Cîroc Peach Cobbler: The Ultimate Grown-Up Dessert with a Secret Ingredient

The Decadent Cîroc Peach Cobbler That Will Be the Star of Any Dessert Table

By Jason Griffith

Introduction

Cobbler. The word itself conjures up images of home, comfort, and a scoop of melting vanilla ice cream. It’s a dessert that has defined Southern comfort food for generations, but as a food writer, I’m always looking for ways to take a classic and give it an unexpected, delightful twist. Enter this Cîroc Peach Cobbler.

This isn’t your grandma’s cobbler—though it has all the warmth and buttery goodness you remember. I’ve taken the juicy, spiced peaches and elevated them with a splash of premium vodka, specifically Cîroc, giving the filling a sophisticated, subtle depth of flavor that is absolutely addictive. The yellow cake mix topping is a shortcut that produces a perfect, golden, crispy crust every single time, making this a surprisingly simple recipe for such a show-stopping dessert. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just craving a special treat, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

Why I Love This Recipe

I’ve made dozens of cobblers in my life, but this Cîroc Peach Cobbler has become my undisputed favorite.

For one, it’s an easy win. Using canned peaches and a box of cake mix cuts down on the prep time dramatically, making a decadent dessert achievable on a weeknight. Secondly, the flavor profile is phenomenal. The quality vodka doesn’t just add alcohol; it acts as an extract enhancer, boosting the natural sweetness of the peaches, the warmth of the cinnamon and nutmeg, and the buttery richness of the crust. The filling is perfectly spiced, syrupy, and thick, while the topping provides that essential, crumbly-yet-soft contrast. Trust me, the first time I served this, people were asking for the recipe before they had finished their first bite.

Ingredients

ItemQuantityNotes
Canned Sliced Peaches in Heavy Syrup2 (29 oz) cansDo not drain the syrup!
Granulated Sugar1/2 cupAdjust to your sweetness preference.
Yellow Cake Mix (e.g., Duncan Hines)1 boxWe’ll only be using about 1 1/2 cups for the topping.
Salted Butter12 tbsp (1 1/2 sticks)Divided for filling and topping.
Lemon JuiceJuice from 1 small lemonBrightens the peach flavor.
Ground Cinnamon1 1/2 tsp
Ground Nutmeg1/2 tsp
Vanilla Extract2 tspUse the real stuff for the best flavor.
Cornstarch2 tbspCrucial for thickening the sauce.
Cîroc (or similar premium vodka)400 mlThe secret ingredient!

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Swaps and Notes

  • Vodka: While I love the smooth finish of Cîroc, you can use any premium vodka you have on hand. Don’t worry about the alcohol content; most of it cooks off, leaving behind a deep, complex flavor.
  • Peaches: Fresh or frozen peaches can be used, but you’ll need to increase the sugar and add 1/2 cup of water to create the syrup base. Canned peaches in heavy syrup make this a true shortcut recipe.
  • Cake Mix: You can substitute the yellow cake mix with a white or even a vanilla mix, but the yellow mix gives the topping the best color and classic flavor.
  • Crust: For a from-scratch topping, you can use a basic drop biscuit dough recipe instead of the cake mix, or try a simple streusel topping.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This recipe moves quickly on the stovetop and in the oven, so have your ingredients prepped and ready!

  1. Prepare the Peach Base: Add both cans of peaches (syrup included) into a large pot or deep pan. Set the heat to medium. Add 4 tbsp of the butter to the pan.
  2. Spice and Sweeten: Sprinkle in the cinnamonnutmeg, and granulated sugar. Next, add the fresh lemon juiceand vanilla extract. Stir all of the ingredients together until combined and the butter has melted.
  3. Thicken the Sauce: Once the peach mixture is hot and gently simmering, scoop out about one cup of the hot liquid (not the peaches themselves) into a separate small bowl. Sprinkle the cornstarch into the cup of liquid and mix until no lumps remain. This is your slurry.
  4. Finish the Filling: Pour the cornstarch slurry back into the main pan of peaches, then stir constantly. Continue to stir until the peach cobbler filling starts to thicken significantly—it should coat the back of a spoon.
  5. Add the Cîroc: Once thickened, pour in the 400 ml of Cîroc (or other vodka), and stir to incorporate. Remove the pan immediately from the heat.
  6. Assemble the Cobbler: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour half of the cobbler filling into a standard baking dish (9×13 inch is perfect).
  7. Add the Topping: Evenly sprinkle about 1 1/2 cups of the yellow cake mix on top of the bottom layer of filling. Add another 4 tbsp of the salted butter (cut into small pats) on top of the cake mix layer.
  8. Bake: Place the cobbler in the preheated oven and bake until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling, usually around 25-30 minutes.
  9. Serve: Remove the cobbler from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Tips for Success

  • Don’t Rush the Thickening: The cornstarch slurry is key. Make sure the sauce is nice and thick before you add the Cîroc. The alcohol is added at the end, off-heat, to preserve its flavor before it’s finished in the oven.
  • Measure the Cake Mix: Only use 1 1/2 cups of the cake mix for the topping. Too much will make it dense, not light and crispy.
  • Butter Placement: Cutting the butter into small pats and placing them evenly on top of the cake mix ensures a gorgeous, golden, crispy crust as the butter melts down into the mix while baking.
  • Baking Dish Size: A 9×13 inch dish is best for a thinner, crispier layer of topping. If you use a smaller, deeper dish, you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This rich, warm dessert deserves a refreshing counterpoint.

  • A scoop of high-quality vanilla ice cream is non-negotiable. The cold, creamy contrast to the warm cobbler is a classic for a reason.
  • For a drink pairing, the bright, tangy flavor of a homemade Blueberry Lemonade is a wonderful non-alcoholic choice.
  • If you’re looking for a complementary boozy drink, a simple, chilled Classic Margarita or a fun and fruity Slippery Drank offers a contrast in flavor that is surprisingly delicious.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Disclaimer: This is an estimated nutritional breakdown based on the ingredients used. Actual values may vary based on exact brands and measurements.

ItemValue
Servings12
CaloriesApprox. 420 kcal
Total FatApprox. 18g
CarbohydratesApprox. 55g
ProteinApprox. 3g
SugarApprox. 40g

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Storage and Leftover Tips

Peach cobbler is always best served warm, fresh out of the oven, but leftovers are still delicious.

  • Storage: Store any leftover cobbler in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Reheating: The best way to revive the crust is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), scoop the desired portion into an oven-safe ramekin, and bake for 10-15 minutes until the filling is bubbling and the crust is warm and crispy again. You can also use a microwave, but the topping will be softer.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoy a comforting, rich dessert or a crowd-pleasing dish, you’ll absolutely adore these other recipes on Chefmaniac:

  • For another easy dessert that’s perfect for a party, try my recipe for These Pecan Pie Bars are my favorite make-ahead holiday dessert.
  • Looking for a hearty, savory dish that delivers deep comfort? You can’t go wrong with This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo is my favorite bowl of Southern comfort.
  • And if you’re in the mood for a quick, cheesy appetizer that everyone will devour, check out my recipe for Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter.
  • Finally, for a simple, decadent handheld treat, try The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made (and I’ve Made a Lot).

Final Thoughts

This Cîroc Peach Cobbler isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience. The warm spices, the syrupy peaches, the sophisticated hint of the vodka, and that irresistible golden crust make it a truly unforgettable dish. It’s the kind of recipe that makes people ask, “What is your secret ingredient?” and you’ll love telling them.

Give this recipe a try for your next gathering or simply when you need a little dose of comfort. I’d love to hear how it turns out! Drop a comment below and let me know how you served it. Happy baking!