How to Make a Classic Southern Peach Cobbler with a Biscuit Topping

How to Make a Classic Southern Peach Cobbler with a Biscuit Topping

Southern peach cobbler is a dessert that has long been a staple of Southern cuisine, known for its warm, comforting flavors and irresistible aroma. The combination of sweet, juicy peaches and a golden, flaky biscuit topping creates a dessert that feels both homely and indulgent. This classic peach cobbler recipe with a biscuit topping is perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to simple weeknight desserts.

Ingredients for the Peach Filling:

• 6 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (or you can use canned peaches if fresh aren’t available)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Ingredients for the Biscuit Topping:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
• 3/4 cup buttermilk (you can substitute with regular milk, but buttermilk gives a fluffier texture)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream (optional, for brushing the biscuits)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Peach Filling

1. Peel and Slice the Peaches: Start by peeling the peaches, if using fresh. You can easily peel peaches by blanching them in hot water for a few seconds and then transferring them to an ice bath. Once peeled, slice the peaches into thin wedges.

2. Mix the Peaches with Sugar and Spices: In a large bowl, combine the sliced peaches with the granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. If the peaches are very juicy, you can mix in a tablespoon of cornstarch to thicken the filling. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves and the peaches are coated.

3. Simmer the Filling (optional): If you prefer a thicker filling, you can place the peach mixture in a saucepan over medium heat. Simmer it for about 5-10 minutes, just until the juices start to thicken. This step is optional but helps create a more cohesive filling once baked.

4. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the prepared peach mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Dot the mixture with small pieces of butter to add richness to the filling.

Step 2: Make the Biscuit Topping

1. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

2. Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. There should still be small chunks of butter visible, which will help create a flaky biscuit topping.

3. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the buttermilk and vanilla extract. Stir the mixture with a spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense biscuits. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.

Step 3: Assemble the Cobbler

1. Top the Peach Filling with Biscuit Dough: Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough evenly over the top of the peach filling. The dough doesn’t need to cover the entire surface—leaving some gaps will allow the peaches to peek through and create that signature cobbler look.

2. Brush with Heavy Cream: If desired, brush the tops of the biscuit dough with a little heavy cream. This will give the biscuits a beautiful golden-brown finish.

Step 4: Bake the Cobbler

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Bake the Cobbler: Place the cobbler in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the biscuit topping is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbling around the edges. You may need to cover the top with aluminum foil for the first 20 minutes to prevent the biscuits from over-browning, then remove the foil to allow them to finish baking.

3. Cool Before Serving: Once baked, remove the cobbler from the oven and let it cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly and makes it easier to serve.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Southern peach cobbler is best served warm, often with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. The rich biscuit topping contrasts beautifully with the sweet, juicy peaches, making each bite a perfect combination of textures and flavors.

Tips for the Perfect Southern Peach Cobbler:

• Fresh vs. Canned Peaches: Fresh peaches are ideal when in season, but canned peaches can work well when fresh ones are not available. If using canned peaches, be sure to drain them thoroughly and adjust the sugar in the recipe to account for their sweetness.
• Flaky Biscuit Topping: For the best biscuit texture, make sure your butter is cold and handle the dough as little as possible. The less you work the dough, the flakier the topping will be.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the peach filling and biscuit topping ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge for up to a day and assemble just before baking.

Peach cobbler is a classic dessert that never goes out of style. Whether you’re enjoying it on a hot summer day or serving it at a holiday gathering, this Southern-style recipe with a biscuit topping is sure to impress. The blend of sweet peaches and buttery biscuits is simply irresistible, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.