Fresh Southern Peach Cobbler 🍑
Delight in this classic Southern dessert made with fresh, juicy peaches and a golden, buttery topping.
Ingredients:
For the Peach Filling:
- 8 fresh peaches – peeled, pitted, and sliced into thin wedges
- ¼ cup white sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
For the Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup white sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
- ¼ cup boiling water
For the Cinnamon Sugar:
- 3 tablespoons white sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions:
Prepare the Peach Filling:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the peaches, ¼ cup white sugar, ¼ cup brown sugar, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss to coat evenly.
- Bake the Peaches: Pour the peach mixture into a 2-quart baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
Prepare the Topping:
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, ¼ cup white sugar, ¼ cup brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add Butter: Blend in the butter using your fingertips or a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
- Add Water: Stir in the boiling water until just combined.
Assemble and Bake:
- Add the Topping: Remove the peaches from the oven and drop spoonfuls of the topping over them.
- Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons white sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon together. Sprinkle this mixture over the entire cobbler.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven until the topping is golden, about 30 minutes.
Additional Information:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 8
FAQs about Fresh Southern Peach Cobbler 🍑
- Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh?
- Yes, you can substitute canned peaches, but adjust the sugar accordingly as canned peaches may be sweeter.
- Can I use frozen peaches?
- Yes, you can use frozen peaches, but thaw and drain them first before using in the recipe.
- Can I use a different type of flour?
- Yes, you can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend for a different texture.
- How do I know when the cobbler is done?
- The topping should be golden brown, and the peach filling should be bubbling around the edges.
- Can I make this ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the cobbler ahead of time and bake it when ready to serve.
- Can I add other fruits?
- Yes, you can mix in other fruits like berries or apples for a variation.
- Can I omit the cinnamon?
- Yes, you can omit the cinnamon if you prefer, but it adds a lovely flavor to the cobbler.
- How should I store leftovers?
- Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Can I serve this with ice cream?
- Yes, serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the warm cobbler beautifully.
- Can I use salted butter?
- You can use salted butter, but adjust the added salt in the recipe accordingly.
- Can I make individual servings instead of a large cobbler?
- Yes, you can divide the peach filling and topping into individual ramekins for single servings.
- Can I use margarine instead of butter?
- Butter is recommended for the best flavor, but margarine can be used as a substitute if needed.
secrets to achieve the perfect Fresh Southern Peach Cobble
- Choose Ripe Peaches: Opt for ripe, juicy peaches for maximum flavor and sweetness.
- Adjust Sugar: Taste your peaches first and adjust the sugar accordingly. Sweeter peaches may require less added sugar.
- Balance Spices: Find the perfect balance of cinnamon and nutmeg to enhance the peach flavor without overpowering it.
- Prep Your Pan: Grease your baking dish well to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Even Slices: Slice your peaches evenly to ensure they cook uniformly and create a cohesive filling.
- Thickening Agent: Use cornstarch to thicken the peach filling, preventing it from becoming too runny.
- Butter Quality: Use high-quality unsalted butter for the topping to achieve a rich, buttery flavor.
- Chill Butter: Chill your butter before incorporating it into the topping for better texture and flakiness.
- Cold Ingredients: Keep your butter cold and use cold water when making the topping to create a light, flaky texture.
- Gentle Mixing: Mix the topping ingredients just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, resulting in a tough texture.
- Layering Technique: Layer the peach filling and topping evenly for a balanced cobbler with every bite.
- Golden Brown: Bake the cobbler until the topping is golden brown and crispy for the perfect texture.
- Test Doneness: Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the topping; it should come out clean when the cobbler is ready.
- Resting Time: Allow the cobbler to cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to meld and prevent burning your mouth.
- Quality Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
- Seasonal Peaches: Choose peaches in season for the freshest and most flavorful cobbler.
- Layer Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly over the entire cobbler for a beautifully spiced finish.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for a bright, tangy contrast to the sweetness of the peaches.
- Room Temperature Eggs: Bring your eggs to room temperature before mixing to ensure even incorporation and a lighter texture.
- Serve Warm: Serve your peach cobbler warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.