There’s something undeniably comforting about peach cobbler. The moment it comes out of the oven, bubbling with sweet, juicy peaches under a golden, buttery topping, you just know you’re in for a treat. This classic peach cobbler recipe brings that old-fashioned, homemade taste right to your table—without requiring hours of work in the kitchen. Whether you’re using fresh summer peaches or a can from the pantry, this recipe is wonderfully flexible and always delivers.

I love how this cobbler effortlessly balances sweet and tart, with just the right hint of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. And let’s be honest—there’s nothing quite like serving it warm, with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream slowly melting over the top. Perfect for summer cookouts, holiday gatherings, or a simple weeknight dessert, this peach cobbler is one you’ll want to make again and again.

Let’s dive right in and get started!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Filling:

6 to 8 fresh peaches, peeled and sliced, or 4 cups canned peaches, drained
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup light brown sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Topping:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
¾ cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional for Serving:

Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream

STEP 1: PREPARE YOUR BAKING DISH

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This allows your oven to reach the perfect temperature while you prepare your cobbler. Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and lightly grease it with butter or a non-stick spray. This will ensure that your cobbler doesn’t stick and makes serving much easier.

STEP 2: MAKE THE PEACH FILLING

In a large mixing bowl, combine your sliced peaches (whether fresh or drained canned peaches) with ¾ cup of granulated sugar, ¼ cup of light brown sugar, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg (if you like a little extra warmth), 2 teaspoons of lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.

Give everything a good stir until the peaches are thoroughly coated. The sugars will begin to draw out the juices from the peaches, creating that perfect, syrupy filling we all love. Once mixed, pour the peach mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Tip: If you’re using fresh peaches, make sure they’re ripe but still firm for the best texture. Overripe peaches can become too mushy once baked.

STEP 3: PREPARE THE COBBLER BATTER

In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. These dry ingredients form the base of your tender, cake-like topping.

Next, stir in ½ cup of melted unsalted butter, ¾ cup of whole milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Continue stirring until the batter is smooth and fully combined—no lumps here! This batter is what gives the cobbler its signature soft, fluffy top with just a slight crisp on the edges.

STEP 4: ASSEMBLE THE COBBLER

Carefully pour the batter over the peach filling in your baking dish. Use a spatula to gently spread the batter so it evenly covers all the peaches. This layer doesn’t have to be perfect—part of the cobbler’s charm is the way the topping rises and spreads while baking.

For a little extra flavor, you can sprinkle a touch more cinnamon or sugar over the top before baking. It adds a subtle crunch and a hint of sweetness that really makes a difference.

How to Bake the Perfect Peach Cobbler (And a Few Pro Tips)

Now that we’ve got our cobbler beautifully assembled, it’s time to move on to everyone’s favorite part: baking! This is where all the flavors come together—the peaches bubble up, the topping turns golden and slightly crisp, and your kitchen fills with that irresistible sweet aroma.

STEP 5: BAKE THE COBBLER

Place your assembled cobbler into the preheated oven (375°F or 190°C). Let it bake for about 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a lovely golden brown and the peach filling starts bubbling up around the edges.

If you notice that the top is browning a bit too quickly, you can lightly cover the dish with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking. This helps prevent over-browning while allowing the filling to continue cooking.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the edges—the bubbling is a good indicator that your filling has thickened properly thanks to the cornstarch you added earlier.

STEP 6: LET IT COOL SLIGHTLY BEFORE SERVING

Once your cobbler is out of the oven, allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This short resting period helps the filling set a bit, making it easier to serve while still keeping that warm, comforting texture.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

The real magic happens when you serve this peach cobbler warm, topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cool, creamy topping perfectly balances the warm, sweet filling and the soft, buttery topping. It’s simple, classic, and always a crowd-pleaser.

TIPS AND VARIATIONS TO MAKE THIS RECIPE YOUR OWN

One of the reasons I love this peach cobbler so much is its flexibility. You can easily tweak it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are a few of my favorite variations and helpful tips:

1. Fresh vs. Canned Peaches:
While fresh peaches provide unbeatable flavor and texture, canned peaches work beautifully when fresh ones aren’t in season. Just make sure to drain canned peaches well to avoid a watery filling.

2. Spice It Up:
If you enjoy a bit more warmth, feel free to add extra cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg. You could even toss in a bit of ground ginger or cardamom for a unique twist.

3. Make It Extra Buttery:
Some like to dot the top with a few small pats of butter before baking for an even richer flavor. It’s optional, but definitely delicious.

4. Add Some Crunch:
For a slight crunch, sprinkle a tablespoon of coarse sugar or turbinado sugar over the batter before baking. It adds a lovely texture to the golden topping.

5. Gluten-Free Option:
You can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. The texture might be slightly different, but it still comes out fantastic.

6. Use Other Fruits:
Don’t limit yourself to just peaches! This recipe works wonderfully with other stone fruits like nectarines, apricots, or even a peach and blueberry combo.

WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS SO WELL

There’s a reason this peach cobbler has stood the test of time—it strikes the perfect balance between ease and flavor. The filling is sweet but not overly sugary, the touch of lemon juice brightens the flavors, and the topping is light, tender, and just buttery enough. The ingredients are simple and likely ones you already have in your pantry, making it an easy go-to dessert whenever the craving strikes.