Description: A classic comfort food dessert, this peach cobbler features juicy canned peaches baked under a sweet and tender biscuit-like topping. It’s simple to make, satisfyingly delicious, and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- For the Peach Filling:
- 2 (29 oz) cans of sliced peaches, packed in juice or light syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (or cardamom for a slightly different flavor profile)
- For the Cobbler Topping:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) cold unsalted butter, sliced into 1/2 tablespoon pieces
- 1/4 cup buttermilk, cold
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, for sprinkling
Preparation:
This recipe relies on simple ingredients, a straightforward method, and produces a guaranteed delicious and comforting result. Here’s how to make The Best Peach Cobbler:
- Step 1: Prepare the Peaches The key to a great peach cobbler is managing the moisture from the canned peaches. Open both cans of sliced peaches and drain them thoroughly. This is a crucial step! I recommend using a colander and letting the peaches sit for at least 5-10 minutes, gently shaking occasionally to remove excess liquid. Excess moisture will result in a soggy cobbler, so don’t skip this! Once drained, pour the peaches into a 9×13 inch baking dish. A glass, ceramic, or metal baking dish will all work well.
- Step 2: Season the Peach Filling This is where we build layers of flavor. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg (or cardamom, if you prefer its warmer, slightly more exotic spice note). The flour helps to thicken the peach juices as the cobbler bakes, creating a luscious sauce. The spices add warmth and depth of flavor that complements the sweetness of the peaches. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the drained peaches in the baking dish. Using a rubber spatula or a large spoon, gently stir to coat the peaches, being careful not to bruise them. Bruised peaches will release more liquid and can make the cobbler soggy.
- Step 3: Prepare the Cobbler Topping – Dry Ingredients In a large bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt. Whisking ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed, which is crucial for a light and fluffy topping. The sugar adds sweetness and helps with browning. The salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- Step 4: Prepare the Cobbler Topping – Wet Ingredients and Assembly In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and cold buttermilk. The egg yolk adds richness and tenderness to the topping, while the buttermilk contributes to its tangy flavor and helps create a soft, almost cake-like texture. Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or a spoon to mix the ingredients until just combined. The dough will be shaggy and slightly crumbly – this is perfectly fine. You don’t want to overmix it, as that can lead to a tough topping. Now, gently spoon the cobbler topping over the peach mixture in the baking dish. Don’t worry about completely covering the peaches; some peaches should peek through. This unevenness contributes to the rustic charm of a cobbler.
- Step 5: Add Butter and Bake Take 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) of cold unsalted butter and cut it into 1/2 tablespoon pieces. Scatter these pieces evenly over the top of the cobbler topping. The cold butter will create little pockets of steam as it melts during baking, resulting in a more tender and flaky topping. Finally, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar evenly over the top of the buttered topping. This will give the cobbler a lovely golden-brown color and a slightly crisp texture. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the peach cobbler for 30-40 minutes, or until the topping is uniformly light brown and the peach filling is bubbling around the edges. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the cobbler with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This peach cobbler recipe is a winner because it’s:
- Easy: It uses canned peaches, which eliminates the need for peeling and slicing fresh peaches. This makes it a quick and convenient dessert option.
- Comforting: The combination of warm, juicy peaches and a sweet, tender topping is pure comfort food. It’s the perfect dessert for a chilly evening or any time you need a little pick-me-up.
- Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe to your liking. Add a sprinkle of almond extract to the peach filling, use different spices (like ginger or allspice), or top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Budget-Friendly: Canned peaches are relatively inexpensive, making this a great dessert for those on a budget.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves peach cobbler! It’s a guaranteed hit at potlucks, family gatherings, or any special occasion.
Cooking Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm, straight from the oven.
- Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- A drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of toasted pecans adds a touch of elegance.
- Serve with a cup of coffee or tea.
Tips:
- Don’t Overmix the Topping: Overmixing the cobbler topping will result in a tough, dense topping. Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined.
- Use Cold Butter: Cold butter is essential for a flaky and tender topping. Make sure the butter is cold before adding it to the dry ingredients.
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste: If you prefer a less sweet cobbler, reduce the amount of sugar in both the peach filling and the topping.
- Use Fresh Peaches (Optional): If you have access to fresh, ripe peaches, you can certainly use them in this recipe. Peel and slice about 6-8 medium peaches.
- Spice it Up!: Feel free to experiment with different spices in the peach filling. A pinch of ground ginger or allspice would be delicious.
- Storage: Leftover peach cobbler can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
30-40 minutes
Total Time:
50-60 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Approximate values per serving, based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 4-5g
- Sodium: 250-300mg
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.
Conclusion:
This peach cobbler recipe is a timeless classic that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a warm, comforting slice of The Best Peach Cobbler!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use frozen peaches instead of canned?
A: While canned peaches are recommended for their convenience and consistent quality, you can use frozen peaches. However, it’s crucial to thaw them completely and drain them very well before using them in the recipe. Frozen peaches tend to release more liquid than canned peaches, so you might want to add an extra tablespoon or two of flour to the peach filling to help thicken the sauce. Be aware that the texture may be slightly softer compared to using canned peaches.
Q2: Can I make this cobbler ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the peach filling and the dry ingredients for the topping ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers at room temperature. When you’re ready to bake the cobbler, combine the wet ingredients for the topping, assemble the cobbler, and bake as directed. Baking the cobbler ahead of time is not recommended, as the topping can become soggy.
Q3: My cobbler topping is browning too quickly. What should I do?
A: If the cobbler topping is browning too quickly, loosely tent the cobbler with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking. This will help to prevent the topping from burning while allowing the peaches to continue to cook.
Q4: I don’t have buttermilk. Can I use regular milk instead?
A: While buttermilk adds a unique tang and tenderness to the cobbler topping, you can substitute it with regular milk. To mimic the acidity of buttermilk, add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to the 1/4 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using it in the recipe. This will create a similar effect and help to tenderize the topping.
Q5: Can I add nuts to the topping?
A: Absolutely! Adding chopped nuts to the cobbler topping is a great way to add texture and flavor. Pecans, walnuts, or almonds would all be delicious choices. Sprinkle about 1/2 cup of chopped nuts over the topping before baking. You can also toast the nuts lightly before adding them to the topping to enhance their flavor.
