The Easiest Southern Peach Cobbler
The Easiest Southern Peach Cobbler
Peach cobbler is one of those nostalgic desserts that seems to transport us back to childhood summers spent at family picnics or county fairs. This particular recipe — The Easiest Southern Peach Cobbler — not only delivers that comforting burst of sweet peach flavor but does so with minimal effort. Using canned peaches makes it a breeze to whip up, making it the perfect treat for unexpected guests or a cozy family gathering. There’s something about the warm, bubbling fruit snuggled beneath a golden, buttery crust that makes this dessert stand out.
Why you’ll love this dish
This peach cobbler isn’t just another dessert recipe; it’s a no-fuss, delectable crowd-pleaser that embodies the essence of Southern comfort food. For busy weeknights or laid-back weekends, this recipe offers a taste of home without the hassle. Plus, it can be made in under an hour, allowing you to indulge sooner rather than later.
"This peach cobbler is the best I’ve ever had! It’s so easy to make, yet it tastes like a dessert from a five-star restaurant!" – Happy Home Baker
With its gooey peaches and crisp topping, it’s versatile enough for any occasion—be it a holiday gathering, a potluck, or even a casual Sunday dinner. Trust me, every bite will leave you craving more.
The cooking process explained
Making this Southern peach cobbler is remarkably simple and requires just a few key steps. Below is a brief overview of the preparation process:
- Prepare the Peaches: You’ll begin by layering canned peaches in a baking dish and mixing in the sweetened juices.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, you’ll combine the flour, sugar, and spices to create a delightful topping.
- Assemble: Pour the dry mixture over the peaches, then drizzle with melted butter.
- Bake and Enjoy: Pop it in the oven, and in no time, your home will be filled with the comforting scent of baked peaches and cinnamon.
Let’s dive into the specific ingredients you’ll need!
What you’ll need
For this scrumptious recipe, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 cans (29 oz each) of peaches in heavy syrup (Only use the peach juice from one can, not both)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (Adjust based on your sweetness preference)
- 5 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- 2 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- A small pinch of nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup melted unsalted butter
Feel free to substitute fresh peaches when in season for an even more vibrant flavor!
Directions to follow
1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Layer the Peaches: Pour the contents of the first can of peaches (with juice) into a 9×13 baking pan. Drain the juice from the second can and add only the peaches to the baking dish.
3. Mix in the Flavor: Drizzle in 5 tablespoons of melted butter, the salt, lemon juice, sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir everything gently to combine.
4. Prepare the Topping: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly.
5. Layer the Flour: Pour the flour mixture over the peach mixture, covering most of the fruit. Use your clean hands or a spoon to smooth it out, ensuring a relatively even layer.
6. Drizzle More Butter: Starting from the top of the pan, drizzle melted butter over the flour mixture, trying to cover all areas.
7. Bake: Place in the oven for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 375 degrees F and continue baking for about an hour, or until the top is a delicious golden brown.
8. Serve Warm: Enjoy your cobbler warm with a scoop (or two) of your favorite ice cream!
Best ways to enjoy it
The beauty of this Southern peach cobbler lies not only in its delicious flavor but also in its versatility in serving. Here are a few ideas for how to enjoy this classic dish:
- Ala Mode: Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for that delightful combination of hot and cold.
- Breakfast Delight: Enjoy it as a breakfast item paired with coffee for a sweet start to your day.
- Garnished Goodness: Top with whipped cream or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for added decadence.
- Fruit Pairings: Add berries to the mix before baking for a colorful twist!
Storage and reheating tips
Preserving the fresh taste of your cobbler is simple:
- Leftover Storage: Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds or reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through.
- Freezing: You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months; just allow to cool completely, then wrap tightly before placing in a freezer-safe container.
Practical cooking tips
- Butter Matters: For an extra rich flavor, use unsalted butter and make sure it’s fully melted.
- Taste Test: Adjust sugar based on peach sweetness. Adding an extra tablespoon or two can make a significant difference.
- Smoothing Out: Take your time smoothing the flour layer for even cooking. A lumpy topping can lead to uneven baking.
- Fresh Peaches: If opting for fresh peaches, a quick blanching in hot water will make peeling easier!
Creative twists
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few variations to try:
- Spice Up the Flavor: Experiment with spices like ginger or cardamom for a unique twist.
- Berry Bliss Peach Cobbler: Add blueberries or raspberries into the mix for a fruity explosion.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute traditional flour with a gluten-free blend for those sensitive to gluten while maintaining the same delicious flavors.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the topping for added texture.
Your questions answered
Q: How long does it take to prepare?
A: The prep time is about 15 minutes, with an additional baking time of 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Q: Can I use frozen peaches instead?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain excess water before using.
Q: Is it safe to eat leftovers after a week?
A: For the best taste and safety, consume leftovers within 4 days when stored in the refrigerator.
Q: What if I want to use fresh peaches?
A: Use about 6 to 8 ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced, working them into the recipe just as you would with canned peaches.
Enjoy making and sharing this delightful Southern peach cobbler—it’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering!
Southern Peach Cobbler
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
- Layer the peaches: Pour the contents of the first can of peaches (with juice) into a 9×13 baking pan. Drain the juice from the second can and add only the peaches to the baking dish.
- Mix in the flavor: Drizzle in 5 tablespoons of melted butter, lemon juice, sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir everything gently to combine.
- Prepare the topping: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly.
- Layer the flour: Pour the flour mixture over the peach mixture, covering most of the fruit. Smooth it out to ensure even cooking.
- Drizzle more butter: Drizzle melted butter over the flour mixture, trying to cover all areas.
- Bake: Place in the oven for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 375 degrees F and continue baking for about an hour, or until the top is golden brown.
- Serve warm with ice cream.
