Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen peaches work wonderfully in this recipe. No need to thaw them first – just toss them with the sugar and maple syrup while still frozen. You might need to add about 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

My cobbler seems too runny. What did I do wrong?

Peaches naturally vary in juiciness. If your cobbler seems too runny, it might need a bit more baking time, or your peaches might have been extra juicy. Let it cool for 30 minutes before serving, as it will continue to thicken as it cools.

Can I make this cobbler ahead of time for a dinner party?

Yes! You can prepare this cobbler up to a day in advance. Simply reheat it in a 300°F oven for about 20 minutes before serving. The maple butter can also be made ahead and gently reheated.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend. The results will be nearly identical, and your gluten-sensitive guests will thank you.

Old School Easy Brown Sugar Peach Cobbler Recipe

Name: Old School Easy Brown Sugar Peach Cobbler Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 stick salted butter, cubed; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup light or dark brown sugar, divided; 2 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp cinnamon; ½ tsp kosher salt; 1 cup milk; 1 tbsp vanilla; 5 ½ peaches, cut into 8 wedges; 2 tbsp maple syrup; 4 tbsp salted butter; ¼ cup maple syrup

This Old School Easy Brown Sugar Peach Cobbler is summer comfort food at its finest. With juicy peaches nestled in a sweet brown sugar batter and topped with maple butter, this dessert brings back memories of family gatherings and warm summer evenings. The best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make with minimal effort required!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Nostalgic Flavor: There’s something magical about the combination of warm peaches, brown sugar, and cinnamon that feels like a hug from grandma.
Beautifully Simple: This recipe uses basic pantry ingredients but creates something truly spectacular. No fancy techniques or special equipment needed!
Impressive Results: Despite its simplicity, this cobbler looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen – perfect for impressing guests with minimal stress.
Versatile Dessert: Works equally well for casual family dinners or dressed up with vanilla ice cream for special occasions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Butter: Creates that incredible golden, slightly crispy edge while adding richness throughout the cobbler. The butter melts in the baking dish first, creating a perfect foundation.
All-purpose flour: Forms the base of our batter – nothing fancy needed here, just regular flour you already have in your pantry.
Brown sugar: Brings deep, caramel-like sweetness that white sugar simply can’t match. You can use light or dark brown sugar depending on how rich you want the flavor.
Baking powder: Gives our cobbler that perfect rise and light texture we’re looking for.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice that beautifully complements the peaches. Feel free to add a pinch more if you’re a cinnamon lover.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors. Don’t skip this!
Milk: Creates the perfect batter consistency and adds richness.
Vanilla: Rounds out all the flavors with its warm aromatic notes.
Peaches: The star of the show! Fresh peaches deliver the best flavor, but frozen work well too if fresh aren’t in season.
Maple syrup: Adds complexity and depth to both the filling and the decadent butter sauce.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Fruit Swaps

Try this cobbler with other stone fruits like nectarines, plums, or a mix of berries. Apples and pears work beautifully in fall, just add a touch more cinnamon.

Add Some Texture

Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top before baking for a delightful crunch that contrasts with the soft cobbler.

Make It Boozy

Add a splash of bourbon to the peach mixture for an adult twist that adds incredible depth of flavor.

Spice It Up

Experiment with additional spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger for a more complex flavor profile.

How to Make Old School Easy Brown Sugar Peach Cobbler

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the cubed butter in a 9×13 inch baking dish and pop it in the oven until completely melted, about 10 minutes. This creates that magical bottom layer that makes this cobbler so special.

Step 2: Make the Batter

While the butter melts, whisk together your dry ingredients – flour, 3/4 cup brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the milk and vanilla, then mix until just combined. Don’t overmix – a few small lumps are perfectly fine.

Step 3: Prepare the Peaches

In a separate bowl, gently toss your peach wedges with 1/4 cup brown sugar and maple syrup until evenly coated. The sugar will start to draw out the peach juices, creating a natural syrup.

Step 4: Layer and Bake

Once the butter is melted, carefully remove the hot dish from the oven. Layer half of your prepared peaches over the melted butter. Pour the batter evenly over the peaches without stirring (this is important!). Then arrange the remaining peaches on top. Bake for 50-55 minutes until the center is set and the edges turn golden brown.

Step 5: Make the Maple Butter

While the cobbler bakes, prepare your maple butter sauce. Combine butter and maple syrup in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once it starts bubbling, let it boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat. This creates a luscious sauce that takes this cobbler to the next level.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your cobbler warm or at room temperature with a generous drizzle of maple butter and a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t stir the layers! The magic of this cobbler happens when you layer everything without mixing – the batter rises through the fruit during baking.
Peach preparation: If using fresh peaches, look for ripe but firm fruit. No need to peel them unless you prefer a smoother texture.
Check for doneness: The cobbler should be golden brown with the center just set. If it jiggles too much, give it 5 more minutes.
Let it rest: Allow the cobbler to cool for 15-20 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld and makes serving easier.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

This cobbler is absolutely divine with a scoop of vanilla ice cream that melts slightly into the warm dessert. For an extra special touch, add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.

Breakfast Transformation

Believe it or not, leftover cobbler makes an incredible breakfast! Warm it up and top with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a morning treat.

Dress It Up

For dinner parties, serve in individual ramekins with fresh mint leaves and a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover the cooled cobbler with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors actually develop nicely overnight!

Freezing

This cobbler freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or place the entire cobbler (if in an oven-safe dish) in a 300°F oven for about 20 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen peaches work wonderfully in this recipe. No need to thaw them first – just toss them with the sugar and maple syrup while still frozen. You might need to add about 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
My cobbler seems too runny. What did I do wrong?

Peaches naturally vary in juiciness. If your cobbler seems too runny, it might need a bit more baking time, or your peaches might have been extra juicy. Let it cool for 30 minutes before serving, as it will continue to thicken as it cools.
Can I make this cobbler ahead of time for a dinner party?

Yes! You can prepare this cobbler up to a day in advance. Simply reheat it in a 300°F oven for about 20 minutes before serving. The maple butter can also be made ahead and gently reheated.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend. The results will be nearly identical, and your gluten-sensitive guests will thank you.

Final Thoughts

This Old School Easy Brown Sugar Peach Cobbler isn’t just a dessert – it’s a celebration of summer’s bounty wrapped in comforting tradition. There’s something deeply satisfying about creating such a delicious treat with such simple ingredients. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because peaches are in season, this cobbler is sure to become a family favorite. Go ahead, take that first warm, sweet bite and watch as everyone asks for seconds!