Old-Fashioned Peach Cobbler

Why This Peach Cobbler Is Perfect for Labor Day

• Seasonal highlight: Juicy late-summer peaches at their peak

• Comforting and nostalgic: A time-honored Southern dessert

• Feeds a crowd: Great for potlucks, family dinners, and BBQs

• Simple ingredients and prep: No fancy equipment or skills needed

• Naturally free of pork, bacon, wine, or alcohol

This dessert feels like home and tastes like summer: soft sweet peach filling bubbling beneath a crisp golden crust, with warm fruit aroma wafting across your table.

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Ingredients for Old‑Fashioned Peach Cobbler

🍑 For the Peach Filling:

• 6 cups fresh, ripe peaches (about 6–8 medium), peeled and sliced

• ¾ to 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to fruit sweetness)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thicker filling)

• A pinch of salt

🥣 For the Cobbler Topping:

• 1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup granulated sugar + 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed

• ¼ cup milk or buttermilk (plus extra for brushing crust)

• Optional: coarse sugar or cinnamon sugar to sprinkle on top

🍨 For Serving:

• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream

• Optional: mint sprigs or cinnamon sprinkle for garnish

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Peach Filling

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a large saucepan, combine sliced peaches, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, lemon juice, cornstarch, and salt.

3. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until mixture begins to simmer and slightly thicken (about 5–7 minutes).

4. Pour the peach filling into a greased 9×9-inch or similar baking dish.

Step 2: Make the Biscuit Topping

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk flour, sugars, baking powder, and salt.

2. Cut cold butter into flour mixture until crumbly (pea-sized butter pieces remain).

3. Stir in milk or buttermilk until a soft dough forms (don’t overmix).

Step 3: Assemble & Bake

1. Drop spoonfuls of biscuit dough over the peach filling, spacing evenly. The topping won’t fully cover the fruit—that’s okay!

2. Brush tops lightly with milk for a golden crust and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.

3. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until topping is golden and filling is bubbling at the edges.

Step 4: Serving

1. Remove from oven and let rest 10 minutes (the juices settle).

2. Serve warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

3. Garnish with mint or cinnamon, if desired.

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Tips for the Best Peach Cobbler

Use Fresh, Ripe Peaches

Choose peaches that are fragrant, slightly soft to the touch, and full of summer flavor. Freestone varieties are easiest to prep.

Peel Easily

To peel quickly, blanch peaches: make a shallow “X” on the bottom, dunk in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer to ice water. The skins slip right off.

Balance Sweetness

Sweetness varies by fruit—start with ¾ cup sugar and taste. Add more if peaches are tart.

Don’t Overmix Topping

Keep the dough light and airy by gently mixing. Overworking the butter into the flour results in a denser crust.

Check Doneness Properly

The filling should bubble around the edges, and the topping should be golden. If it browns too quickly, tent with foil mid-bake.

Let it Rest

Resting before serving helps the filling set slightly and avoids watery cobbler.

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Variations & Additions

Add Berries

Stir in 1–2 cups fresh blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries with the peaches for extra dimension.

Use Frozen or Canned Peaches

You can substitute frozen sliced peaches (thawed and drained) or canned peaches (drained) if fresh are unavailable. Reduce cornstarch if fruit is softer.

Swap Topping Styles

Instead of biscuit drops, roll dough out and cut into squares or rounds for a more structured cobbler top.

Flavor Enhancements

Add a splash of almond extract or bourbon extract (non-alcoholic) to the filling for complexity.

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Nutrition & Dietary Notes

Dietary notes:

• Vegetarian, gluten option (use GF flour)

• Ideal for dessert or brunch

• Rich in Vitamin C from peaches

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I prepare this cobbler in advance?

Yes – prepare the filling and topping separately and assemble shortly before baking. Stored components can sit in the fridge for up to a day.

Is this cobbler freezer-friendly?

You can freeze baked cobbler (without ice cream) for up to 2 months. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Can I use sugar substitutes?

Yes – replace sugar with monk fruit or erythritol by volume, though texture may vary slightly.

How can I make it dairy-free?

Use plant-based butter and milk alternatives (almond, oat) for the warm fruit and topping.

What’s the best baking dish size?

A 9×9-inch, 8×8-inch square, or round 2-quart casserole dish works best for even depth and baking.

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Serving Suggestions & Pairings

BBQ-Friendly Dessert

Serve this warm peach cobbler alongside grilled meats, corn salad, or coleslaw for a full summer menu.

Brunch or Afternoon Tea

Pair with coffee, iced tea, or lemonade for a cozy brunch spread with comfort desserts.

Strawberry Shortcake or Ice Cream Bar Combo

Offer scoops of vanilla, peach, or cinnamon ice cream and let guests create their own warm dessert bowls.

Make it a Dessert Board Experience

Serve mini servings in jars with whipped cream, mint sprigs, berries, nuts, and serve utensils for sharing.

Final Thoughts – Nostalgic Comfort Meets Seasonal Joy

This Classic Old‑Fashioned Peach Cobbler delivers warmth, sweetness, and nostalgia—just what you want for a relaxed Labor Day dessert or casual gathering. With everyday ingredients and simple steps, you can serve a dessert that feels homemade yet special.

Whether you’re baking for a cookout crowd or simply craving the smell of cinnamon-laced peaches with melting ice cream, this cobbler hits the note. With no pork, no wine, and no fuss, it’s a dessert everyone can enjoy from kids to grandparents.

Celebrate summer’s end with fruit at its peak, a golden crust, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream—and let this cobbler be the sweet finish to your seasonal celebrations.