Old Time Oven Peach Cobbler

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Peach Filling:

• Fresh Peaches: If you’re using fresh peaches, peel and slice them. If you’re using frozen peaches, let them thaw and drain off any excess water. In a large mixing bowl, combine the peaches with the sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and vanilla. Stir until the peaches are evenly coated. If you want a thicker filling, add a tablespoon of cornstarch and stir until fully dissolved. Set the peach mixture aside to let the flavors meld.

2. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, prepare the cobbler topping.

3. Make the Cobbler Topping:

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Add the cold butter cubes to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. You should still see some small chunks of butter, which will give the cobbler its delicious flakiness.
• Gradually pour in the milk and vanilla extract, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be thick and slightly lumpy.

4. Assemble the Cobbler:

• Pour the peach mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish. Spread it out evenly.
• Drop spoonfuls of the cobbler batter on top of the peaches, covering most of the surface. It’s okay if some peach filling peeks through; this will allow the topping to crisp up and create a lovely texture.
• If desired, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top of the cobbler batter for added warmth and flavor.

5. Bake the Cobbler:

• Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbling around the edges. The cobbler should look golden and slightly crispy on top when it’s done.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

• Allow the cobbler to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This will give the filling time to set and make it easier to scoop. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgence.

Tips for Success:

• Peach Choices: Fresh peaches are always ideal, but if they’re not in season, frozen peaches work well too. If you use canned peaches, be sure to drain them well and reduce the sugar in the filling to avoid excess sweetness.
• Topping Variations: For a twist, you can add a handful of rolled oats or chopped nuts to the cobbler topping to give it some crunch.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the peach filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Assemble the cobbler just before baking.

This old-time oven peach cobbler is a true classic—simple, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Whether served on a lazy Sunday afternoon or as a special treat for the holidays, it’s a dessert that never goes out of style. Happy baking!