If you crave the taste of a warm, comforting dessert that feels like a big sweet hug from the South, then this Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen. Bursting with juicy peaches and topped with a golden, buttery crust spiced just right, this cobbler isn’t just a dessert; it’s a celebration of cozy family gatherings and easy indulgence. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or a simple weeknight treat, this recipe promises that perfect balance of gooey fruit filling and tender, flaky topping that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe plays a crucial role, creating layers of flavor and texture that complement each other effortlessly. From the sweetness of peaches and sugars to the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg, each component is simple yet essential for that signature Southern charm.

Frozen peaches (2 bags, 20 ounces each): Using frozen peaches ensures sweetness year-round and a luscious texture after baking.
Granulated sugar (1 cup and additional amounts): Adds sweetness and helps create the cobbler’s tender crust.
Brown sugar (1 cup and additional amounts): Gives a deep, molasses-like flavor that enhances the fruit’s natural sweetness.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Intensifies the aroma and rounds out the fruity flavors beautifully.
Almond extract (½ teaspoon, optional): Adds a subtle nutty note that elevates the cobbler to a gourmet level.
Cinnamon (½ tablespoon and 1 tablespoon total): Provides warmth and that unmistakable spice that pairs perfectly with peaches.
Nutmeg (½ teaspoon): A pinch of nutmeg adds complexity without overpowering the other spices.
Cornstarch (2 teaspoons): Helps thicken the peach filling, ensuring it’s juicy but not runny.
Cream of tartar (1 teaspoon): A key ingredient in the dough, helping the cobbler topping rise and stay tender.
Unsalted butter (½ stick room temperature + 1 stick cold): Butter creates the rich crust and adds moistness to the filling.
Water (2 tablespoons, plus ¼ cup boiling hot): Mixed into the dough to create that perfect biscuit-like texture.
Lemon juice (1 teaspoon fresh): Brightens the peach filling and balances the sweetness.
All-purpose flour (2 cups): The base of the dough, providing structure without heaviness.
Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Leavens the biscuit dough so it’s light and fluffy atop the peaches.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Granulated sugar for topping (3 tablespoons): Sprinkled on the biscuit topping for a slight crunch and sparkle when baked.

How to Make Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 375°F and lightly spraying a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray. This setup ensures your cobbler won’t stick and bakes evenly, giving you that perfect cook time without fudging the texture.

Step 2: Mix the Peach Filling

In your prepared baking dish, combine the frozen peaches with granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla and almond extracts, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, cream of tartar, butter, water, and fresh lemon juice. Stir everything well to blend those tantalizing flavors and coat the peaches thoroughly. Cover with foil to keep the moisture in and allow all these lovely ingredients to meld together while baking.

Step 3: Bake the Peaches

Pop the covered baking dish into the oven and bake for 20 minutes. This gentle heat starts softening the peaches and thickening the filling, creating a delicious base for your cobbler topping.

Step 4: Prepare the Cobbler Dough

While the peaches bake, whisk together the flour, sugars, baking powder, salt, and half the cinnamon in a large bowl. Cut the cold butter into this flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs. The cold butter bits are what create that flaky, tender cobbler texture everyone loves.

Step 5: Form the Dough

Pour in the boiling water and stir gently just until everything comes together into a drop-biscuit-like dough. You want to handle it lightly so it remains tender and light as it bakes.

Step 6: Assemble the Cobbler

Take the peaches out of the oven and spoon your dough in golf ball-sized dollops over the surface, leaving small gaps to let the steam escape and the peaches peek through. This patchy topping will bake into golden, fluffy morsels that perfectly complement the juicy filling.

Step 7: Add the Finishing Touch

Mix the remaining cinnamon with the 3 tablespoons of sugar and sprinkle this mixture over the dough dollops. This sweet and spiced crust dusting caramelizes as it bakes, adding an irresistible crunch and sparkling finish.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden

Bake the cobbler uncovered for 30 to 45 minutes, checking at 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the crust is beautifully golden brown and cooked through. The peaches underneath will be bubbling and fragrant — pure Southern comfort in the oven.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Let the cobbler cool slightly before serving warm. This Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe tastes heavenly fresh from the oven, inviting you to dive into layers of sweet, spiced peaches and flaky biscuits with buttery goodness.

How to Serve Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your cobbler experience, add a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream right on top. A sprinkle of toasted pecans or chopped fresh mint leaves can add a lovely texture and aroma contrast that complements the warm peaches and crumbly crust.

Side Dishes

Serve this cobbler alongside classic Southern staples like sweet tea or freshly brewed coffee for a charming dessert finale. For a twist, pair it with a sharp cheddar cheese slice to balance the sweetness with a savory note—a traditional Southern touch that surprises and delights.

Creative Ways to Present

Impress your guests by serving individual cobbler portions in cute ramekins or mason jars. Layer with a few whole peach slices and a drizzle of honey on top before adding the biscuit dollops for a visually stunning dessert. You could also add a dash of cinnamon sugar right before serving for a glossy finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, keeping that luscious fruit filling and biscuit topping intact for later enjoyment.

Freezing

You can freeze baked cobbler by cooling it completely, then covering it tightly with foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. It freezes well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To warm up leftovers, use an oven preheated to 350°F and bake the cobbler uncovered for 15–20 minutes until heated through and the crust regains some crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy and less enjoyable.

FAQs

Can I use fresh peaches instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh peaches work beautifully in this Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe. Just be sure to peel and slice them, and you may need to adjust the sweetness based on their natural ripeness.

Is almond extract necessary in the recipe?

Almond extract is optional but highly recommended. It adds a subtle nutty flavor that complements the peaches and spices wonderfully, giving the cobbler an extra depth of warmth and complexity.

How do I know when the cobbler is done?

You’re looking for a golden brown crust that’s cooked through and a bubbling, thickened peach filling. The biscuit topping should be flaky but fully baked, not doughy in the middle.

Can I make this dessert vegan?

To make it vegan, you can replace butter with a plant-based alternative and use a vegan sugar option if needed. Keep in mind this might slightly alter the flavor and texture of the crust.

Why is cream of tartar included in the dough?

Cream of tartar helps activate the baking powder, ensuring the biscuit topping rises nicely for that soft, tender texture. It’s what helps your cobbler dough turn fluffy instead of dense.

Final Thoughts

This Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe is a timeless dessert that brings out the essence of Southern hospitality and comfort. Its rich layers of spiced peaches and flaky golden biscuits are irresistibly inviting. I encourage you to try making it soon—once you do, you’ll quickly understand why it’s a beloved classic that brings warmth and joy to every table.