Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh?

Yes! Thaw them completely, chop if necessary, and blot them dry before using. Frozen peaches often release more liquid, so you might want to add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch to compensate. Many people have made this recipe with thawed frozen peaches with excellent results.

Why is my cobbler filling too runny?

This usually happens when the peaches are extremely juicy or when the cobbler hasn't cooled enough before serving. Make sure you're using the cornstarch as directed, and allow the cobbler to cool for at least 5 minutes before serving. Remember that the filling will continue to thicken as it cools.

Can I make this cobbler ahead of time for a dinner party?

For the best results, I recommend baking this cobbler the same day you plan to serve it. The biscuit topping won't rise as much if prepared in advance. However, you can prepare and freeze the peach filling ahead of time, then thaw it and proceed with the recipe when needed.

How do I know when the cobbler is done baking?

Look for three signs: the biscuit topping should be golden brown, the filling should be bubbling around the edges, and a toothpick inserted into the biscuit topping should come out clean. If the top is browning too quickly but the filling isn't bubbling yet, tent with foil and continue baking.

Fresh Peach Cobbler Recipe

Name: Fresh Peach Cobbler Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3.5–4 lbs fresh peaches, peeled and cut into 1-1.5 inch chunks (about 10 cups or 1.5kg); 1/4 cup (50g) packed light or dark brown sugar; 1 Tablespoon (7g) cornstarch; 1 Tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled); 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar; 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk, cold; Egg wash: 1 large egg beaten with 1 Tablespoon (15ml) milk or buttermilk; Optional: 2 Tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar mixed with 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

This Fresh Peach Cobbler is summer perfection in a baking dish! Juicy, sweet peaches are topped with a buttery, tender biscuit crust that bakes up golden and delicious. It’s the kind of dessert that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and brings everyone to the table. Ready in just over an hour with minimal hands-on time, this cobbler is your ticket to dessert bliss when those perfect peaches are calling your name.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Celebrates Fresh Peaches: This cobbler lets those gorgeous summer peaches shine in all their sweet-tart glory. When peach season hits, there’s no better way to enjoy them!
Simple Ingredients: Nothing fancy needed here – just basic pantry staples that combine to create something magical.
That Perfect Contrast: The combination of warm, juicy peaches and buttery, fluffy biscuit topping creates a texture heaven that’s impossible to resist.
Adaptable: Whether you have perfectly ripe summer peaches or need to use frozen ones in winter, this recipe works beautifully year-round.
Crowd-Pleaser: I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t love this cobbler – it’s the kind of dessert that makes people close their eyes and sigh with happiness after the first bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Peach Filling:

Fresh peaches: The star of the show! Their natural sweetness and juicy texture create the perfect base. Look for fragrant, slightly soft peaches for best results.
Brown sugar: Adds depth and a caramel-like richness that complements the peaches beautifully.
Cornstarch: The thickening hero that ensures your filling is perfectly juicy without being watery.
Lemon juice: Brightens the flavor and balances the sweetness with a subtle tang.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the filling, enhancing the natural peach flavor.
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger: This trio of spices adds warmth and complexity without overwhelming the peaches.
Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.

For the Biscuit Topping:

All-purpose flour: The foundation of our tender, fluffy biscuit topping.
Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create that beautiful golden crust.
Baking powder and baking soda: The leavening team that makes our biscuits rise beautifully.
Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
Cold butter: The secret to flaky, tender biscuits! Keep it cold until the moment you’re ready to use it.
Buttermilk: Creates tenderness in the biscuits and adds a subtle tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet peaches.
Egg wash: Helps achieve that gorgeous golden-brown top.
Cinnamon-sugar topping: An optional but delicious finishing touch that adds sparkle and extra flavor.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Mixed Fruit Cobbler: Swap half the peaches for berries (blueberries work wonderfully!) for a delicious flavor combination.
Bourbon Peach Cobbler: Add 2 tablespoons of bourbon to the filling for a sophisticated twist.
Spiced Peach Cobbler: Double the warm spices for a more pronounced spice flavor, perfect for fall.
Almond Topped: Add 1/2 teaspoon almond extract to the filling and sprinkle sliced almonds over the biscuit topping before baking.
Whole Wheat Version: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added nutrition.

How to Make Fresh Peach Cobbler

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large bowl, gently toss peach chunks with brown sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla, and spices until evenly coated. Spread this glorious mixture into your prepared pan and bake for 10 minutes to jumpstart the softening process.

Step 2: Make the Biscuit Topping

While the peaches are having their warm-up in the oven, whisk together the dry ingredients for your biscuit topping. The next part is crucial: cut in that cold butter until you have coarse, pea-sized crumbs. This creates those lovely pockets of buttery goodness in the finished biscuits! Then gently stir in the cold buttermilk just until combined.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Take handfuls of your biscuit dough, flatten them slightly, and arrange them over the warm peach filling. Don’t worry about creating a perfect, seamless topping – those gaps will allow the beautiful peach filling to bubble up and create that classic cobbler look! Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar if desired.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake until the biscuit topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges, about 40-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the biscuit comes out clean. The aroma will be absolutely irresistible!

Step 5: Cool Slightly and Serve

Allow your masterpiece to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This brief cooling period allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to serve.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Cold Ingredients Matter: Keep your butter and buttermilk cold until the moment you use them – this is key for creating those flaky, tender biscuits.
Don’t Overwork the Dough: Mix the biscuit topping just until combined. Overworking will develop gluten and make tough biscuits.
Peach Peeling Shortcut: To easily peel peaches, score an X on the bottom, blanch in boiling water for 30 seconds, then immediately plunge into ice water. The skins will slip right off!
Taste Your Peaches: Adjust the sugar amount based on how sweet your peaches are. Very ripe, sweet peaches may need less sugar.
Pre-baking the Filling: Don’t skip this step! It ensures your peaches release their juices and start cooking, preventing an undercooked filling or overcooked topping.

How to Serve

Fresh Peach Cobbler is wonderful on its own, but truly transcendent with the right accompaniments:

Classic Pairings:

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream that melts into the filling, creating a creamy sauce that’s utterly divine.

Lighter Options:

A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a spoonful of Greek yogurt adds a creamy contrast without being too heavy.

Breakfast Treat:

Yes, I said it! Leftover cobbler makes an incredible breakfast treat with a cup of coffee or tea.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftover cobbler with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. The topping will soften slightly, but the flavor remains delicious.

Freezing

You can freeze the fully baked cobbler for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat refrigerated cobbler in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Individual portions can be microwaved for 30-45 seconds, though the topping won’t be as crisp.

FAQs

Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh?

Yes! Thaw them completely, chop if necessary, and blot them dry before using. Frozen peaches often release more liquid, so you might want to add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch to compensate. Many people have made this recipe with thawed frozen peaches with excellent results.
Why is my cobbler filling too runny?

This usually happens when the peaches are extremely juicy or when the cobbler hasn’t cooled enough before serving. Make sure you’re using the cornstarch as directed, and allow the cobbler to cool for at least 5 minutes before serving. Remember that the filling will continue to thicken as it cools.
Can I make this cobbler ahead of time for a dinner party?

For the best results, I recommend baking this cobbler the same day you plan to serve it. The biscuit topping won’t rise as much if prepared in advance. However, you can prepare and freeze the peach filling ahead of time, then thaw it and proceed with the recipe when needed.
How do I know when the cobbler is done baking?

Look for three signs: the biscuit topping should be golden brown, the filling should be bubbling around the edges, and a toothpick inserted into the biscuit topping should come out clean. If the top is browning too quickly but the filling isn’t bubbling yet, tent with foil and continue baking.

Final Thoughts

This Fresh Peach Cobbler is summer dessert perfection – simple enough for weeknight family dinners yet special enough for celebrations. The contrast between the warm, juicy peaches and buttery biscuit topping creates a dessert that’s comforting, delicious, and sure to become a tradition in your home. Whether you’re using peaches from your backyard tree, the farmers market, or the grocery store, this cobbler brings out their best. Go ahead and make this recipe while peaches are in season – your family and friends will thank you!