This recipe is built in two simple parts: the flavorful peach filling and the perfect buttery topping.

Ingredients

For the Peach Filling:

• 6-8 ripe fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced (about 6 cups)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

For the Cobbler Topping:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup whole milk
• ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, melted

For the Finish:

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, for sprinkling
• Vanilla ice cream, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Peach Filling

Start by preparing your peaches. While you can use frozen or canned peaches in a pinch, fresh, ripe peaches are truly what make this recipe spectacular. Once you’ve peeled and pitted them, slice the peaches into roughly ½-inch thick wedges. In a large bowl, combine the sliced peaches with the sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss gently until the peaches are evenly coated. The cornstarch is key here—it’s what thickens the juices into that perfect jammy consistency.

Step 2: Get the Oven Ready

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This recipe is best baked in a deep-dish 9×13-inch baking dish or a 9×9-inch square pan for a thicker cobbler.

Step 3: Prepare the Topping & The Buttery Secret

Now for the crucial part. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside. Next, pour the melted butter directly into the bottom of your baking dish. Don’t skip this step! This is the secret to a rich, golden, and buttery crust that forms around the cobbler topping.

Step 4: Assemble the Cobbler

Once the melted butter is in the dish, pour the flour mixture directly over it, spreading it out evenly. Do not stir. Next, spoon the peach filling evenly over the top of the flour mixture. It will look a bit odd—the peaches will sit on top of the batter—but trust the process. As it bakes, the batter will rise up through the bubbling peaches to form the perfect, golden-brown crust.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking dish on a rimmed baking sheet (to catch any bubbles that spill over) and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the filling is bubbling and the top is a beautiful golden brown. The house will start to smell absolutely heavenly during this time, so be prepared!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Carefully remove the cobbler from the oven and let it cool for at least 15 minutes. This allows the filling to set and the flavors to fully develop. Serve warm, straight from the dish, with a large, generous scoop of melty vanilla ice cream on top. The contrast of the warm, juicy peaches and the cold, creamy ice cream is simply a match made in heaven.

This Southern peach cobbler is the perfect dessert for any occasion, from a simple family dinner to a holiday potluck. Its rustic charm and incredible flavor are sure to make it a go-to recipe in your home, just as it has been in mine for years.