned peaches (or three 15-ounce cans) before proceeding with the recipe.
Bake Sweetened Peaches
For the peaches to get sweet and syrupy, you want to toss the peach slices with sugar, cornstarch, and spices. Once mixed layer, the peaches into a buttered dish and bake for 15 minutes. This lets the peaches get perfectly soft without overcooking the cobbler topping.
Prepare Cobbler Topping
While the peaches are baking, prepare the cobbler topping, which is simply a sweetened biscuit dough. Keep in mind you don't want to overmix your biscuit dough, just let the ingredients come together so your cobbler topping remains flaky and light.
Brush Cobbler Topping with Egg Wash
After topping the partially baked peaches with the cobbler topping, it is best to brush the biscuit dough with an egg wash or buttermilk and then sprinkle with granulated sugar. This will give the cobbler a deliciously golden, slightly caramelized topping.
Serve Peach Cobbler While Warm
Once the topping has browned and peach filling is bubbly and thick, the cobbler is done baking. Let it cool slightly, but keep in mind that Peach Cobbler is best when enjoyed warm. And while it stands on its own, it is even better when topped with no-churn vanilla ice cream, homemade vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even milk.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Allow the cobbler to cool then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: To reheat the peach cobbler, dish up the cobbler into individual servings and microwave for 30-45 seconds. Alternatively, heat the cobbler for 20 minutes in a 300-degree F oven until warmed through.
Recipe FAQs
The easiest method is to parboil the peaches slightly. Score the skin on the peaches with a paring knife. Drop the peaches into boiling water for 15 seconds, or until the skin begins to peel. Use a slotted spoon to remove the peaches from the water and place them into ice water. Once cooled, remove the peaches from the ice bath and the skin should just peel right off.
Yes! To double this recipe, simply double the ingredients and use a 4-quart or 9x13 baking dish to bake the peach cobbler. The baking instructions and time will remain the same.
More Summer Dessert Recipes
- Grilled Peaches
- Peach Crisp
- Blueberry Crumb Bars
- Cherry Crumble Pie
- Blackberry Crisp
- Fudgesicles
- Raspberry Cheesecake Bars
- Drumstick Ice Cream Cones
Whether you have fresh peaches, frozen peaches, or even canned peaches, this peach cobbler hits the spot! Let me know in the comments how you enjoyed it! I love hearing from you!
Peach Cobbler
Ingredients
Peach Cobbler Filling
- 6 cups sliced peaches about 5-6 peaches, peeled
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 lemon juice and zest
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon ground ginger
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Biscuit Topping
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 and ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
- ½ cup buttermilk see note about homemade buttermilk
Cobbler Topping
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon milk or buttermilk
- 1-2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 ℉. Grease an 8x8-inch pan or 2-quart baking dish well with butter and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the peach slices, brown sugar, cornstarch, vanilla, lemon juice, lemon zest, ginger, cinnamon, and salt. Gently mix together using a spatula or wooden spoon until the peaches are evenly coated with the spices and sugar.
- Spoon the peach mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes.
- While the peaches are baking, prepare the biscuit topping by whisking together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a large bowl. Cut in the cold butter, using a pastry cutter, food processor, or two forks, cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles wet sand and the butter is about the size of peas. Drizzle in the buttermilk and gently mix until just biscuit dough is JUST combined--do not over mix! If the peaches are not ready yet to be topped with the cobbler, refrigerate this mixture.
- After 15 minutes of pre-baking, remove the peaches from the oven and dollop the dough evenly over the peach filling.
- In a small bowl whisk together the egg and 1 tablespoon of buttermilk. Brush this mixture over the cobbler dough and then sprinkle with 1 to 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar.
- Return the peach cobbler to the oven and bake for 37-42 minutes, or until lightly browned and the biscuit topping is cooked through and golden.
- Serve warm along with ice cream of whipped cream if desired.
Joyce
This tasted delicious but I had trouble with the topping. It was very stiff and I had to roll it out in order to put it on the cobbler. I wasn’t able to spoon on top but had to lay it on.
Kristen Chidsey
Thank you for sharing that Joyce. The topping should be scoopable, but not loose.
Kate
Can I use light brown sugar or should it be dark?
Kristen Chidsey
Light brown sugar will work. Enjoy!
Frances
In your recipe “instructions”, the vanilla (1/2 Tsp Pure Vanilla Extract - from the “ingredients”) is missing for the Filling. Which is incorrect?
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Frances! I am sorry for that omission. Add the vanilla to the peach cobbler filling, along with the peaches, cornstarch, lemon juice, etc.
Larry
Blackberry Crisp recipe. Could you use pineapple, apple or peaches in this recipe?
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Larry, for the blackberry crisp, you can use apples or peaches for sure--I even have a recipe for Apple Crisp and one for Peach Crisp. For cobbler, you can use apples or peaches (or berries). I wouldn't recommend pineapple for either dish--it won't bake up well in a crisp or cobbler.
Lily
This was the best dessert, I love the gooey peaches and the delicious crust on top, this was the best texture combination!! We served it with coffee ice cream and it was to die for!!
Kristen Chidsey
Oh, coffee ice cream sounds delightful! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.
Shannon Friedman
I just took this out of the oven and just tasted a bit. It's incredible! Such a great recipe!
Kristen Chidsey
So glad you enjoyed Shannon! Thanks for sharing!
Melissa
Great summer dessert! Cant wait to make it again!
Kristen Chidsey
I am so happy you enjoyed Melissa!
Tavia
I too love a good peach cobbler. This recipe is simple and look delicious. I will be making this for Thanksgiving. Thanks Kristen for sharing your recipe!
Kristen Chidsey
I hope you enjoy Tavia! And happy Thanksgiving!
Sophie Heath
This peach cobbler is to DIE for!! My entire family loved it! Can't wait to make again!
Kristen Chidsey
It always makes my heart to happy to hear when others enjoy my recipes, thank you for taking the time to share.
Shadi Hasanzadenemati
Love how easy and delicious this recipe is. It's perfect for a gathering or a party.
Kristen Chidsey
I am so glad you enjouyed and found this easy! Thanks for taking the time to share a review!
wilhelmina
Peach cobbler is my favorite summer dessert! So delicious!
Kristen Chidsey
One of our favorites too 🙂