Name: Old Fashioned Peach Cobbler
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced; 1 cup granulated sugar, divided; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 1 cup whole milk; 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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There is something deeply comforting about an old fashioned peach cobbler coming out of the oven. The bubbling fruit, the golden crust, and that sweet aroma filling the kitchen instantly make everything feel slower and warmer. Trust me, you’re going to love this. This is the kind of dessert that feels like a hug, simple, honest, and worth every single bite.

Behind the Recipe

This cobbler takes me straight back to summer kitchens where peaches sat ripening on the counter and desserts were made without rushing. It is the kind of recipe passed down with a little pinch of this and a knowing smile. Nothing fancy, just real ingredients coming together the way they always have.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Peach cobbler has deep roots in American home cooking, especially in the South where peaches grow sweet and plentiful. Early settlers adapted traditional puddings and pies into cobblers because ovens were simple and ingredients were limited. Over time, it became a staple dessert for gatherings, holidays, and Sunday suppers.

Why You’ll Love Old Fashioned Peach Cobbler

This dessert has a way of winning people over fast, and now let me tell you exactly why.

Versatile: It works just as beautifully with fresh summer peaches as it does with canned or frozen ones when peaches are out of season.

Budget-Friendly: Simple pantry staples and affordable fruit make this an easy win for feeding a crowd.

Quick and Easy: No rolling dough or complicated steps, just mix, pour, and bake.

Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness, spices, or even the fruit to make it your own.

Crowd-Pleasing: This one’s a total game-changer at potlucks and family dinners.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake it earlier in the day and gently reheat before serving.

Great for Leftovers: The flavors deepen overnight, making the next day just as delicious.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Before we dive into the details, here are a few insider tips that make all the difference.

Let the peaches rest with sugar before baking so they release their juices.
Use melted butter for a richer, more even crust.
Bake until the top is deeply golden, not just lightly colored.
Let the cobbler cool slightly so the filling thickens naturally.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You do not need much to make this classic dessert shine, which is part of its charm.

Mixing bowls: For combining the batter and peach filling smoothly.
Whisk: Helps create a lump-free batter.
Baking dish: A ceramic or glass dish works best for even baking.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accuracy keeps the texture just right.

Ingredients in Old Fashioned Peach Cobbler

Each ingredient plays its part, coming together to create that perfect balance of juicy fruit and buttery crust.

Fresh peaches: 6 cups peeled and sliced, these are the heart of the cobbler and bring natural sweetness and juiciness.
Granulated sugar: 1 cup total, divided, sweetens both the peaches and the batter.
All-purpose flour: 1 cup, creates the tender cobbler topping.
Baking powder: 1 tablespoon, gives the topping a light lift.
Salt: 0.5 teaspoon, balances the sweetness.
Whole milk: 1 cup, keeps the batter smooth and creamy.
Unsalted butter: 0.5 cup melted, adds richness and that classic golden crust.
Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon, brings warmth and depth to the peaches.
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, rounds out the flavors gently.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need to make a few swaps, this recipe is forgiving.

Fresh peaches: Frozen peaches, thawed and drained.
Whole milk: Plant-based milk like almond or oat milk.
Granulated sugar: Half white sugar and half brown sugar for deeper flavor.

Ingredient Spotlight

Peaches: When baked, peaches become soft, jammy, and intensely fragrant, forming the soul of this dessert.

Butter: Melted butter creates a rich, crisp topping that contrasts beautifully with the juicy fruit.

Instructions for Making Old Fashioned Peach Cobbler

Now let’s dive into the heart of it, this is where the magic really happens.

Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 375°F so it is ready when the cobbler is assembled.
Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, toss the sliced peaches with half of the sugar and cinnamon until evenly coated.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Pour the melted butter into the baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
Assemble the Dish: In another bowl, whisk flour, remaining sugar, baking powder, salt, milk, and vanilla, then pour the batter over the butter without stirring. Spoon peaches evenly over the batter.
Cook to Perfection: Bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.
Finishing Touches: Remove from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes to set.
Serve and Enjoy: Scoop warm and serve as is or with a topping of your choice.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

The magic of this cobbler lies in contrast. The top bakes into a lightly crisp, buttery layer while the peaches underneath stay soft and syrupy. As it bakes, the batter rises through the fruit, soaking up peach juices and creating pockets of tender sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

A few extra pointers can make this even better.

Use ripe but firm peaches for the best texture.
Place the baking dish on a sheet pan to catch drips.
Let the cobbler rest before serving for cleaner scoops.

What to Avoid

Even simple recipes have a few pitfalls to watch for.

Overbaking, which can dry out the topping.
Using under-ripe peaches, which lack sweetness.
Stirring the batter and butter together, which changes the texture.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 320

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can bake this cobbler a few hours ahead and keep it covered at room temperature. Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to restore the crisp topping. It also freezes well for up to 2 months.

How to Serve Old Fashioned Peach Cobbler

Serve it warm straight from the dish, or pair it with a scoop of vanilla-style frozen dessert or a dollop of whipped topping. It also works beautifully as a brunch dessert with coffee.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Leftover cobbler makes a great breakfast treat. Spoon it over yogurt, tuck it into crepes, or warm it and serve with a drizzle of cream.

Additional Tips

Taste your peaches before baking and adjust sugar if needed. A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten very sweet fruit.

Make It a Showstopper

Bake it in a rustic dish and serve family-style. A light dusting of cinnamon on top before serving adds visual warmth.

Variations to Try

Add blueberries or raspberries for a mixed fruit cobbler.
Use brown sugar for a caramel-like flavor.
Add nutmeg for extra warmth.
Top with sliced almonds before baking for crunch.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use canned peaches

Yes, just drain them well to avoid excess liquid.

2. Do I need to peel the peaches

Peeling gives a smoother texture, but it is optional.

3. Can I make this gluten free

Use a gluten free all-purpose flour blend.

4. Why is my cobbler runny

It may need more resting time to thicken.

5. Can I reduce the sugar

Yes, adjust based on the sweetness of your peaches.

6. What size baking dish works best

A 9 by 13 inch dish is ideal.

7. Can I double the recipe

Yes, use a larger dish and adjust baking time slightly.

8. How do I know it’s done

The top should be golden and the filling bubbling.

9. Can I reheat individual servings

Yes, reheat gently in the microwave or oven.

10. Is this good served cold

It is delicious both warm and chilled.

Conclusion

Old fashioned peach cobbler is one of those desserts that never goes out of style. It is simple, comforting, and packed with flavor. Let me tell you, it’s worth every bite, and once you make it, it will become a recipe you come back to again and again.