Of course! This “Old Time” peach cobbler is the kind of simple, comforting dessert that tastes like a hug from grandma. It’s characterized by a batter that rises to the top during baking, creating a cake-like layer over the sweet, juicy peaches.
This is the classic, no-fuss cobbler you find in community cookbooks.
Old Time Oven Peach Cobbler
This recipe uses the “magic” batter method, where you melt butter in the baking dish, pour the batter over it, and then spoon the fruit on top. As it bakes, the batter envelops the fruit and rises to the top.
Yields: 6-8 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45-55 minutes
Ingredients
· For the Fruit Filling:
· 4 cups sliced fresh peaches (about 5-6 medium peaches), peeled* OR 2 (15 oz) cans of sliced peaches in light syrup or juice, undrained
· 1/2 cup granulated sugar
· 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
· 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening with very juicy peaches)
· 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
· For the Cobbler Batter:
· 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
· 1 cup all-purpose flour
· 1 cup granulated sugar
· 2 teaspoons baking powder
· 1/4 teaspoon salt
· 1 cup whole milk (or buttermilk for a slight tang)
· 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt the Butter: Place the 1/2 cup (1 stick) of butter in a 9×13-inch baking dish (or a similar 3-quart dish). Place the dish in the preheating oven until the butter is melted. Keep a close eye on it! Remove the dish once the butter is melted.
- Prepare the Peach Filling: While the butter melts, combine the sliced peaches, 1/2 cup sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla (and the 1 tbsp flour if using) in a medium bowl. Stir gently and set aside.
- Make the Batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 cup of sugar, baking powder, and salt. Pour in the milk and vanilla extract. Whisk until you have a smooth, lump-free batter.
- Assemble the Cobbler (The “Magic” Step):
· Pour the prepared batter directly over the melted butter in the hot baking dish. Do not stir.
· Spoon the peach filling and all its juices evenly over the top of the batter. Do not stir. - Bake: Carefully place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, the edges are bubbling, and a toothpick inserted into the cobbler topping comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cobbler cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. It will be extremely hot! The filling will thicken as it cools.
How to Peel Peaches Easily
Score a small “X” on the bottom of each peach. Blanch in boiling water for 30-60 seconds, then immediately transfer to an ice water bath. The skins should slip right off.
Serving Suggestions
· A la Mode: This is non-negotiable for many! Serve warm with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream.
· With Cream: A drizzle of heavy cream or a dollop of whipped cream is also divine.
· For Breakfast: It’s perfectly acceptable to enjoy this the next day, slightly warm, for a special breakfast.
Recipe Notes & Tips for Success
· Buttermilk Substitute: If using buttermilk, the slight acidity creates a tender crumb. You can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
· Don’t Stir! The key to this cobbler’s unique texture is layering the batter and fruit without stirring. The batter will rise up and around the fruit as it bakes.
· Testing for Doneness: The cobbler is done when it has a beautiful golden-brown, cake-like top and the fruit is bubbling around the edges.
· Using Canned Peaches: This is a great pantry-staple shortcut. If using peaches in heavy syrup, you may want to reduce the added sugar to 1/4 cup. If using peaches in juice, the 1/2 cup of sugar is usually perfect.
· Add-Ins: Feel free to add 1/2 cup of fresh blueberries or raspberries to the peaches, or a 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg with the cinnamon.
This is the quintessential, foolproof cobbler that never goes out of style. Enjoy the simple, delicious magic!