Old Time Oven Peach Cobbler: A Treasured Recipe to Cherish
Introduction
This Old Time Oven Peach Cobbler is more than just a dessert—it’s a memory in a baking dish. Passed down through generations, it captures the essence of home cooking: simple ingredients, comforting warmth, and the unmistakable feeling of being loved. With its golden, biscuit-like topping and sweet, juicy peach filling, this cobbler has earned its place as a recipe you truly must “NOT LOSE.” Whether you’re using fresh summer peaches or pantry staples, it promises a taste of nostalgia in every spoonful.
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Ingredients
For the Peach Filling:
· 4 cups peeled and sliced fresh peaches (or 2 (29 oz) cans of peaches, well-drained)
· ¾ cup granulated sugar (divided—part for filling, part for batter)
· ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
· 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Cobbler Batter:
· 1 cup all-purpose flour
· 1 cup granulated sugar (remaining from the divided amount above)
· 2 teaspoons baking powder
· ¼ teaspoon salt
· 1 cup milk (whole milk preferred)
· ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Optional Topping:
· Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving
· A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg
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History & Tradition
The peach cobbler is a classic American dessert, born from the necessity of early settlers to create filling, sweet dishes with limited tools. “Cobbling” together a fruit filling with a simple biscuit or batter topping allowed home cooks to make use of seasonal fruit—especially abundant peaches in the South. This version, often called “old time” or “dump cobbler,” where batter is poured over melted butter and rises through the fruit as it bakes, has been a church supper and family reunion staple for over a century.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Method 1: Traditional Batter-Rising Method (Recommended)
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the ½ cup (1 stick) of melted butter into a 9×13-inch baking dish, tilting to coat the bottom evenly.
2. Make the Peach Filling
In a medium saucepan, combine the peaches, ¾ cup sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring gently, until the sugar dissolves and peaches are slightly tender (about 5–7 minutes). If using canned peaches, simply mix these ingredients in a bowl without cooking. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Batter
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt. Gradually whisk in the milk until just combined—batter will be slightly lumpy.
4. Assemble the Cobbler
Pour the batter evenly over the melted butter in the baking dish—do not stir. Carefully spoon the peach filling and syrup evenly over the batter—do not stir. The batter will rise around the fruit as it bakes.
5. Bake to Perfection
Bake for 40–50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the cobbler topping comes out clean.
6. Serve Warm
Allow to cool for 10–15 minutes before serving. Top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Method 2: Layered Fruit & Topping Variation
Some family versions layer the fruit on the bottom, spread batter over top, and dot with butter. This yields a more defined crust. If desired, after step 4 above, you can reverse the order: place peaches in the buttered dish, then pour batter over top. Baking time remains similar.
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Nutritional Information (Per Serving, approx. 1/10 of recipe)
· Calories: ~320 kcal
· Carbohydrates: 52g
· Protein: 3g
· Fat: 12g (saturated fat: 7g)
· Fiber: 2g
· Sugar: 40g
Note: Using fresh peaches and reducing added sugar can lower calorie and sugar content.
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Benefits & Joy of Baking This Cobbler
· Connects Generations: Baking this cobbler is an act of preserving family heritage.
· Versatile: Works beautifully with peaches, but also with berries, apples, or cherries.
· Comfort Food at Its Best: Warm spices and soft fruit provide emotional and sensory comfort.
· Simple Ingredients: No fancy equipment or hard-to-find items needed—true pantry baking.
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For the Cobbler Lovers
This dessert is a love letter to those who cherish:
· The sound of a spoon cracking through the baked crust into syrupy fruit.
· The way the house smells like cinnamon and butter while it bakes.
· Sharing a still-warm bowl with someone special.
· The humble, honest beauty of rustic desserts.
It’s perfect for first dates, holiday gatherings, rainy days, or “just because” moments. Serve it to someone you adore, and you’ll likely be asked for the recipe—which you can now pass along with pride.
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Conclusion
The Old Time Oven Peach Cobbler is a testament to the idea that the best recipes are those that create memories around the table. It’s forgiving, deeply satisfying, and wrapped in the warmth of tradition. By making it, you’re not just baking a dessert—you’re keeping a story alive. So, tuck this recipe somewhere safe, share it generously, and know that every time you pull it from the oven, you’re serving up a slice of love.
Don’t lose this recipe. Pass it on.