Classic Old-Fashioned Peach Cobbler Recipe That Tastes Like Grandma’s

When I think back to summer evenings at my grandmother’s house, the smell of bubbling peaches coated in cinnamon sugar always comes to mind. Her old-fashioned peach cobbler wasn’t just dessert it was a warm memory baked in a dish. Sweet, juicy peaches tucked under a golden, buttery crust made every bite taste like sunshine. This classic old-fashioned peach cobbler recipe brings back that same comfort, with just the right mix of tender fruit and flaky topping. Whether you serve it at a Sunday dinner, a summer barbecue, or during the holidays with a festive twist, this is the kind of dessert that everyone asks for seconds of.

Callie Brooks

Old-Fashioned Peach Cobbler

This classic peach cobbler is the ultimate comfort dessert, featuring spiced, juicy peaches under a golden, buttery biscuit topping. Perfect for any season, it’s nostalgic, cozy, and irresistibly good.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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• 8 ripe peaches (about 6 cups), sliced
• 0.5 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
• 0.5 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
• 0.25 cup light brown sugar
• 0.25 tsp cinnamon
• 0.125 tsp nutmeg
• 1 pinch ground ginger (optional)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tsp vanilla extract (divided)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tbsp coarse sugar (for topping)

Equipment

• mixing bowls
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• whisk
• pastry cutter or fork
• spoon
• baking sheet (optional)
• oven mitts

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
2. In a bowl, toss sliced peaches with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cornstarch, lemon juice, and 1 tsp vanilla. Spread evenly in the baking dish.
3. In another bowl, whisk flour, ½ cup sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in buttermilk and remaining vanilla until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Drop spoonfuls of topping over peach mixture, leaving some gaps.
6. Brush the topping with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
7. Place baking dish on a sheet tray and bake for 40–50 minutes or until topping is golden and filling bubbles.
8. Let rest for 30 minutes before serving to allow filling to set.

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 4gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 250mgPotassium: 180mgFiber: 2gSugar: 29gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Use fresh peaches when in season, or substitute frozen or canned (drained). For extra flavor, add a pinch of cardamom or clove during the holidays. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Don’t skip resting after baking — it helps the filling thicken.

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Why you’ll love this recipe

There’s something irresistible about an old-fashioned peach cobbler. Unlike shortcut versions with cake mix, this recipe stays true to tradition. The peaches are gently spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of ginger for warmth, while the buttery cobbler topping bakes into golden perfection. Each spoonful is soft, gooey, and slightly crisp on top a perfect harmony of textures.

If you’ve never baked a cobbler before, you’ll love how forgiving and simple this recipe is. You don’t need special equipment, just a bowl, a baking dish, and some ripe peaches. It’s rustic yet elegant, the kind of dish that looks beautiful on any table. And the best part? You can enjoy it year-round by using fresh summer peaches or frozen ones in winter.

Ingredients for the perfect cobbler

Here’s everything you’ll need to create the best old-fashioned peach cobbler. Measurements are included, along with substitution tips so you can adjust to what you have in your pantry.

How to make old-fashioned peach cobbler step by step

1. Preheat and prep: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
   
2. Make the peach filling: Toss peaches with sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla. Spread evenly in the dish.
   
3. Prepare the topping: Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly with pea-sized bits.
   
4. Combine wet ingredients: Stir buttermilk and vanilla together, then fold into the flour mixture until just moistened.
   
5. Assemble: Drop spoonfuls of dough over the peaches, leaving a few gaps for bubbling fruit.
   
6. Finish: Brush topping with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse sugar for extra crunch.
   
7. Bake: Place dish on a baking sheet. Bake 40–50 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.
   
8. Cool and serve: Let rest 30 minutes so filling sets. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
   

Pinterest tip: Snap a photo of that golden bubbly crust fresh out of the oven — it’s the kind of pin that makes people instantly crave dessert.

How to serve peach cobbler

Classic peach cobbler shines on its own, but here are ways to elevate it:

• Summer gatherings: Pair with vanilla bean ice cream for a cooling contrast.
  
• Holiday twist: Add a pinch of cardamom or cloves to the filling for a festive flavor.
  
• Plating idea: Serve in small cast-iron skillets for a rustic, Instagram-worthy look.
  
• Pairings: Goes beautifully with fresh whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even a sprinkle of candied pecans for crunch.
  

How to perfect your peach cobbler

• Always use cold butter in the topping — it creates the flakiest crust.
  
• Don’t overmix the dough; a light hand keeps the cobbler tender.
  
• If your peaches are too juicy, add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch.
  
• Bake until the fruit bubbles vigorously around the edges — that’s how you know the filling is thickened.
  

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using underripe peaches: They lack sweetness and flavor.
  
• Overbaking: Can dry out the topping. Remove once golden and bubbling.
  
• Skipping resting time: The filling needs at least 30 minutes to set.
  
• Overmixing the dough: Makes the topping dense instead of fluffy.
  

Storage and reheating

Frequently asked questions

Can I use frozen peaches?
Yes, just thaw and drain excess liquid before using.

Do I have to peel the peaches?
Not necessarily. Skins soften while baking, but peeling gives a smoother texture.

Can I make cobbler ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate unbaked cobbler for up to 8 hours. Bake when ready.

What’s the difference between cobbler and crisp?
Cobblers have a biscuit-like topping, while crisps use an oat-based crumble.

Conclusion

This classic old-fashioned peach cobbler recipe is pure comfort food, just like grandma used to make. With juicy spiced peaches and a buttery, golden topping, it’s a dessert that wins hearts every single time. Whether you bake it in the summer with fresh peaches or bring it to the holiday table, it’s guaranteed to disappear fast. Save this recipe to your Pinterest board today — it’s one you’ll want to make again and again.