If summer had a signature dessert, it would definitely be this Fresh Peach Cobbler Recipe. Bursting with juicy, tender peaches enveloped in a golden, buttery crust, this cobbler feels like a warm hug on a plate. The combination of sweet, fragrant fruit with a hint of spice and a tender, slightly crisp top makes every bite a little celebration of the season. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or a cozy night in, this recipe turns simple ingredients into unforgettable goodness that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect balance of sweet, tender peaches and a crisp, flaky crust is all about using the right ingredients. Each element in this Fresh Peach Cobbler Recipe plays a key role in delivering delicious flavor, texture, and that irresistible golden color.
- Fresh peaches (3.5–4 lbs): The star of the dish, ripe and juicy peaches provide natural sweetness and vibrant color that you just can’t beat with canned.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Adds a warm sweetness with molasses notes, enhancing the peach flavor beautifully.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Thicken the peach filling so it’s perfectly luscious without being runny.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the peaches and balances their sweetness with a fresh tang.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings warmth and depth to the peach filling, subtly enhancing all the flavors.
- Ground spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger): A blend that adds cozy fall notes but still feels summery and fresh.
- Salt (1/8 teaspoon and 1/2 teaspoon): Essential for bringing all the sweetness and flavors into harmony.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The base of the biscuit topping, giving it structure and tenderness.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the topping and caramelizes beautifully during baking.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Help the topping rise light and fluffy, with just the right crumb.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, cold and cubed): Creates that rich, flaky, buttery topping that makes all the difference.
- Buttermilk (1/2 cup, cold): Adds moisture and a gentle tang to tenderize the biscuit topping.
- Egg wash: A simple mixture of egg and milk or buttermilk, for brushing the topping to get a shiny, golden finish.
- Optional cinnamon sugar topping: Adds extra crunch and a burst of spicy sweetness on the crust.
How to Make Fresh Peach Cobbler Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Peach Filling
Start by peeling and cutting your fresh peaches into chunky pieces – around 1 to 1.5 inches works perfectly. Toss them with brown sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla, spices, and a pinch of salt. This mix will macerate as you prep the topping, thickening into a wonderfully syrupy filling that’s bursting with fruity, spiced aroma.
Step 2: Make the Biscuit Topping
In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Pour in the cold buttermilk and stir gently just until the dough comes together—try not to overmix for the fluffiest, tender biscuits.
Step 3: Assemble the Cobbler
Transfer the peach filling to a buttered baking dish and spread it out evenly. Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough over the peaches; it doesn’t need to be perfect because the dough will spread as it bakes. Brush the biscuit tops with the egg wash for that stunning golden shine, then sprinkle with the optional cinnamon sugar mixture if you’re using it.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cobbler in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the peaches are bubbling up through the biscuit topping and the biscuit is beautifully golden brown. Let it cool slightly so the filling thickens and you can dig in without burning your mouth!
How to Serve Fresh Peach Cobbler Recipe
Garnishes
A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream is a classic way to elevate your Fresh Peach Cobbler Recipe. For a fresh twist, add a sprinkle of toasted pecans or a few fresh mint leaves to bring contrast and brightness to each bite.
Side Dishes
Serve your cobbler alongside a light salad or grilled meats for a well-rounded meal, especially at summer barbecues. The cobbler’s sweetness balances savory, smoky flavors perfectly, making it a versatile dessert for any occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling fancy, serve individual portions of this cobbler in small ramekins or mason jars – it looks adorable and makes sharing effortless. Alternatively, add a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of sea salt for an unexpected flavor twist that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Fresh Peach Cobbler Recipe tastes great the next day, once the flavors have melded even more. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap.
Freezing
This cobbler freezes wonderfully too! To freeze, bake as directed, cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Warm cobbler is just as delightful as fresh from the oven. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 1 to 2 minutes, or rehearse the whole dish in a 350°F oven until heated through and the biscuit topping regains some crispness, about 20 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen peaches work well, especially when fresh ones aren’t in season. Just thaw and drain any excess liquid before mixing with the other filling ingredients to avoid a watery cobbler.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to just under 1/2 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Is it possible to make this cobbler gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend, you can create a delightful gluten-free version while keeping the texture close to the original. Just watch your baking time, as it may vary slightly.
How do I know when my cobbler is done baking?
You want to see the peach filling bubbling around the edges and the biscuit topping golden brown and firm to the touch. The aroma will be heavenly, and that’s your cue to pull it from the oven.
Can I make this recipe ahead and bake it later?
Definitely! You can prepare the peach filling and biscuit topping separately, store them in the fridge, and assemble just before baking. This saves time and ensures your cobbler tastes fresh and delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Fresh Peach Cobbler Recipe is one of those timeless desserts that brings people together instantly. It’s full of fresh, vibrant peach flavor complemented by a tender, buttery crust and just the right touch of spice. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or jumping into fruit desserts for the first time, this recipe is approachable, delicious, and guaranteed to become a favorite. So grab some peaches and get baking—your perfect summer comfort dessert awaits!
Print
Fresh Peach Cobbler Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This Fresh Peach Cobbler is a classic Southern dessert featuring juicy, tender peaches baked under a golden, fluffy biscuit topping. The peaches are enhanced with warm spices and a hint of vanilla, while the buttery biscuit crust offers a delightful contrast in texture. Perfect for summertime gatherings or a comforting treat, this cobbler combines sweet, tangy, and spiced flavors with an irresistibly soft and flaky topping.
Ingredients
Peach Filling
- 3.5–4 lbs fresh peaches, peeled and cut into 1-1.5 inch chunks (about 10 cups or 1.5kg)
- 1/4 cup (50g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon (7g) cornstarch
- 1 Tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Biscuit Topping
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk, cold
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg beaten with 1 Tablespoon (15ml) milk or buttermilk
Optional
- 2 Tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar mixed with 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Peach Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the peeled and chopped peaches, brown sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Gently toss everything together until the peaches are evenly coated with the mixture. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the biscuit topping.
- Make the Biscuit Dough: In another large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut or rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the texture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining.
- Add Buttermilk and Form Dough: Pour the cold buttermilk over the flour-butter mixture. Stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the biscuits tender and flaky.
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish or similar size.
- Assemble the Cobbler: Pour the peach filling into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough over the peaches in even-sized dollops, covering as much of the peach surface as possible but allowing some peaches to peek through.
- Apply Egg Wash and Optional Topping: Brush the biscuits lightly with the egg wash to promote browning. If desired, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the biscuit topping for extra sweetness and crunch.
- Bake the Cobbler: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the biscuit topping is golden brown and cooked through and the peach filling is bubbly and thickened. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the peach cobbler warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
Notes
- Peeling peaches is easier if you blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then plunge into ice water before peeling.
- For a thicker filling, increase cornstarch to 1.5 tablespoons.
- The biscuit dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Use fresh, ripe peaches for the best flavor; canned peaches will change the texture and sweetness.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute butter and buttermilk with plant-based alternatives and use non-dairy milk in the egg wash.
