Of course! This “Old Time” oven peach cobbler is the kind of classic, humble dessert that tastes like a hug from grandma. It’s the one where the batter magically rises to the top during baking, creating a golden, cake-like layer over the sweet, juicy peaches.
This recipe is simple, uses pantry staples, and embodies the spirit of traditional, no-fuss baking.
Old Time Oven Peach Cobbler
This recipe is famous for its reverse method: the melted butter goes in the pan first, then the batter is poured over, and the fruit is spooned on top. During baking, the batter rises up and around the fruit, creating a perfect, pudding-like texture underneath a golden-brown top.
Ingredients
For the Fruit Layer:
· 1 (29 oz) can of peaches in heavy syrup or light syrup, undrained (OR about 3-4 cups of fresh sliced peaches mixed with ¾ cup sugar and ½ cup water)
· ½ cup packed light brown sugar
· 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
· ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
· 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
· 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
For the Cobbler Batter:
· ½ cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter
· 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
· 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
· 2 teaspoons baking powder
· ¼ teaspoon salt
· ¾ cup (180ml) whole milk
· 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Peach Filling
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium saucepan, combine the undrained canned peaches (or your fresh peach/sugar/water mixture), brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon of flour.
- Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and stir in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, if using. Set aside.
Step 2: Assemble the Cobbler (The “Magic” Part)
- Melt the Butter: Place the ½ cup (1 stick) of butter in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Put the dish in the preheating oven for a few minutes until the butter is completely melted. Remove the dish from the oven once the butter is melted.
- Make the Batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Pour in the milk and vanilla extract. Stir with a spoon or spatula until just combined. It’s okay if there are a few lumps—do not overmix.
- The Layering:
· Pour the prepared batter directly over the melted butter in the baking dish. Do not stir!
· Carefully spoon the warm peach mixture and its syrup over the top of the batter. Do not stir! It will look messy and uneven—that’s perfect.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
- Carefully place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the cobbler part (not the fruit) comes out clean.
- You’ll see that the batter has magically risen up around the peaches, creating a beautiful, cobbled-looking top.
Serving & Tips
· Serve Warm: Cobbler is best served warm. It’s incredible on its own, but truly sublime with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
· The Scoop: The magic of this recipe creates a cobbler with a crisp, cake-like top and a soft, almost pudding-like layer underneath that soaks up the peach juices.
· Using Fresh Peaches: If using fresh peaches, you’ll need about 4-5 large, ripe peaches, peeled and sliced. Simmer them with the ¾ cup sugar and ½ cup water as directed until tender.
· Don’t Overmix the Batter: A lumpy batter leads to a tender, fluffy topping. Overmixing develops gluten and can make it tough.
· Don’t Stir! Resisting the urge to stir after layering is the secret to the cobbler’s unique texture.
Enjoy this timeless, comforting dessert—a true taste of old-fashioned goodness