Easy Peach Cobbler Recipe

I always look forward to making a warm peach cobbler as soon as summer arrives.

This recipe takes that classic comfort dessert to a new level by adding a rich caramel sauce and crunchy almonds. While a traditional cobbler is wonderful, sometimes I want something with a bit more complexity for a family dinner without a lot of extra work. This easy peach cobbler recipe achieves exactly that by pairing juicy peaches and a tender topping with an aromatic, luxurious twist. The secret is layering flavors and textures to create a truly irresistible dessert that feels gourmet, yet is simple enough for any home cook. This easy peach cobbler recipe is designed to be approachable and irresistible, making it a new favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1.2 kg (4 cups) sliced peaches: Use fresh, ripe peaches in peak season for best flavor, or high-quality frozen peaches for year-round convenience. If using frozen peaches, ensure they are thawed completely and gently drained of excess moisture. Do not peel fresh peaches if you enjoy the rustic texture, as the skins soften significantly during baking.
• 100 g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar, divided: Used to balance the acidity and enhance the natural sweetness of the peaches in the filling. A small portion is reserved for the topping (50g for filling, 50g for caramel).
• 20 g (2 tablespoons) cornstarch: A critical thickening agent to create a bubbly, luscious filling and prevent it from becoming watery. If substituting with flour, use double the amount (4 tablespoons) for similar thickening power.
• 5 ml (1 teaspoon) orange blossom water, plus more for caramel: Adds a delicate floral note that pairs beautifully with peaches and almonds. Find this ingredient in specialty baking aisles; a little goes a long way.
• 1/2 teaspoon orange zest, finely grated: Provides a bright, citrusy counterpoint to the sweetness of the fruit and caramel. Be sure to use a microplane to get a fine zest without the bitter white pith.
• 200 g (1 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour: The base for the cobbler topping, providing structure and texture. For a lighter, cake-like topping, do not pack the flour tightly when measuring.
• 15 g (1 tablespoon) baking powder: The primary leavening agent for a fluffy, tender cobbler topping. Ensure your baking powder is fresh for optimal rise (test by dropping a pinch in hot water; it should bubble vigorously).
• 2.5 ml (1/2 teaspoon) salt: Essential for balancing the flavors in both the filling and the topping. Use standard table salt or fine sea salt.
• 113 g (1/2 cup or 1 stick) unsalted butter, very cold, cut into cubes: Crucial for creating a flaky, tender topping by cutting it into the dry ingredients. Keep the butter in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before using to ensure it stays cold during preparation.
• 180 ml (3/4 cup) whole milk: The liquid component for the topping, binding the ingredients together. Whole milk provides the richest texture; avoid skim milk for best results.
• 5 ml (1 teaspoon) alcohol-free vanilla extract: Adds depth of flavor to the topping, complementing the sweetness. Use high-quality extract for the best results.
• 100 g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar (for caramel): The base for the caramel sauce. Ensure the pan is clean and free of crystals before starting to avoid crystallization.
• 60 ml (1/4 cup) water (for caramel): Used to dissolve the sugar evenly before simmering into caramel. The amount of water helps control the cooking process and prevents burning.
• 55 g (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter (for caramel): Adds richness and stops the cooking process once the caramel reaches temperature. Ensure the butter is cut into pieces for easy melting and incorporation into the hot caramel.
• 60 ml (1/4 cup) heavy cream (for caramel): Used to create a smooth, creamy caramel sauce by emulsifying with the melted butter. Ensure the heavy cream is at room temperature to avoid shocking the hot caramel mixture.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (for caramel): Balances the sweetness of the caramel and deepens the flavor. A pinch of salt enhances the overall profile.
• 75 g (3/4 cup) sliced almonds, lightly toasted and divided: Adds essential texture and nutty flavor to contrast the soft peaches and topping. Toasting almonds enhances their flavor; toast them in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant before starting the recipe.

Optional (plan-ahead): If you’re shopping for the week, I put this into a 4-Week Meal Plan + Grocery Lists so dinner’s already decided before your day gets busy.

Instructions

Here is how to create this easy peach cobbler recipe, balancing the filling and topping for perfect results.

1. Preheat oven and prepare baking dish

   Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F) with a rack in the center position. Lightly grease a 23×33 cm (9×13-inch) baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. If you prefer a thinner cobbler topping, a slightly larger dish (e.g., 9×13 inch) works well.

2. Prepare the Toasted Almond & Orange Blossom Caramel

   In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 100g sugar and 60ml water. Stir until sugar dissolves, then stop stirring and let it simmer until it turns a rich amber caramel color, about 8-10 minutes. Immediately remove from heat and carefully whisk in 55g unsalted butter until melted. Then, gradually whisk in 60ml heavy cream, 2.5ml orange blossom water, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until smooth. Stir in 50g of the toasted sliced almonds; set aside, keeping warm.

3. Prepare the peach filling for the easy peach cobbler recipe

   In a large bowl, combine the peaches, 50g granulated sugar, cornstarch, 2.5ml orange blossom water, and orange zest. Stir gently to coat. Pour 60ml (1/4 cup) of the prepared warm caramel into the peach mixture and stir to distribute evenly. Pour the peach mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly across the bottom.

4. Prepare the cobbler topping for this easy peach cobbler recipe

   In a separate medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter cubes using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces. In a small bowl, whisk together milk and alcohol-free vanilla extract. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix with a fork until just combined; do not overmix (overmixing leads to a tough topping). If the mixture looks too dry, add an extra tablespoon of milk at a time until it just comes together.

5. Assemble and bake the easy peach cobbler recipe

   Spoon dollops of the cobbler topping over the peach mixture, leaving some gaps for the peaches to peek through. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the peach filling is visibly bubbly and thick around the edges. If the topping browns too quickly, loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.

6. Serve and garnish

   Remove from oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes to allow the filling to set slightly. To serve, scoop warm cobbler into rustic ceramic bowls. Drizzle each serving generously with the remaining warm caramel sauce. Sprinkle with the remaining 25g finely chopped toasted sliced almonds for added texture and visual contrast against the glossy caramel. This easy peach cobbler recipe is best served warm alongside vanilla ice cream for a family-friendly dessert.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips for Cobbler

This cobbler is excellent for easy meal prep, as you can prepare it ahead of time without losing quality. If you want a quick option for a family dinner later in the week, assemble the cobbler entirely and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the total baking time since you’re starting from cold.

You can also freeze the entire cobbler before baking. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or heat the whole dish at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes until bubbly again.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This warm easy peach cobbler recipe pairs perfectly with rich, contrasting textures.

• A la Mode: The most popular choice is a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The cold, creamy ice cream melts into the warm fruit and caramel sauce, creating a wonderful contrast.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream lightens the richness. For an extra touch, I sometimes add a small amount of orange blossom water to the cream to echo the flavors in the cobbler.
• Coffee Pairing: Enjoy with a rich, dark-roast coffee or espresso to cut through the sweetness of the caramel and fruit.
• Rustic Presentation: This cobbler looks best served directly from the baking dish at the table, encouraging a relaxed, family-style approach.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I use different fruits besides peaches?

Yes, this easy peach cobbler recipe works great with other stone fruits like nectarines or apricots. You can also mix peaches with other berries like blueberries or raspberries for added complexity. If using frozen fruit, ensure it is fully thawed and drained before starting.

How do I prevent my cobbler topping from becoming tough or chewy?

The secret is to avoid overmixing the dough. Mix only until the dry ingredients are just incorporated. A slightly lumpy batter creates a more tender topping. Also, ensure the butter is very cold when you cut it in; this prevents gluten development and promotes flakiness.

What if I don’t have orange blossom water available?

You can omit the orange blossom water, but for a similar flavor profile, use a very small amount (1/4 teaspoon) of orange extract in the caramel, and increase the fresh orange zest to 1 teaspoon in the filling. The orange notes enhance the peaches beautifully in this easy peach cobbler recipe.

Why did my filling turn out watery instead of thick and bubbly?

This usually means the peaches were too moist. Be sure to drain frozen peaches completely. Ensure the cornstarch is distributed evenly in the filling, and always allow the cobbler to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking before serving. The filling thickens considerably as it cools.

Can I make this a gluten-free easy peach cobbler recipe?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour in the topping with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The caramel sauce is naturally gluten-free, so no other changes are necessary for this easy peach cobbler recipe. This creates a delicious option for family members with dietary needs.

How do I toast the almonds quickly?

Spread the sliced almonds in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Watch carefully as they burn quickly; remove them immediately when they achieve a golden color.

Can I make this with canned peaches?

Yes, thoroughly drain the peaches first to remove excess syrup. Then, reduce the amount of added sugar for the filling by half (use 25g sugar instead of 50g) because canned peaches are already very sweet. This creates a quick and convenient option.

Conclusion

This easy peach cobbler recipe proves that a little extra effort in the form of a homemade caramel sauce can transform a simple dessert into something truly spectacular. It offers the perfect combination of textures and flavors—from the juicy peaches and flaky topping to the crunchy almonds and aromatic caramel, making it a wonderful family dinner idea. Pin this recipe and try it out this weekend!

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