Old Time Oven Peach Cobbler is a beloved Southern dessert that evokes nostalgia with every sweet, juicy bite. This classic dessert combines fresh or canned peaches with a tender, buttery crust that bakes to golden perfection. Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, it’s the epitome of comfort food and a cherished treat for all occasions.
Ingredients
For the Peach Filling:
- 4 cups sliced and peeled fresh peaches (or two 15-ounce cans of sliced peaches in juice or syrup, drained)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
For the Cobbler Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- If using fresh peaches, peel and slice them into thick wedges. If using canned peaches, drain them well.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sliced peaches, granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup of unsalted butter. Stir until the butter is melted, and the sugar is dissolved.
- If desired, add the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg to the peach mixture. Stir to combine.
- Allow the peach mixture to simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the peaches are tender and the syrup has thickened slightly. Remove from heat.
Making the Cobbler Topping:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the whole milk to the dry ingredients, stirring until you have a smooth batter.
- In a separate microwave-safe bowl, melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter.
- Pour the melted butter into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Assembling and Baking the Cobbler:
- Pour the batter evenly over the melted butter in the baking dish. Do not stir.
- Spoon the peach filling evenly over the batter. Again, do not stir. The batter will rise around the peaches as it bakes.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cobbler is bubbling around the edges.
Serving the Peach Cobbler:
- Remove the Old Time Oven Peach Cobbler from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm portions of cobbler with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for the perfect finishing touch.
Variations and Tips
- Add Some Spice: Enhance the flavor of the peach filling with a pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a dash of almond extract.
- Use Fresh or Canned Peaches: While fresh, ripe peaches are delightful, canned peaches in juice or syrup work well, especially when fresh peaches are out of season.
- Serve It Cold: If you prefer, this cobbler can also be served cold, straight from the refrigerator, on a hot summer’s day.
- Personalize with Nuts: Consider adding a handful of chopped pecans or almonds to the cobbler topping for added texture and nutty flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: If you need a gluten-free version, you can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour.
- Storage: Leftover peach cobbler can be covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.