Nothing captures the warmth and nostalgia of home-baked desserts quite like a vintage oven-baked peach cobbler. This recipe is a Southern classic, with sweet, juicy peaches nestled under a golden, buttery crust. Whether using fresh or canned peaches, this cobbler is easy to make and is perfectly paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and old-fashioned charm. The batter rises around the peaches during baking, creating a deliciously crispy, golden crust. With a touch of cinnamon and optional vanilla, this peach cobbler is sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Vintage Peach Cobbler
✔ Simple Ingredients – Everything you need is probably already in your pantry.
✔ Easy to Make – No need for fancy equipment or complicated techniques.
✔ Rich & Buttery Crust – The batter creates a self-saucing, tender crust.
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion – A great dessert for family gatherings, holidays, or weeknight treats.
✔ Serve Warm or Cold – Enjoy it fresh from the oven or the next day for a chilled treat.
Ingredients for Vintage Oven-Baked Peach Cobbler
For the Peach Filling:
- 4 cups sliced peaches (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1/2 cup water (only if using fresh peaches)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
For the Batter:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
For the Topping (Optional):
- Ground cinnamon, for sprinkling
✔ Prep Time: 15 minutes
✔ Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
✔ Total Time: 1 hour
✔ Servings: 8
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Peaches
- If using fresh peaches, place them in a skillet with 1/2 cup of water and 1 cup of granulated sugar.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
- (If using canned peaches, skip the water and simply mix the drained peaches with sugar).
Step 3: Make the Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Slowly pour in 1 cup milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add the melted butter and vanilla extract (if using), and stir until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Cobbler
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Do not stir—this is key to getting the perfect cobbler texture.
- Evenly spoon the hot peach mixture over the batter. Again, do not mix—the batter will rise as it bakes.
- (Optional) Sprinkle ground cinnamon over the top for extra warmth and flavor.
Step 5: Bake the Cobbler
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Allow the cobbler to cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate experience.
Cooking Tips for the Best Peach Cobbler
✔ Use Ripe Peaches – If using fresh peaches, make sure they are ripe and juicy for the best flavor.
✔ Don’t Stir the Batter and Peaches – This allows the crust to form properly while baking.
✔ Adjust the Sugar – If your peaches are very sweet, you can reduce the sugar in the filling.
✔ Add Spices – A touch of nutmeg or a teaspoon of lemon juice enhances the peach flavor.
✔ Let It Rest – Allowing the cobbler to sit for a few minutes before serving helps the flavors meld together.
Substitutions & Variations
- Use Brown Sugar – Swap granulated sugar for brown sugar to add a deep caramel-like flavor.
- Make It Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of regular flour.
- Swap the Fruit – This batter works great with apples, berries, or cherries instead of peaches.
- Make It Extra Crispy – Sprinkle a bit of sugar on top before baking for a caramelized crust.
- Add Nuts – Chopped pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch.
FAQs About Peach Cobbler
1. Can I use frozen peaches?
Yes! Just thaw and drain them well before using to avoid excess liquid.
2. How do I store leftover cobbler?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
3. Can I freeze peach cobbler?
Yes! Freeze the cobbler before baking or after baking and cooling. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
4. How do I reheat peach cobbler?
- Microwave: Heat individual portions for 30-60 seconds.
- Oven: Cover with foil and warm at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
5. Can I make this cobbler ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the batter and peach mixture ahead of time. Assemble and bake just before serving for the best texture.
Conclusion
This Vintage Oven-Baked Peach Cobbler is a true comfort dessert, with its sweet, juicy peaches and golden buttery crust. Whether served warm with ice cream or at room temperature, this classic Southern dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Make it today and enjoy the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and nostalgia in every bite!