There’s something magical about pulling a bubbling pan of Southern peach cobbler out of the oven. That golden crust, those sweet, spiced peaches, and the memories that flood in with the first bite… it never gets old.

I’ve lived in the South for over 15 years, and if there’s one dessert that defines Southern comfort in my kitchen, it’s peach cobbler. I’m excited to share my go-to recipe with you today—one that’s simple enough for beginners but always delivers those homemade, nostalgic vibes.

Why This Is the Best Southern Peach Cobbler

This recipe has been in my family for generations. Aunts, grandmas, and cousins have all played their part in perfecting it. I’ve made it so many times I could do it with my eyes closed.

What makes this one special? It’s heavy on the crust (we’re big crust lovers here), just sweet enough, and flexible. Whether you’re working with fresh peaches, frozen ones, or a last-minute can, this cobbler has your back.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Perfect Peach Cobbler

Here’s what goes into making a peach cobbler that gets devoured every time:

For the peach filling:

• 5 cups of sliced frozen peaches (or fresh, peeled and sliced)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the cobbler crust:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
• 3/4 cup milk (whole milk or 2%)

If you’re using canned peaches, make sure they’re packed in 100% juice. Avoid pie filling or heavy syrup, which can make the cobbler overly sweet and runny.

How to Make Southern Peach Cobbler from Scratch

This recipe comes together quickly. It’s perfect for weeknight treats or family get-togethers.

1. Preheat and prep your baking dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or deep casserole pan.

2. Cook the peaches

In a large saucepan, combine your peaches, both sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, and vanilla. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes. Stir often. You want the peaches tender and the mixture thickened slightly.

If you’re using fresh peaches, add about 5 extra minutes here.

3. Make the batter

In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Stir in the milk and melted butter until smooth. Don’t overmix.

4. Assemble the cobbler

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish.
Carefully spoon the peach mixture over the top. Don’t stir it. The batter will rise up as it bakes, creating that signature cobbler topping.

5. Bake

Place the cobbler in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes.
You’re looking for a golden crust and bubbling peach filling around the edges.
Let it cool for at least 15 minutes before digging in. It sets up as it cools.

My Best Tips for Making the Perfect Cobbler

• Don’t skip the cornstarch. It thickens the peach juices, so you don’t end up with cobbler soup.
• Frozen peaches work beautifully. No need to thaw them, just cook as directed.
• Want more crust? Double the topping ingredients for extra coverage and crunch.
• Topping too pale? Broil it for 1-2 minutes at the end for extra golden crispiness.

What If My Peach Cobbler Is Too Watery?

I get this question a lot. Even though this recipe is pretty foolproof, sometimes juicy peaches can surprise us.

Here’s how to fix or prevent a watery cobbler:

• Always cook the peach mixture before baking. This helps gauge how much liquid you’re dealing with.
• If there’s too much liquid, use a spoon or baster to remove some before adding the topping.
• Remember, the cobbler will thicken as it cools. Give it time before judging.

Can I Use Fresh or Canned Peaches Instead?

Yes! I love the flexibility of this dessert.

Using fresh peaches:

• Peel and slice about 6-7 medium peaches.
• Cook them as directed, adding 5-7 minutes to soften.

Using canned peaches:

• Drain them well.
• Avoid those in syrup or pie filling.

Both substitutions work great, especially when peaches are out of season.

Cobbler, Crumble, or Pie: What’s the Difference?

Let’s break it down real quick:

• Cobbler: Biscuit or cake-like topping, dropped over fruit. That’s what we’re making today.
• Crumble: Streusel topping made with flour, sugar, butter, and sometimes oats.
• Pie: Flaky crust on bottom and sometimes top, encasing the filling completely.

Our cobbler crust might look crumbly, but once baked, it’s soft and bread-like with crisp edges. That’s the charm.

How to Store and Reheat Peach Cobbler

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (we rarely do!), here’s what to do:

• Cover the dish with foil or transfer to an airtight container.
• Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To reheat:

• Microwave a single serving for 30-60 seconds.
• Or warm in a 300°F oven for about 10-15 minutes.

Can You Freeze Peach Cobbler?

Yes, but only after baking. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

To serve, reheat in the oven until hot and bubbly.

Variations to Try

This recipe is super versatile. Here are some fun twists:

• Add a handful of blueberries or raspberries with the peaches.
• Use almond extract instead of vanilla.
• Add chopped pecans to the topping for crunch.
• Sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking for a bit of sparkle.

Get creative and make it your own. That’s part of the fun.

Related Recipes You’ll Love
Looking for more fun, family-friendly meals? Try these favorites from Dana Recipes:

• Tex-Mex Ground Beef Potato Skillet – A one-pan dinner loaded with flavor
• Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe – Easy, creamy pasta for weeknights
• Taco Bell Nacho Fries Recipe – Crispy fries with that signature seasoning
• Chicken With Buttered Noodles – Classic comfort food, perfect for kids and adults
• Easy Homemade Panini Bread Recipe

Final Thoughts

Southern peach cobbler is more than a dessert—it’s a memory-maker. It’s what I bring to potlucks, serve after Sunday dinner, and pull out on rainy days when we need a pick-me-up.

I hope this recipe brings the same kind of joy and comfort to your kitchen. It’s easy, flexible, and just downright delicious.

Save This Recipe for Later!

If you loved this cobbler or plan to make it soon, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest. Click the image below or share it with friends and family. This is one recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

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