Southern Peach Cobbler

By Tyla | Last modified on Jan 26, 2026

Featured in: Desserts

There’s something irresistibly comforting about a warm Southern Peach Cobbler fresh from the oven. It’s a classic American dessert that captures the essence of summer with juicy, fresh peaches bubbling beneath a sweet and cakey golden crust. This recipe is a delightful treat that’s simple to make but impressively flavorful, perfect for sharing with family and friends.

The magic lies in the simple layering technique that results in a beautiful cobbler where the batter bubbles up through the fruit during baking, creating that signature texture and taste loved across the South and beyond. Whether you enjoy it on its own or topped with ice cream, this cobbler promises a cozy bite of sunshine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to prepare with minimal ingredients and simple layering steps.
Uses fresh peaches for authentic summer flavor and natural sweetness.
The buttery batter bubbles up to create a golden, cakey topping every time.
Versatile enough to swap peaches with other berries or stone fruits.

Ingredients

Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup or 1 stick): Adds rich, creamy flavor and helps develop a buttery, crisp base for the cobbler.
All-Purpose Flour (1 cup): Provides structure for the batter, ensuring a tender and cakey texture.
Granulated Sugar (2 cups, divided): Sweetens both the batter and the peach topping for balanced flavor.
Baking Powder (1 tablespoon): Leavens the batter, helping it rise and become fluffy while baking.
Salt (1/8 teaspoon): Enhances flavors and balances the sweet ingredients.
Milk (1 cup): Moistens the batter, creating the perfect consistency for pouring over the butter.
Fresh Peach Slices (4 cups): The star ingredient providing juicy sweetness and natural fruitiness.
Fresh Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the peach flavor and prevents browning of the fruit.
Ground Cinnamon (optional): Adds a warm, spicy note that complements the sweetness of the peaches.
Ice Cream or Whipped Cream (optional for serving): Classic accompaniments that add creamy contrast to the warm cobbler.

Instructions

Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature ensures the butter melts evenly and the batter bakes to a golden perfection without overcooking the peaches.
Melt the Butter in Baking Dish: Place the unsalted butter in a 13×9 inch baking dish and put it in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes until fully melted. This creates a rich buttery layer that the batter will bubble through, developing flavor and texture.
Prepare the Batter Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 cup of sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk just until combined; avoid overmixing to keep the batter light and tender. Pour the batter evenly over the melted butter in the baking dish without stirring.
Mix the Peaches with Sugar and Lemon: In a separate large bowl, toss the fresh peach slices with the remaining 1 cup of sugar and lemon juice. This macerates the fruit, releasing natural juices and enhancing sweetness while balancing it with acidity.
Layer the Peach Mixture: Pour the peach mixture gently over the batter in the baking dish—do not stir. The fruit will sink and the batter will bubble up during baking, creating the classic cobbler appearance. Sprinkle ground cinnamon on top if desired.
Bake Until Golden and Bubbly: Bake the cobbler for 40 to 45 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling. The bubbling batter is a sign that the layers have cooked perfectly, melding fruit and dough into a luscious dessert.
Serve Warm or at Room Temperature: Enjoy the cobbler warm or allow it to cool slightly. For an extra indulgent treat, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a creamy contrast.

You Must Know

The iconic bubble-up effect happens when the batter layers rise and cook through the fruit, creating a unique cakey texture.
You can swap fresh peaches with thawed, drained frozen peaches or other fruits like blackberries or blueberries.
Leftover cobbler keeps well refrigerated up to 4 days or at room temperature for 2 days covered.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover cobbler in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To enjoy later, warm individual servings in the microwave or oven to revive its fresh-from-the-oven charm.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Southern Peach Cobbler with classic vanilla ice cream or lightly whipped cream to complement the warm fruit and cakey topping. For added texture, sprinkle toasted pecans or a dash of cinnamon.

Professional Tips

Using fresh, ripe peaches will significantly elevate the flavor and texture of your cobbler.
Do not stir the batter and fruit layers together; the separation is key to the cobbler’s signature texture.
If peaches are underripe, increase sugar slightly to balance tartness.
Use a glass or ceramic baking dish to promote even baking and browning.

FAQs

Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh?: Yes, use thawed and well-drained frozen peaches for convenience. Drain excess liquid to prevent a soggy cobbler.
What can I substitute for milk in the batter?: You may use plant-based milk alternatives like almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option; flavor may vary slightly.
How do I store leftover cobbler?: Keep leftovers covered tightly at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to four days to maintain freshness.
Can I add spices or other fruits?: Absolutely! Adding cinnamon, nutmeg, or swapping in berries or mixed fruits works beautifully and adds unique flavors.
Is this recipe gluten-free?: This recipe uses all-purpose flour and is not gluten-free. Substitute with gluten-free flour blends to make it suitable for gluten intolerance.
What is the best way to serve this cobbler?: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a classic Southern dessert experience.