There are few desserts as iconic and soul-satisfying as a classic Peach Cobbler. And when it’s crowned with the title “Million Dollar,” you know you’re in for something truly special! This recipe promises a golden, buttery, cake-like topping that floats over a bed of sweet, juicy peaches, all baked to bubbling perfection. It’s the quintessential Southern dessert, perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply when you crave a slice of pure, unadulterated comfort.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a huge believer that some of the best desserts are those that evoke warmth, tradition, and pure joy, and this Peach Cobbler embodies all of that and more. What I absolutely adore is the way the simple, sweet peaches transform into a bubbling, tender filling beneath a topping that’s somewhere between a cake and a dumpling—it’s truly unique and utterly delicious. The “Million Dollar” name isn’t just hype; it refers to the rich, buttery topping that becomes wonderfully golden and moist. It feels incredibly comforting and nostalgic, yet it’s surprisingly straightforward to assemble, making it a go-to for effortless entertaining or a sweet family treat.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup milk (whole milk recommended)
- 1 (29 oz) can sliced peaches, drained (or 3-4 cups fresh/frozen peaches)
- Optional: ½ tsp ground cinnamon (for peaches)
- Optional: 1 tbsp extra granulated sugar (for sprinkling on top)
Swaps and Notes
- Peaches: While canned sliced peaches (drained) are convenient and traditionally used for their consistent sweetness and softness, you can absolutely use fresh peaches (peeled and sliced, about 3-4 cups) or frozen peach slices (no need to thaw, about 3-4 cups). If using fresh, you might want to increase the granulated sugar slightly in the peach layer (an extra ¼ cup) and add a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness. Melted butter is crucial for the unique batter.
- Milk: Whole milk will give the richest, most tender topping. You can use 2% milk, but avoid skim milk.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is standard for the topping.
- Baking Powder: Ensures the topping rises to that perfect cake-like consistency.
- Spices: A touch of ground cinnamon can be added to the peaches for a warmer, more traditional cobbler flavor. A tiny pinch of nutmeg could also be used.
- Sweetness Adjustment: The amount of sugar is balanced for canned peaches. If using very sweet fresh peaches, you might slightly reduce the sugar in the topping.
- Optional Topping Sprinkle: A sprinkle of extra sugar (or cinnamon sugar) on top of the batter before baking encourages a lovely golden, slightly crisp crust.
Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Add the ½ cup (1 stick) melted unsalted butter directly into a 9×13-inch baking dish (or a 9×9-inch dish for a thicker topping). Tilt the dish to coat the bottom evenly with the melted butter. Do not grease the pan further.
2. Make the Topping Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt until well combined. Gradually whisk in the 1 cup milk until you have a smooth batter. Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps are okay.
3. Layer the Cobbler: Pour the prepared batter evenly over the melted butter in the baking dish. Do NOT stir or mix the batter into the butter. The butter should remain on the bottom. Evenly scatter the 1 (29 oz) can sliced peaches (drained)over the batter. If using, sprinkle the peaches with ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon. Again, do NOT stir or mix.
4. Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is beautifully golden brown, puffed up, and the peaches are bubbling around the edges. A wooden toothpick inserted into the topping should come out clean. For extra crunch and golden color, you can sprinkle 1 tablespoon of extra granulated sugar over the top of the batter before baking.
5. Cool & Serve: Remove the cobbler from the oven. Allow it to cool slightly for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the fruit filling to set and the topping to firm up. Serve warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. Enjoy your truly decadent Million Dollar Peach Cobbler!
Tips for Success
- Don’t Stir the Butter/Batter: The magic of this cobbler is that the melted butter rises through the batter as it bakes, creating a rich, tender, and uniquely “cake-like” topping. Do NOT stir the batter into the melted butter in the pan.
- Use the Right Pan Size: A 9×13-inch dish is typical, but an 8×8 or 9×9-inch dish will result in a thicker cake layer and may require a slightly longer bake time.
- Evenly Distribute Peaches: Spread the peaches evenly over the batter so each serving gets a good fruit-to-topping ratio.
- Check for Doneness: The topping should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted into it should come out clean.
- Cool Slightly Before Serving: Allowing the cobbler to cool briefly helps the fruit filling thicken and prevents it from being too runny.
- Serve Warm: While good at room temperature, this cobbler is truly heavenly served warm, especially with ice cream.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Million Dollar Peach Cobbler is a rich, satisfying dessert that’s perfect for any occasion that calls for classic Southern comfort.
- With Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing! A scoop of good quality vanilla ice cream melting over the warm cobbler is divine.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh, lightly sweetened whipped cream.
- Coffee or Tea: Perfect for an afternoon treat or after-dinner indulgence.
- Family Gatherings: It’s a fantastic, easy-to-serve dessert for potlucks, barbecues, or holiday meals.
- For other comforting and classic baked goods or no-bake treats, check out these Chefmaniac.com favorites:
- This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Is My Favorite Way to Use Up Overripe Bananas
- These Easy Pumpkin Spice Muffins Are My Favorite Fall Treat to Bake on Repeat
- This Big Family Banana Pudding Is My Favorite Classic Dessert to Feed a Crowd
- No-Bake Peach Blueberry Cheesecake (for another peachy delight!)
- Lazy Daisy Oatmeal Cake (for another classic “Daisy” cake).
Storage and Leftover Tips
This peach cobbler stores well, making it great for enjoying over a few days.
- Room Temperature: Store leftover cobbler, lightly covered with plastic wrap or foil, at room temperature for up to 1-2 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm, or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.
- Freezing: You can freeze leftover cobbler. Once completely cooled, wrap individual portions or the entire cobbler tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Final Thoughts
This Million Dollar Peach Cobbler is a truly exceptional dessert, delivering on its promise of rich, buttery comfort and sweet, juicy peaches. It’s a simple recipe that yields a deeply satisfying and nostalgic treat, perfect for bringing smiles and warmth to any table. Get ready to bake a batch of this Southern classic and savor every delicious bite!
What are your favorite Southern-inspired desserts, or do you have a secret ingredient that makes your cobblers extra special? Share your insights and feedback in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Chefmaniac for more exciting and delicious recipes!
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