This Old Time Oven Peach Cobbler is a golden, bubbling dessert that captures the essence of Southern comfort. With juicy, syrupy peaches nestled beneath a buttery, biscuit-like crust, this cobbler is a celebration of simplicity and flavor. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed cold the next day, it’s a timeless treat that evokes memories of family gatherings, porch swings, and the sweet scent of peaches baking in the oven.
Perfect for potlucks, Sunday dinners, or just because, this cobbler uses pantry staples and fresh or canned peaches to create a dessert that’s both rustic and irresistible. The magic lies in the layering technique—no stirring required—where the batter rises through the fruit to form a golden, crisp top with a tender, cake-like interior.
Ingredients:
For the Peach Filling:
- 6–7 fresh ripe peaches (or 2 cans of sliced peaches in syrup, drained)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
For the Batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
For the Base:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Peaches:
- If using fresh peaches, peel and slice them into wedges. To peel easily, blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer to ice water—the skins will slip right off.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the peaches, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and lemon juice.
- Cook over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until the peaches release their juices and the mixture becomes syrupy. If you prefer a thicker filling, stir in the cornstarch and cook for another minute until slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Preheat and Prep the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the stick of butter in a 9×13-inch baking dish and put it in the oven to melt while the oven preheats. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t brown or burn.
3. Make the Batter:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the milk and vanilla extract, stirring until just combined. The batter will be thin—don’t overmix.
4. Assemble the Cobbler:
- Once the butter is fully melted, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven.
- Pour the batter evenly over the melted butter—do not stir.
- Spoon the warm peach mixture (with syrup) evenly over the batter. Again, do not stir. The batter will rise up around the fruit as it bakes, creating a beautiful marbled effect.
5. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the batter comes out clean.
- The edges should be crisp and caramelized, while the center remains soft and gooey.
6. Serve:
- Let the cobbler cool for at least 10–15 minutes before serving to allow the juices to settle.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence.
Tips & Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger for a twist on the classic flavor.
- Make it boozy: Stir a tablespoon of bourbon or dark rum into the peach filling for a grown-up version.
- Use other fruits: Try substituting half the peaches with berries, nectarines, or plums for a seasonal variation.
- Crispier top: Sprinkle a tablespoon of coarse sugar or cinnamon sugar over the batter before baking for extra crunch.
This Old Time Oven Peach Cobbler is more than just a dessert—it’s a warm hug in a dish. Whether you’re baking it for a summer picnic or a cozy winter night, it never fails to bring smiles and second helpings. Want to try a tropical twist next time—maybe a mango-pineapple cobbler with coconut topping? I’ve got ideas!