What is Southern peach cobbler?

Southern peach cobbler is a traditional Southern dessert made with sweetened peaches baked under a soft, biscuit-like crust. Unlike pie, it doesn’t have a bottom layer of dough. Instead, the fruit is poured directly into a dish and topped with a drop-style batter or biscuit dough that bakes into a golden, tender topping. It’s typically served warm with ice cream or whipped cream and is loved for its rustic, comforting flavor.

What are the most common mistakes when making peach cobbler?

Some of the most common mistakes include: Overmixing the dough , resulting in a tough topping. Using too little thickener , which makes the filling runny. Skipping the spices , like cinnamon and nutmeg, which are essential for that warm Southern flavor. Overcrowding the topping , preventing even baking. Not baking long enough , which can lead to raw dough and undercooked fruit. Avoid these, and you’ll have a golden, gooey, delicious cobbler every time.

What are the three ingredients in peach cobbler?

While full recipes are more complex, the basic 3 ingredients in a peach cobbler are: Peaches – fresh, canned, or frozen Sugar – typically a mix of white and brown for depth Flour or biscuit mix – used to create the topping Of course, most traditional Southern cobblers include spices, butter, and a leavening agent like baking powder to enhance flavor and texture.

What are the ingredients in Patti LaBelle's peach cobbler?

Patti LaBelle’s peach cobbler is known for its rich and soulful flavor. Her version usually includes: Canned peaches in heavy syrup All-purpose flour and butter for a double crust Cinnamon and nutmeg for warming spice Sugar and vanilla extract for sweetness and aroma A bottom and top crust , making it more like a deep-dish pie Unlike traditional biscuit-topped Southern peach cobbler, Patti’s version emphasizes buttery crust layers and spiced syrup.

Southern Peach Cobbler – The Best Classic Recipe You’ll Ever Need (2025)

Name: Southern Peach Cobbler
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 bags frozen peaches (20 oz each); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup brown sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp almond extract; 1/2 tbsp cinnamon; 1/2 tsp nutmeg; 2 tsp cornstarch; 1 tsp cream of tartar; 1/2 stick unsalted butter; 2 tbsp water; 1 tsp lemon juice; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 2 tsp baking powder; 1 tbsp cinnamon (divided); 1 stick cold unsalted butter; 1/4 cup boiling water; 1/2 tsp salt; 3 tbsp sugar for topping

Ingredients

Scale

Filling:

2 bags frozen peaches (20 oz each)

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ tsp almond extract (optional but recommended)

½ tbsp cinnamon

½ tsp nutmeg

2 tsp cornstarch

1 tsp cream of tartar

½ stick unsalted butter, cut into chunks

2 tbsp water

1 tsp fresh lemon juice

Topping:

2 cups all-purpose flour

½ cup granulated sugar

½ cup brown sugar

2 tsp baking powder

½ tbsp cinnamon (reserve ½ tbsp for topping)

½ tsp salt

1 stick cold unsalted butter

¼–½ cup boiling water

Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

3 tbsp granulated sugar

½ tbsp cinnamon (reserved)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.

2. Spray a 9×13 glass or ceramic baking dish with non-stick spray.

3. Combine filling ingredients directly in the baking dish: peaches, sugars, extracts, spices, cornstarch, cream of tartar, butter chunks, water, and lemon juice. Mix gently.

4. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes to soften the peaches and meld flavors.

5. While baking, prepare topping: Combine flour, sugars, baking powder, ½ tbsp cinnamon, and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Add boiling water gradually until dough forms.

6. Remove peach filling from oven and uncover.

7. Drop dough in spoonfuls over peaches, leaving gaps for steam to escape.

8. Mix reserved ½ tbsp cinnamon with 3 tbsp sugar; sprinkle over topping.

9. Bake uncovered for 30–45 minutes until golden-brown and filling is bubbling.

10. Cool 10 minutes before serving with ice cream or whipped cream.

Notes

If using fresh peaches, peel and slice 8 medium peaches; they may release more juice.

Use a turkey baster to remove excess liquid after baking if needed.

Cobbler thickens as it cools, so allow resting time before serving.

Best served warm, but leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated.

Author: Aaron
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American, Southern
Diet: Vegetarian