Are you looking for a taste of nostalgia? Look no further than this easy Southern peach cobbler recipe that’ll transport you back to your childhood. This version features a classic pie crust and perfectly spiced peaches, resulting in a mouthwatering dessert that’s sure to be a hit with everyone. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, so you’ll have a delicious dessert on the table in no time. Get ready to enjoy a taste of Southern comfort with this mouthwatering peach cobbler recipe.
Table of Contents
History of Southern Peach Cobbler:
The exact origins of peach cobbler are unknown, but it’s believed to have originated in the American South during the early colonial era. Cobbler is a dish that consists of a fruit filling, typically peaches, baked with a biscuit or cake-like topping. It’s thought that early settlers would have used what was available to them, including fruit from orchards and cornmeal for the topping.
Over time, peach cobbler became a popular dessert in the Southern United States, especially during the summer months when peaches were in season. It’s often associated with comfort food and is a staple at many family gatherings and potluck dinners. Today, there are many variations of peach cobbler, but the classic version featuring a sweet, juicy peach filling and a crispy crust remains a beloved dessert for many.
What is the Difference Between a Cobbler and a Pie?
- Topping: The most obvious difference between cobbler and pie is the topping. Pie typically has a pastry crust that is either flaky or crumbly, while cobbler has a biscuit-like or cake-like topping that is usually dropped onto the fruit filling.
- Fruit filling: While both cobbler and pie can feature a variety of fruit fillings, cobbler typically has larger pieces of fruit that are arranged in a single layer in a baking dish, while pie often has smaller, more evenly distributed fruit pieces that are surrounded by a thicker layer of filling.
- Texture: Because of the different toppings, cobbler and pie also have different textures. Cobbler is typically more rustic and has a crumbly or cakey texture, while pie is usually more refined and has a flaky or crispy texture.
Overall, cobbler and pie are both delicious desserts that can feature a variety of fruit fillings and toppings, but they have distinct differences that make each one unique.
Why do Some Cobblers Have a Pie Crust (including this Peach Cobbler Recipe)?
Some cobblers, particularly in the Southern United States, feature a pie crust instead of a traditional cobbler topping. This is likely due to the fact that pie crust was readily available and commonly used in baking during the early colonial era when cobbler first became popular. It’s also possible that some early recipes for cobbler called for a pie crust topping, as the terms “cobbler” and “pie” were often used interchangeably in old cookbooks.
Using a pie crust in a cobbler recipe can give the dessert a slightly different texture and flavor than a traditional cobbler topping. The crust can add a flaky, buttery layer to the dessert that complements the sweet, juicy fruit filling. Some people also prefer the taste and texture of a pie crust over a more cake-like or biscuit-like cobbler topping. Ultimately, whether or not to use a pie crust in a cobbler recipe is a matter of personal preference and can depend on the specific recipe being used.
Ingredients Needed For Southern Peach Cobbler:
- 4 cups sliced peaches
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup flour
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2 pie dough disks
- Egg wash: 1 egg, 1 tsp water
Instructions For Southern Peach Cobbler:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and stir.
- Add the sliced peaches, cinnamon, sugar, salt, and nutmeg. Stir well and cook until the mixture thickens (about 15 minutes). Set aside to cool.
- Roll out one pie dough disk and place it in an 8×8 inch baking dish.
- Pour the cooled peach mixture into the baking dish.
- Roll out the second pie dough disk and place it over the peaches.
- Beat the egg and water in a small bowl to make an egg wash. Brush the egg wash over the top of the pie crust.
- Sprinkle the top of the crust with sugar.
- Bake for 30-45 minutes, or until the pie crust is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool for about an hour before serving. This will give the peaches a chance to thicken and the cobbler to set. Enjoy!
Tips For Southern Peach Cobbler:
- Use ripe peaches: For the best flavor, use ripe, juicy peaches that are in season. You can also use frozen peaches if fresh ones are not available.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer your cobbler to be less sweet, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling. Alternatively, if you like a sweeter cobbler, you can increase the amount of sugar.
- Make sure the pie crust is properly chilled: Chilling the pie crust disks for at least 30 minutes before rolling them out will help prevent the dough from sticking and ensure that the crust is flaky.
- Bake until the crust is golden brown: Keep an eye on the cobbler while it’s in the oven and bake until the crust is a rich golden brown. This will ensure that the crust is fully cooked and has a nice texture.
- Allow the cobbler to cool before serving: Letting the cobbler cool for at least an hour before serving will give the filling time to thicken and the flavors to meld together.
- Serve with ice cream or whipped cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream can take this delicious dessert to the next level.
Variations Of Southern Peach Cobbler:
- Add other fruits: You can mix other fruits with the peaches, such as berries, cherries, or apples, to create a unique flavor combination.
- Use a different topping: Instead of using a pie crust topping, you can use a streusel topping made from butter, flour, and sugar, or a biscuit-like topping.
- Add spices: You can add other spices to the filling, such as ginger or allspice, to give it a different flavor.
- Make it boozy: You can add a splash of bourbon or rum to the peach filling to give it a subtle boozy flavor.
- Make it gluten-free: If you’re gluten intolerant, you can use gluten-free flour to make the pie crust, or use a gluten-free biscuit recipe for the topping.
- Grill it: Instead of baking the cobbler in the oven, you can grill it for a smoky flavor. Simply place the baking dish on the grill, close the lid, and cook until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Make it a dump cake: To make this dessert even easier, you can use canned peaches and a cake mix to create a quick and easy peach cobbler dump cake. Simply layer the peaches and cake mix in a baking dish and bake according to the cake mix instructions.
FAQ’s Of Southern Peach Cobbler:
Q: Can I make peach cobbler ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make peach cobbler ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Q: Can I use canned or frozen peaches instead of fresh ones?
A: Yes, you can use canned or frozen peaches instead of fresh ones. Just be sure to drain canned peaches and thaw frozen peaches before using them in the recipe.
Q: Can I make peach cobbler in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can make peach cobbler in a slow cooker. Simply place the peach filling in the slow cooker, top with the pie crust or biscuit topping, and cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 4-6 hours, or until the filling is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
Q: Can I make peach cobbler without a pie crust?
A: Yes, you can make peach cobbler without a pie crust. Instead, you can use a biscuit-like topping made from flour, butter, sugar, and milk or buttermilk. Simply drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough over the peach filling and bake until the topping is golden brown.
Q: Can I make peach cobbler in a different size baking dish?
A: Yes, you can make peach cobbler in a different size baking dish. Just be sure to adjust the amount of filling and topping accordingly to ensure that it fits in the dish and cooks evenly.
Q: Can I freeze peach cobbler?
A: Yes, you can freeze peach cobbler. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw the cobbler in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Check out more recipes:
- EASY PEACH COBBLER WITH BATTER AND PIE CRUST RECIPE
- FRESH STRAWBERRY BLACKBERRY LEMONADE
- BEST CARAMEL APPLE BACON HAND PIES RECIPE
Easy Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Category: Desserts
Ingredients
4 cups sliced peaches
1 ½ cups sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 cup flour
4 tbsp butter
2 pie dough disks
Egg wash: 1 egg, 1 tsp water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and stir.
- Add the sliced peaches, cinnamon, sugar, salt, and nutmeg. Stir well and cook until the mixture thickens (about 15 minutes). Set aside to cool.
- Roll out one pie dough disk and place it in an 8×8 inch baking dish.
- Pour the cooled peach mixture into the baking dish.
- Roll out the second pie dough disk and place it over the peaches.
- Beat the egg and water in a small bowl to make an egg wash. Brush the egg wash over the top of the pie crust.
- Sprinkle the top of the crust with sugar.
- Bake for 30-45 minutes, or until the pie crust is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool for about an hour before serving. This will give the peaches a chance to thicken and the cobbler to set. Enjoy!
Keywords: peach cobbler