Description: Indulge in the sweet and comforting flavors of the South with this classic Fresh Southern Peach Cobbler. This recipe features juicy, ripe peaches baked under a golden, crumbly topping, infused with warm cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion, offering a delightful blend of textures and flavors that will leave you craving more. Whether it’s a summer barbecue, a family gathering, or just a cozy night in, this peach cobbler is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 8 fresh peaches, peeled and sliced: Using fresh, ripe peaches is key to the vibrant flavor of this cobbler. Choose peaches that are slightly soft to the touch and have a fragrant aroma.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the peach filling, enhancing the natural flavors of the fruit.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Provides a rich, caramel-like depth to the filling, complementing the sweetness of the granulated sugar and adding a subtle molasses note.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses the peach filling with a warm, comforting spice that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a delicate, nutty aroma and flavor that complements the cinnamon and peaches, creating a harmonious blend of spices.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Brightens the flavor of the filling, balancing the sweetness and adding a touch of acidity that enhances the peach flavor.
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch: Thickens the peach filling as it bakes, preventing it from becoming too runny and ensuring a perfectly saucy consistency.
For the Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the crumbly topping, providing structure and texture.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the topping, creating a delightful contrast to the juicy peach filling.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Provides a rich, caramel-like flavor to the topping, complementing the sweetness of the granulated sugar and adding depth.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Leavens the topping, giving it a light and airy texture that contrasts beautifully with the moist filling.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness of the topping and enhances the other flavors, creating a well-rounded taste.
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces: Adds richness and flakiness to the topping, creating a tender and crumbly texture. Using chilled butter is crucial for achieving the desired consistency.
- 1/4 cup boiling water: Helps to bind the topping ingredients together, creating a cohesive dough that is easy to drop over the peach filling.
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar: Adds a sweet and crunchy finish to the cobbler, enhancing the overall texture and flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses the sugar topping with a warm, comforting spice that complements the peach filling and adds a delightful aroma.
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature ensures that the topping will be golden brown and crispy, while the peach filling will be bubbly and tender.
Step 2: Prepare the Peach Filling In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced peaches, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Stir gently until the peaches are evenly coated, ensuring that all the slices are covered in the flavorful mixture. This step allows the peaches to macerate slightly, releasing their juices and intensifying their flavor.
Step 3: Transfer to Baking Dish Transfer the peach mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Make sure to spread the peaches evenly across the bottom of the dish, creating a uniform layer that will bake evenly.
Step 4: Prepare the Topping In a separate mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk the dry ingredients together to ensure they are evenly distributed. Cut in the chilled butter using a pastry blender or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be cold to prevent it from melting into the flour, which would result in a tough topping. Stir in the boiling water until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can also lead to a tough topping. The dough should be slightly shaggy and just come together.
Step 5: Assemble the Cobbler Drop the topping mixture by spoonfuls over the peach filling. It doesn’t need to cover completely; leaving some gaps allows the peach filling to bubble up around the topping, creating a rustic and appealing look.
Step 6: Add Cinnamon Sugar Topping In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the cobbler topping. This adds a sweet and spicy crust that enhances the overall flavor and texture of the dessert.
Step 7: Bake Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on the cobbler to prevent the topping from burning; if it starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil.
Step 8: Cool and Serve Let cool slightly before serving. This allows the peach filling to thicken slightly and prevents it from being too hot. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired. The cold ice cream complements the warm cobbler perfectly, creating a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Fresh Southern Peach Cobbler is a beloved dessert for many reasons. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort and readily available ingredients. The combination of juicy, ripe peaches and a buttery, crumbly topping is simply irresistible. The warm spices, such as cinnamon and nutmeg, add a comforting touch that makes this cobbler perfect for any time of year. It’s a versatile dessert that can be served warm or cold, with or without ice cream, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. The rustic, homemade appeal of this cobbler adds to its charm, making it a comforting and nostalgic treat that evokes memories of Southern hospitality and home-cooked goodness. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream: The classic pairing of warm peach cobbler and cold vanilla ice cream is a match made in heaven. The contrast of temperatures and textures creates a delightful sensation that enhances the overall experience.
- Top with whipped cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a touch of elegance and richness to the cobbler.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce: A drizzle of warm caramel sauce adds a decadent touch and complements the sweetness of the peaches and topping.
- Serve with a sprinkle of chopped nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that pairs well with the peach cobbler.
- Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea: The warm, comforting flavors of the peach cobbler are perfectly complemented by a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Tips:
- Use ripe, but firm peaches: Overripe peaches will become too mushy during baking, while underripe peaches will lack flavor. Choose peaches that are slightly soft to the touch and have a fragrant aroma.
- Chill the butter: Using chilled butter is crucial for achieving a flaky, crumbly topping. Cut the butter into small pieces and keep it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Don’t overmix the topping: Overmixing the topping can result in a tough texture. Stir in the boiling water until just combined, and avoid overworking the dough.
- Tent with foil if the topping browns too quickly: If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil to prevent it from burning.
- Let cool slightly before serving: This allows the peach filling to thicken slightly and prevents it from being too hot.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutritional Information:
Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per serving (depending on portion size and specific ingredients used)
Protein: Approximately 3g per serving
Sodium: Approximately 150mg per serving
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
Conclusion:
This Fresh Southern Peach Cobbler recipe is a timeless classic that is sure to bring joy to your table. Its simplicity, combined with the irresistible flavors of ripe peaches and a buttery topping, makes it a go-to dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests or simply treat yourself to a comforting homemade dessert, this peach cobbler is a perfect choice. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of Southern goodness that will leave you wanting more.
Questions and Answers about This Recipe:
- Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh peaches?
- While fresh peaches are ideal for this recipe, you can use canned peaches in a pinch. Be sure to drain them well and reduce the amount of sugar in the filling, as canned peaches are typically packed in syrup. About 6 cups of drained canned peaches are recommended as a substitute.
- Can I make this cobbler ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the peach filling and the topping separately ahead of time. Store the filling in the refrigerator and the topping in a separate container. Assemble the cobbler just before baking for the best results. The assembled cobbler can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking, but you may need to add a few minutes to the baking time.
- Can I freeze peach cobbler?
- Yes, you can freeze baked peach cobbler. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
- Can I use a different type of fruit?
- Absolutely! This recipe can be easily adapted to use other fruits, such as apples, berries, or plums. Adjust the spices accordingly to complement the flavor of the fruit. For example, apple cobbler is delicious with extra cinnamon and a touch of cardamom.
- What can I do to prevent the topping from getting soggy?
- To prevent a soggy topping, make sure not to overmix the dough. Also, ensure that the peach filling isn’t too watery by using the recommended amount of cornstarch. Baking the cobbler at a high temperature initially helps to set the topping and prevent it from absorbing too much moisture from the filling.
