Old-fashioned peach cobbler is a classic dessert that embodies the comfort and joy of home baking. With its sweet, juicy peaches and buttery, golden crust, it’s a treat that brings smiles and satisfaction to any gathering. Here’s a simple yet delicious recipe to create this enduring favorite.
Old-Fashioned Peach Cobbler
Ingredients:
- For the filling:
- 6-8 ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced (about 6 cups)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- For the topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup boiling water
- For finishing:
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced peaches, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss until the peaches are evenly coated. Pour the peach mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake the Filling: Bake the peaches in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, just until they begin to soften.
- Prepare the Topping: While the peaches are baking, prepare the topping. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the chilled butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the boiling water until just combined.
- Assemble the Cobbler: Remove the peaches from the oven. Drop spoonfuls of the topping over the peaches, spreading it out as evenly as possible (it’s okay if some of the peaches are peeking through).
- Finish and Bake: In a small bowl, mix the 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar with the 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the cobbler.
- Bake: Return the dish to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cobbler cool for a bit before serving. It’s perfect on its own, but you can also enjoy it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
The Joy of Peach Cobbler
The joy of old-fashioned peach cobbler lies in its simplicity and the way it brings people together. The sweet aroma of baking peaches fills the kitchen, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Each bite, with its perfect balance of tender fruit and crisp topping, evokes memories of family gatherings, summer picnics, and cherished moments.
Peach cobbler is more than just a dessert; it’s a timeless tradition that celebrates the bounty of fresh, ripe peaches and the love of homemade goodness. Whether enjoyed warm from the oven or as a cold treat the next day, this classic dessert is sure to bring enduring joy to anyone who tastes it.