Thereβs nothing quite as comforting and delightful as a warm, homemade peach cobbler. This classic dessert is the perfect way to celebrate summer, using fresh, juicy peaches paired with a buttery biscuit topping. Itβs a dish that brings together the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, with a golden crust that holds a rich, bubbling peach filling. Whether you’re serving it for a family gathering or indulging in a quiet evening treat, fresh peach cobbler is sure to satisfy your cravings. In this recipe, we use fresh peaches, which add natural sweetness and flavor to the cobbler. The biscuit topping is light and fluffy, making this dessert irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
For the peach filling, youβll need approximately 3.5 to 4 pounds of fresh peaches. These should be peeled and cut into 1 to 1.5-inch chunks, which will yield about 10 cups or 1.5 kilograms of peach chunks. To sweeten the filling and enhance the natural flavors of the peaches, use a quarter cup of packed light or dark brown sugar. Youβll also need one tablespoon of cornstarch to help thicken the filling and ensure it isnβt too runny. Add a tablespoon of lemon juice to brighten the flavors and balance the sweetness. A teaspoon of pure vanilla extract brings warmth and richness to the peach filling, while half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon, an eighth teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and an eighth teaspoon of ground ginger add a lovely depth of spice to the dish. A pinch of salt brings everything together.
For the biscuit topping, youβll need two cups of all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled, to form the base of the dough. To add sweetness and structure, use half a cup of granulated sugar, and for the necessary lift, use 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and a quarter teaspoon of baking soda. A pinch of salt enhances the flavors of the dough. The key to a rich and flaky biscuit topping is cold butterβuse half a cup (8 tablespoons) of unsalted butter, cubed, and chilled. For moisture, use half a cup of cold buttermilk. An egg wash made from one large egg beaten with a tablespoon of milk or buttermilk will help the biscuit topping turn golden and glossy. Optionally, mix two tablespoons of granulated sugar with half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to sprinkle on top, adding a sweet, slightly spiced crunch.
Instructions
To start, preheat your oven to 350Β°F (177Β°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or any 3 to 4-quart baking dish lightly.
Begin by preparing the peach filling. In a large bowl, mix the peaches, brown sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Once well combined, spread the peach mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake the filling in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. This initial step helps soften the peaches and gives the filling a chance to start thickening. After 10 minutes, remove the dish from the oven and set it aside while you prepare the biscuit topping.
For the biscuit topping, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Using a pastry cutter or two forks, cut in the cold cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse, pea-sized crumbs. Pour in the buttermilk and gently stir until the dough is just combined. The dough should be slightly sticky, but if it feels too dry, add an extra tablespoon of buttermilk to reach the right consistency.
Once the biscuit dough is ready, take handfuls of it and gently flatten them out. Place the flattened dough over the warm peach filling, covering most of the peaches. Donβt worry if itβs not a perfect layerβit’s okay if some of the peaches are exposed. Brush the top of the biscuit dough with the egg wash, then sprinkle with the optional cinnamon-sugar mixture for added flavor and a golden finish.
Now, bake the cobbler for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the biscuit topping is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbling around the edges. To check if itβs done, insert a toothpick into the biscuit topping; if it comes out clean, the cobbler is ready. Once done, remove the cobbler from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes on a wire rack.
Tips
When selecting peaches for this recipe, choose fresh, ripe peaches for the best flavor. If fresh peaches are out of season, you can use frozen peaches, but be sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture.
For an extra flavorful twist, add a splash of bourbon or a tablespoon of brown sugar to the peach filling. The sugar will caramelize slightly, adding a rich, deeper sweetness to the dish.
If you prefer a less sweet topping, reduce the amount of sugar in the biscuit topping to suit your taste. You can also experiment with different spices, such as cardamom or allspice, to complement the cinnamon and nutmeg.
Serving Suggestions
Fresh peach cobbler is best served warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The cold creaminess of the ice cream balances perfectly with the warm, spiced peaches and the flaky biscuit topping. For a unique twist, serve it with a spoonful of mascarpone cheese or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Storage
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cobbler can also be reheated in the oven at 350Β°F for about 10-15 minutes to restore its warm, crispy topping. Alternatively, you can microwave individual servings for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of fruit for this recipe? Yes, you can swap out peaches for other fruits such as nectarines, plums, or even berries. If using berries, you might want to reduce the sugar slightly, as they tend to be sweeter than peaches.
Can I make the cobbler ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the peach filling and biscuit topping in advance and store them separately in the fridge. When youβre ready to bake, just assemble and bake as instructed.
Can I freeze this cobbler? Yes, this peach cobbler freezes well. After baking and cooling, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven before serving.
Conclusion
This fresh peach cobbler is a perfect dessert for summer or any time youβre craving a warm, comforting treat. With its juicy peach filling and buttery biscuit topping, itβs a delightful dish thatβs easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Whether youβre serving it for a holiday, family dinner, or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this peach cobbler will surely become a favorite in your recipe collection. So, grab some fresh peaches and get baking
Printπ Fresh Peach Cobbler π
Description
A comforting dessert with juicy peaches and a golden, flaky biscuit topping. Perfect for any summer gathering or cozy family meal.
Ingredients
β’ 3.5β4 lbs fresh peaches, peeled and cut into chunks
β’ 1/4 cup light or dark brown sugar
β’ 1 tablespoon cornstarch
β’ 1 tablespoon lemon juice
β’ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
β’ 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
β’ 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
β’ 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
β’ 1/8 teaspoon salt
β’ 2 cups all-purpose flour
β’ 1/2 cup granulated sugar
β’ 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
β’ 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
β’ 1/2 teaspoon salt
β’ 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
β’ 1/2 cup buttermilk, cold
β’ 1 egg (for egg wash)
β’ 1 tablespoon milk or buttermilk
β’ 2 tablespoons granulated sugar mixed with 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
1οΈβ£ Preheat the oven to 350Β°F (177Β°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2οΈβ£ In a large bowl, mix peaches, brown sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Spread the mixture in the prepared pan and bake for 10 minutes.
3οΈβ£ In a separate bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until crumbly. Add buttermilk and stir until combined.
4οΈβ£ Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the peach filling, spreading it out with your fingers.
5οΈβ£ Brush the biscuit dough with egg wash, and sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar if desired.
6οΈβ£ Bake for 40-50 minutes or until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbling.
7οΈβ£ Cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delicious treat!