Name: Best Ever Southern Peach Cobbler
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 8 fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and thinly sliced; ¼ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup light brown sugar; ¼ tsp ground cinnamon; ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg; 1 tsp fresh lemon juice; 2 tsp cornstarch; 2 cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup light brown sugar; 2 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp salt; 12 tbsp unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces; ½ cup boiling water; 3 tbsp granulated sugar (for sprinkling)

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

I’ve whipped up this classic Southern peach cobbler that combines juicy, spiced peaches with a buttery, tender topping that crisps just right—ideal for enjoying warm evenings with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Best Ever Southern Peach Cobbler

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I adore how effortlessly it comes together with simple pantry ingredients and ripe summer peaches. A quick 10-minute prep precedes a cozy hour of baking, resulting in irresistible sweet, spiced fruit bubbling beneath a golden cobbler crust. It’s the perfect dessert to savor now or share with friends.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Peach Filling

8 fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and thinly sliced
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup light brown sugar
¼ tsp ground cinnamon
⅛ tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
2 tsp cornstarch

For the Cobbler Topping

2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup light brown sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
12 tbsp unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
½ cup boiling water

For sprinkling

3 tbsp granulated sugar

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F (or 425°F for light-colored metal pans; 400°F for dark or glass pans).
In a bowl, toss peaches with both sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch until evenly coated.
Spread peach mixture in a 2-quart baking dish and bake for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, mix flour, sugars, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in boiling water until just combined—don’t overmix.
Remove peaches from the oven and drop spoonfuls of the topping over them, leaving spaces so peaches can bubble up.
Sprinkle the remaining sugar over the topping. Place the dish on a rimmed baking sheet to catch drips. Bake 30 minutes or until topping is golden and filling bubbles.
Let it cool slightly, then serve warm—especially delightful with vanilla ice cream.

Servings and timing

Serves: 12
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour

Variations

Use frozen or canned peaches: thaw and drain before coating with sugar, spices, and cornstarch.
Swap spices: try a pinch of cloves, mace, or more cinnamon if desired.
Adjust sweetness: use raw or demerara sugar in topping for extra crunch.
Baking vessel tip: reduce oven temperature by 25°F if using glass or dark pans.

Storage/Reheating

I cover leftovers and store them in the fridge for up to 4–5 days. To reheat, I either microwave individual portions or warm them in the oven to restore the topping’s crispness. Cold is also tasty straight from the fridge.

FAQs

How do I keep the cobbler from getting soggy?

I make sure to toss the peaches in cornstarch before baking—this thickens any extra juices, preventing a watery filling.

Can I use frozen or canned peaches?

Yes—just thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture, then proceed as usual.

When is the cobbler done?

It’s ready when the topping is golden brown and the peach filling bubbles around the edges—about 30 minutes of baking.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Absolutely. I sometimes parbake the filling and topping separately, then assemble and bake right before serving for a fresh bake.

What should I serve it with?

I always go with vanilla ice cream, but frozen banana or cinnamon-infused ice cream are excellent too.

Conclusion

This Southern peach cobbler is one of my favorite summer desserts—showcasing bright, juicy peaches with a crisp, buttery topping that feels both rustic and comforting. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for sharing or savoring solo—especially when topped with a scoop of ice cream. I hope this recipe brings you as much joy (and dessert bliss) as it brings me!