Georgia Peach Cobbler: A Southern Classic That’s Easy, Sweet, and Soul-Satisfying

Few desserts capture the heart of the South like a warm, bubbling Georgia Peach Cobbler. This comfort-food staple is as iconic as sweet tea on a hot summer day, and it’s loved for good reason. With a rich golden crust, juicy peaches, and a hint of cinnamon, it’s the kind of dessert that makes everyone feel at home. The best part? You don’t need to be a pastry chef—or even particularly experienced in the kitchen—to whip this one up.

Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, weekend cookouts, or quiet nights in, this cobbler recipe delivers classic Southern flavor with minimal ingredients and maximum reward. Whether you’re new to baking or just short on time, you’ll love how effortlessly this recipe comes together.

Why This Georgia Peach Cobbler Recipe Works

• No complicated steps: Just melt, whisk, pour, and bake.

• Uses pantry staples: Canned peaches, flour, sugar, milk—easy to find and budget-friendly.

• Crispy, buttery crust: The “magic” pour-over batter forms a golden, cake-like topping.

• Crowd-pleasing: Sweet, fruity, and nostalgic—perfect for gatherings of any kind.

• Scalable and versatile: Easily double the recipe or adjust to suit dietary needs.

Ingredients for Georgia Peach Cobbler

Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy and authentic dessert:

• 3 cans canned peaches (16-ounce cans): Including the syrup or juice. This keeps the cobbler moist and flavorful.

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted: For that rich, buttery base.

• 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides structure for the cobbler topping.

• 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps form a golden crust.

• 1½ teaspoons baking powder: Gives the crust a light, airy rise.

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.

• 1 cup milk: Brings the batter together smoothly.

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional): For a warm, aromatic finish.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

To make this recipe, you don’t need any special gadgets. Just gather these basics:

• 9×13-inch baking dish

• Medium mixing bowl

• Whisk or fork

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Oven mitts

• Cooling rack or countertop space

• Serving spoon

Optional: Sifter or fine-mesh sieve if you’d like to sprinkle cinnamon or powdered sugar on top when serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the ingredients.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

Place the butter directly in a 9×13-inch baking dish and let it melt in the oven as it preheats. This forms the rich base of your cobbler and helps prevent sticking.

Step 3: Make the Batter

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and milk. Stir until smooth and fully combined. You want a pourable consistency—don’t overmix.

Step 4: Pour the Batter Over the Butter

Once the butter is fully melted, remove the baking dish from the oven. Carefully pour the batter over the butter. Do not stir. This layering method is what gives the cobbler its signature texture.

Step 5: Add the Peaches

Evenly spoon the canned peaches, with their liquid, over the top of the batter. Again—do not stir! The peaches will settle naturally during baking.

Step 6: Sprinkle with Cinnamon

If using, dust the top with cinnamon for extra warmth and depth of flavor.

Step 7: Bake

Place the dish back in the oven and bake for 30–40 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown crust that has risen around the peaches and a bubbling center.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let the cobbler cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. This gives the juices time to settle and makes serving easier.

Tips for Success

• Don’t stir: It’s worth repeating—once the layers are in the pan, resist the urge to stir. The layering is what makes the cobbler so beautifully textured.

• Use the juice: The syrup from canned peaches adds both flavor and moisture. Don’t drain it!

• Add-ins: Want to jazz it up? Try adding a handful of fresh blueberries or raspberries with the peaches.

• For extra texture: Sprinkle a little coarse sugar on top before baking for a crunchy finish.

• Let it rest: Giving the cobbler 10–15 minutes to cool makes a big difference in how it sets up.

Variations and Substitutions

• Fresh Peaches: If in season, use about 6–7 peeled, sliced fresh peaches and add ½ cup sugar and ½ cup water to mimic the syrup.

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend.

• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and almond, oat, or soy milk.

• Spiced Version: Add a dash of nutmeg or ginger for a spicier twist.

• Cobbler Muffins: Pour batter and peaches into muffin tins for mini versions—reduce baking time to 18–22 minutes.

How to Store Leftovers

Refrigeration: Store leftover peach cobbler in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Freezing: This cobbler freezes well. Once fully cooled, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a 300°F oven for 15–20 minutes.

Make-Ahead Tip: You can prep the batter and store it in the fridge separately from the canned peaches for up to 24 hours. Assemble and bake when ready to serve.

Food and Drink Pairings

Drink Pairings:

• Sweet iced tea (a Southern classic)

• Sparkling water with lemon

• Bourbon or whiskey cocktails

• Moscato or Riesling (light, sweet white wines)

Food Pairings:

• Vanilla ice cream (a must!)

• Whipped cream or crème fraîche

• Grilled meats or BBQ (perfect contrast to the sweetness)

• Fresh green salad with vinaigrette (for a light meal balance)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen peaches instead of canned?

Yes! Just thaw them completely and add a bit of sugar (about ½ cup) to mimic the sweetness of canned peaches.

My cobbler didn’t rise—what happened?

Check that your baking powder is fresh. Also, make sure you didn’t accidentally stir the batter after adding the peaches.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely. Use a deeper 9×13 or larger casserole dish and extend the bake time by about 10 minutes.

Is this a dessert I can make the night before?

Yes. While best served fresh, it holds up very well overnight. Just reheat before serving for that “just baked” feel.

What’s the difference between cobbler and pie?

Cobbler has a soft, biscuit-like or cake-like topping poured over fruit, whereas pie uses a traditional pastry crust on the bottom and/or top.

Final Thoughts

This Georgia Peach Cobbler is the kind of recipe that brings people together. It’s rich with tradition, easy to prepare, and full of flavor that evokes memories of Sunday dinners, warm weather, and front-porch conversations. Whether you’re serving it to guests or enjoying it on a quiet evening, it’s a dessert that feels like a hug in a bowl.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Share it with your friends, pin it to your recipe board, and don’t forget to subscribe to the blog for more comforting, foolproof dishes just like this one. Happy baking!