Classic Southern Peach Cobbler: A Timeless Dessert
Introduction: Peach cobbler is a cherished dessert in Southern cuisine, celebrated for its harmonious blend of sweet, juicy peaches and a tender, buttery crust. This classic treat is perfect for showcasing fresh, ripe peaches, making it a favorite during peach season. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed on its own, this dessert embodies comfort and tradition.
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
9 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (approximately 8 peaches or 3 pounds)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Topping:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
12 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and grated
1/2 cup boiling water
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions:
Prepare the Filling:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C).
In a large bowl, combine the sliced peaches and lemon juice.
Add 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to the peaches. Mix well to ensure the peaches are evenly coated.
Transfer the peach mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Bake the filling in the preheated oven for 10 minutes to allow the peaches to release their juices and the mixture to begin thickening.
Prepare the Topping:
While the filling is baking, prepare the topping. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
Add the grated chilled butter to the dry ingredients. Use a fork or pastry cutter to combine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Pour in 1/2 cup boiling water and stir just until the mixture comes together into a lumpy batter. Be careful not to overmix.
Assemble the Cobbler:
Remove the baking dish with the peach filling from the oven.
Using a spoon, drop the topping batter over the hot peach filling in large, uneven mounds, allowing some of the filling to peek through.
Add Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
In a small bowl, mix together 1/3 cup granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon.
Sprinkle this cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the topping.
Bake the Cobbler:
Place the assembled cobbler back into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges.
To prevent any overflow from spilling onto your oven, consider placing the baking dish on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Serve:
Once done, remove the cobbler from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
For an extra indulgent experience, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
This Classic Southern Peach Cobbler is a delightful way to enjoy the natural sweetness of fresh peaches, combined with a tender, buttery crust and a hint of warm spices. It's a dessert that's sure to become a favorite at any gathering.
