Peach Cobbler Recipe: A Sweet and Easy Delight
This recipe for peach cobbler is perfect for beginner bakers and experienced dessert enthusiasts alike. It's a classic, comforting, and utterly delicious dessert that's sure to become a family favorite. This detailed guide covers everything from ingredient selection to baking tips, ensuring a perfectly golden-brown, bubbly cobbler every time.
Ingredients You'll Need
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it easy to whip up even on a busy weeknight. Let's gather everything before we get started:
For the Peach Filling:
- 6 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (about 6-8 medium peaches) Tip: Choose ripe but firm peaches for the best texture.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Cobbler Topping:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- ¾ cup milk
Step-by-Step Instructions: Baking Your Peach Cobbler
Follow these simple steps to bake a mouthwatering peach cobbler:
Preparing the Peach Filling:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This ensures easy removal of the cobbler once it's baked.
- Combine the peaches, sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl. Gently toss to coat the peaches evenly. This mixture will create a juicy and flavorful filling.
- Pour the peach mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
Making the Cobbler Topping:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This creates a dry base for the topping.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers. Work until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Tip: Cold butter is key to a flaky topping. Don't overmix.
- Stir in the milk until just combined. The dough should be slightly lumpy. Don't overmix; a few lumps are fine.
Assembling and Baking the Cobbler:
- Spoon the cobbler topping evenly over the peach filling. You can sprinkle some extra cinnamon on top for added flavor.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it.
- Let the cobbler cool slightly before serving. This allows the filling to set a bit and makes it easier to serve. Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream!
Tips for the Perfect Peach Cobbler
- Use fresh, ripe peaches: This will make a huge difference in the flavor of your cobbler.
- Don't overmix the topping: Overmixing will result in a tough topping.
- Check for doneness: Start checking the cobbler around the 40-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
- Serve warm: Peach cobbler is best served warm, preferably with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Variations and Substitutions
Feel free to experiment with different spices, such as cardamom or allspice. You can also add a sprinkle of brown sugar to the topping for a richer flavor. If you don't have fresh peaches, you can use frozen peaches (thawed and drained).
This recipe offers a delicious and easy way to enjoy the taste of summer all year round. Enjoy your homemade peach cobbler!
