Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This isn’t just dessert—it’s comfort on a spoon. Inspired by Depression-era kitchens and Southern home cooking, this cobbler uses self-rising flour and canned peaches to create something magical: a golden, cakey top layer that bakes up crisp and sweet, while the peach filling simmers below in its own syrupy goodness. No mixer needed. No rolling pin. Just stir, pour, and bake.
Perfect for:
Weeknight treats
Holiday dinners (especially Thanksgiving or Fourth of July)
Make-ahead desserts
Feeding a crowd with minimal effort
🍑 "I made this after work," said one home cook. "My kids called it ‘peach cake’ and asked if we could have it for breakfast!"
Ingredients
For the Cobbler Base & Topping
1 cup (120g) self-rising flour (do not substitute all-purpose unless adjusting for leavening)
½ cup (1 stick / 115g) unsalted butter, melted
¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar, divided
¼ tsp ground cinnamon, optional (for warmth)
For the Peach Filling
1 (9 oz) can sliced peaches in heavy syrup, undrained (about 1½ cups total)
For Serving (Optional but Recommended!)
Extra granulated sugar, for dusting
A pinch of cinnamon, for sprinkling
Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Create the Buttery Base
Pour melted butter into the prepared dish.
Tilt and rotate to coat the bottom evenly—this creates a rich, caramelized layer as it bakes.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl:
Combine self-rising flour, ¾ cup sugar, and cinnamon (if using). Whisk well to blend.
✅ No whisk? Use a fork or spoon—just mix thoroughly.
4. Assemble (Don’t Stir!)
Sprinkle the flour-sugar mixture evenly over the melted butter.
❗ Do not stir —the layers will naturally combine during baking.
5. Add Peaches & Syrup
Open the can and pour peaches and syrup directly over the dry mix.
Spread gently with a spatula if needed—but again, don’t stir.
6. Bake Until Golden & Bubbling
Place dish in oven and bake 45–50 minutes, until:
Top is deep golden brown and crisp
Edges are bubbling
Center is set (no wet batter)
✅ Check at 40 mins —ovens vary. Tent with foil if browning too fast.
7. Cool Slightly & Serve Warm
Remove from oven and let rest 5–10 minutes—this helps the filling thicken slightly.
While still warm, sprinkle lightly with extra sugar (and cinnamon, if desired).
Serve hot or warm, ideally with:
A scoop of vanilla ice cream (the classic pairing!)
Or a dollop of whipped cream
You Must Know
Use self-rising flour —it contains baking powder and salt; all-purpose won’t rise properly without adjustments.
Don’t stir the layers —the magic happens as they bake together.
Undrained peaches add sweetness and moisture —perfect for texture.
Let it rest before serving —hot cobbler = runny slices.
Tastes even better the next day!
Storage Tips
Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat in oven at 325°F for 10–12 minutes (best texture). Microwave works but may soften crust.
Freeze for up to 3 months —thaw overnight before reheating.
Ingredient Substitutions
Self-rising flour
Mix: 1 cup AP flour + 1½ tsp baking powder + ¼ tsp salt
DIY version
Canned peaches
Fresh sliced peaches + ¼ cup sugar + 2 tbsp water
Simmer 5 mins first
Sugar
Coconut sugar or maple syrup (in dry mix only)
Adjust amount
Butter
Ghee or plant-based butter
For dairy-free option
Cinnamon
Nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice
For different warmth
Serving Suggestions
Serve family-style on a platter with ice cream melting into every bite.
Great for potlucks—bring the whole pan!
Double the batch and freeze half for future comfort.
Pair with sweet tea or coffee.
Cultural Context
Born in rural American kitchens, peach cobbler is a symbol of resourcefulness and generosity. Found at church suppers, family reunions, and front-porch gatherings alike, it honors tradition with simplicity: fruit, flour, sugar, and love. This version—made with canned peaches and no crust—reflects the true spirit of cobbler: humble ingredients transformed into something deeply satisfying.
Pro Tips
Double the recipe? Yes—perfect for large families or freezing.
Want more spice? Add ¼ tsp nutmeg or a splash of vanilla to the peaches.
Make ahead: Assemble 1–2 days in advance. Refrigerate and bake when ready (+5 mins).
Label your dish: People will ask for the recipe.
Say “ready?” before serving —it’s part of the ritual.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen peaches?
A: Yes! Thaw and drain slightly, then use with 2–3 tbsp syrup or water.
Q: Why didn’t my topping rise?
A: Likely expired self-rising flour. Check the date or make your own blend.
Q: Is this gluten-free?
A: Only if using GF self-rising flour blend (check label).
Q: Can I make it in a cast iron skillet?
A: Absolutely! Grease well and bake same time/temp—adds rustic charm.
Q: Can I add berries or apples?
A: Yes! Mix in raspberries, blackberries, or diced apples with the peaches.
Allergy Information
Contains: dairy (butter), wheat (flour).
Gluten-free option: Use certified GF self-rising flour.
Nut-free: This recipe is naturally nut-free.
Always check labels—especially on pre-made ingredients and extracts.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)
Based on 8 servings
Calories: 280
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 44g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 28g
Protein: 3g
Sodium: 180mg
Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on brands and substitutions. Not intended as medical advice.
Final Thought: This cobbler doesn’t shout. It emerges golden from the oven, bubbling and fragrant, saying everything a great dessert should: “Scoop me. Share me. This is good.” That’s how the best ones begin—not with silence, but with peaches, patience, and someone who says, “Let’s make it together.”