There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a warm peach cobbler baking in the oven. This Old Fashioned Peach Cobbler recipe is a true taste of Southern charm, bringing together juicy, sweet peaches with a perfectly flaky, buttery crust. It’s a classic dessert that evokes memories of family gatherings and lazy summer afternoons, delivering a delightful blend of fruit, spice, and tender pastry. Get ready to bake a timeless favorite that’s guaranteed to disappear as quickly as it’s served!

Why I Love This Recipe

This peach cobbler isn’t just a dessert; it’s a piece of culinary history that continues to bring joy. What I love most about this particular recipe is its emphasis on tradition, from the perfectly balanced pastry dough to the luscious, fruit-forward filling. The crust is a dream—tender, flaky, and golden, providing the ideal counterpoint to the soft, sweet peaches. The fresh fruit shines here, brightened by a hint of citrus and warmed with cinnamon and nutmeg.

It’s a dessert that feels both rustic and elegant, making it suitable for any occasion, from a casual backyard barbecue to a festive holiday meal. While it involves a few steps, each is straightforward, and the result is so incredibly rewarding. It’s the kind of dessert that tastes like pure comfort and always leaves a lasting impression.

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Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delectable Old Fashioned Peach Cobbler:

For the Crust:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 4 tablespoons white sugar, divided (3 for dough, 1 for sprinkling)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup shortening (cold)
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup cold water
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted (for drizzling)

For the Filling:

• 3 pounds fresh peaches – peeled, pitted, and sliced (about 6-8 medium peaches)
• ¾ cup orange juice
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• ½ cup butter (1 stick)
• 2 cups white sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Swaps and Notes

• Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches are highly recommended for the best flavor and texture. If fresh are unavailable, you can use frozen sliced peaches (do not thaw, add directly to saucepan, cook longer to soften) or canned peaches (drain well, reduce sugar slightly).
• Shortening: Cold shortening is crucial for a flaky crust. Do not substitute with butter entirely for this crust as the texture will differ significantly.
• Sugar (Crust): The small amount of sugar in the crust adds flavor and helps with browning.
• Citrus Juices (Filling): The orange and lemon juices brighten the peach flavor and add a lovely tang.
• Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg are classic pairings with peaches. A pinch of ground ginger or cardamom could also be lovely.
• Cornstarch: This thickens the peach juices, creating a luscious, not watery, filling.

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Directions

Baking this Old Fashioned Peach Cobbler involves preparing the crust, then the filling, and finally, assembling for that beautiful lattice top.

Make the Crust:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 3 tablespoons of the white sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt. This ensures all ingredients are evenly distributed and no lumps.
2. Cut in Shortening: Work in the 1 cup cold shortening using a pastry blender, your fingertips, or a food processor until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, with some pea-sized pieces of shortening remaining.
3. Form Dough: In a small bowl, whisk together the 1 large egg and ¼ cup cold water. Sprinkle this liquid mixture over the flour and shortening mixture. Use your hands to gently work the dough until it comes together to form a ball. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
4. Chill Dough: Wrap the dough ball tightly with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling makes the dough easier to roll and helps create a flaky crust.
5. Pre-bake Bottom Crust: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Remove half of the chilled dough. On a lightly floured surface, roll out this half of the dough to an 1/8-inch thickness. Carefully place the rolled-out dough into a 9×13-inch baking dish, pressing it gently to cover the bottom and halfway up the sides of the dish.
6. Bake Crust: Bake the bottom crust in the preheated oven until it’s lightly golden brown, about 20 minutes. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly while you make the filling.

Make the Filling:

1. Combine Peaches & Juices: In a large saucepan, combine the 3 pounds of peeled, pitted, and sliced fresh peaches with the ¾ cup orange juice and ¼ cup lemon juice.
2. Cook with Butter: Add the ½ cup butter (1 stick) to the saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is completely melted and the peaches start to soften slightly.
3. Thicken Filling: In a separate small bowl, stir together the 2 cups white sugar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg until well combined. Add this sugar and spice mixture into the peach mixture in the saucepan. Mix thoroughly until combined and the cornstarch has dissolved.
4. Fill Crust: Pour the hot peach filling evenly into the pre-baked crust in the 9×13-inch baking dish.

Assemble & Bake Lattice Top:

1. Roll & Cut Dough: Remove the remaining half of the chilled dough from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll it out to about 1/4-inch thickness. Using a sharp knife or pastry wheel, cut the rolled dough into 1/2-inch-wide strips.
2. Weave Lattice: Carefully weave these dough strips into a lattice pattern over the peach filling. You can do a simple over-and-under weave or a slightly more intricate pattern. Press the ends of the strips onto the edges of the bottom crust to seal.
3. Final Touches & Bake: Sprinkle the woven lattice top evenly with the remaining 1 tablespoon of white sugar. Then, drizzle the 1 tablespoon of melted butter over the sugar-sprinkled lattice.
4. Final Bake: Place the assembled cobbler in the preheated oven. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top lattice crust is beautifully golden brown and the peach filling is bubbly and tender.
5. Cool & Serve: Remove the cobbler from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set. Serve warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

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Pro Tip:

Want that classic Southern touch and incredible flakiness? Ensure your shortening and water are ice cold when making the crust. This prevents the fat from melting too quickly, creating those desirable flaky layers. Also, don’t skip the chilling step for the dough!

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Old Fashioned Peach Cobbler is a star dessert on its own, but it’s even better with a few classic accompaniments.

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The quintessential pairing! A scoop of good quality vanilla ice cream melting over the warm cobbler is heavenly.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy touch.
• Custard Sauce: A pour of warm crème anglaise (vanilla custard sauce) takes it to an elegant level.
• Beverage Pairings: Sweet iced tea, a glass of cold milk, or even a light sparkling wine would complement this dessert.
• Southern Dessert Spread: If you’re hosting a gathering with other Southern delights, consider serving this alongside my This Big Family Banana Pudding Is My Favorite Classic Dessert to Feed a Crowd.

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Storage and Leftover Tips

Peach cobbler makes for wonderful leftovers, especially if properly stored.

• Storage (Room Temperature): Store leftover cobbler loosely covered with plastic wrap or foil at room temperature for up to 1-2 days.
• Storage (Refrigerated): For longer storage, or in warmer climates, cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or in an oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through. If the crust has softened, you can pop it under the broiler for a minute or two (watch carefully!) to crisp it up.
• Freezing: Baked and cooled peach cobbler can be frozen. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as desired.

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More Recipes You Will Love

If you loved the comforting and sweet flavors of this old-fashioned dessert, you’ll definitely want to explore some of these other fantastic baking and sweet treat recipes:

• For another truly delightful and indulgent treat, check out These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs Are My Favorite Sweet Obsession.
• If you’re a fan of rich chocolate and peanut butter, my The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made (and I’ve Made a Lot) are a must-try.
• For a sweet and simple way to use up overripe fruit, don’t miss This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Is My Favorite Way to Use Up Overripe Bananas.
• And for a refreshing, no-bake option that’s perfect for warmer days, consider This Easy Ice Cream Sandwich Cake Is My Favorite No-Bake Summer Dessert.

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Final Thoughts

This Old Fashioned Peach Cobbler is a timeless classic that truly embodies the warmth and comfort of homemade desserts. With its flaky crust and juicy, spiced peach filling, it’s a dish that brings smiles to faces and warmth to the heart. It’s a perfect example of how traditional recipes, with their simple yet perfect combinations of ingredients, remain beloved for generations. Go ahead, bake a batch, and experience the pure joy of a homemade peach cobbler!

What’s your favorite fruit dessert to bake? Share your go-to recipes or fruit combinations in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more delicious and heartwarming recipes that bring joy to your kitchen.