This easy and quick peach cobbler takes minimal effort with canned peaches and a simple batter that bakes into a warm, delicious dessert. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity - no fussing with pie crusts or complicated techniques, just a few basic ingredients that transform into a golden, bubbly cobbler with minimal effort.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This Lazy Man Peach Cobbler is the perfect solution when you're craving a homemade dessert but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen. The magic happens as it bakes - the batter rises to the top while the peaches sink, creating distinct layers of cake-like topping and juicy fruit. It's remarkably simple to prepare yet delivers that comforting, homemade taste that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it uses pantry staples and canned peaches, so you can whip it up any time of year, no fresh fruit required!
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Canned peaches provide the fruity foundation of this cobbler. They're convenient, consistently sweet, and available year-round. Save the juice when draining - it can be used to adjust the sweetness of the cobbler or saved for another use.
Butter creates that irresistible golden crust and adds rich flavor throughout the cobbler. It melts in the baking dish before anything else goes in, helping to create that signature cobbler texture.
Self-rising flour simplifies the recipe by eliminating the need for separate leavening agents. It contains just the right amount of baking powder and salt mixed with all-purpose flour to create the perfect rise in your cobbler.
Granulated sugar sweetens the batter and helps create a slightly crisp top as the cobbler bakes. It also works with the butter to create a caramelized edge around the cobbler.
Milk adds moisture and richness to the batter, helping it achieve that perfect cake-like consistency that defines a good cobbler. It also reacts with the leavening in the self-rising flour to create lightness.
Vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors and adds depth to the cobbler's taste profile. It particularly complements the sweet peach flavor.
Ground cinnamon, though optional, pairs beautifully with peaches and adds a warm, aromatic quality to the dessert. Even just a small amount can transform the flavor profile.
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a 9x9-inch baking dish, pour the melted butter.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the self-rising flour, sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Pour the batter evenly over the melted butter in the baking dish, but do not stir.
- Spoon the drained peaches evenly over the batter.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields 6 generous servings at approximately 275 calories per serving. It takes just 10 minutes to prep and 45-50 minutes to bake, for a total time of about 55 minutes from start to finish. It's perfect for a weeknight dessert when you want something homemade but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Variations
Fresh Peach Cobbler: Replace canned peaches with 2 cups of fresh, sliced peaches. Toss with 2 tablespoons of sugar before adding to the batter.
Mixed Berry Cobbler: Substitute the peaches with 2 cups of mixed berries like blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries for a berry twist.
Spiced Peach Cobbler: Add ¼ teaspoon each of nutmeg and cardamom along with the cinnamon for a more complex spice profile.
Peach-Blueberry Cobbler: Use half peaches and half blueberries for a beautiful color contrast and complementary flavors.
Brown Sugar Variation: Replace half the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
Almond-Peach Cobbler: Add ½ teaspoon of almond extract and top with sliced almonds for a nutty variation.
Storage/Reheating
Room Temperature: The cobbler can be kept at room temperature, covered with a clean kitchen towel, for up to 24 hours.
Refrigerator: For longer storage, cover the cooled cobbler with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Freezer: This cobbler freezes well for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe container.
Reheating: To reheat refrigerated cobbler, warm individual portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds. For frozen cobbler, thaw overnight in the refrigerator then reheat in a 300°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat from frozen at 300°F for about 25-30 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peaches instead of canned?
Yes, you can definitely use fresh peaches. You'll need about 2 cups of sliced fresh peaches. If they're not very sweet, toss them with 2 tablespoons of sugar before adding them to the batter. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but equally delicious.
What if I don't have self-rising flour?
You can easily make your own self-rising flour by combining 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Mix these ingredients thoroughly before using in the recipe.
Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar to ¾ cup if you prefer a less sweet dessert. The texture may be slightly different, but the cobbler will still turn out well. If using fresh peaches, you might want to retain more sugar as they're often less sweet than canned varieties.
Why shouldn't I stir the batter and butter together?
This is part of the magic of this cobbler recipe! By not stirring, you allow the batter to float on top of the butter, creating distinct layers as it bakes. The butter rises up through the batter, creating a golden, slightly crisp crust while keeping the interior moist.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in a 9x13-inch baking dish. The baking time may need to be increased by 5-10 minutes, so keep an eye on it and test for doneness with a toothpick.
How do I know when the cobbler is done baking?
The cobbler is done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake portion comes out clean. The edges should be bubbling slightly, and there should be no wet batter visible.
What can I serve with this peach cobbler?
Vanilla ice cream is the classic pairing, but whipped cream, crème fraîche, or a drizzle of heavy cream are all delicious options. For a breakfast twist, try it with a dollop of Greek yogurt.
Can I make this cobbler ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this cobbler up to a day in advance. It actually tastes better after it has had time to set. Simply reheat before serving for that fresh-baked experience.
Why are my peaches sinking to the bottom?
This is actually normal for this style of cobbler. As the cobbler bakes, the batter rises to the top while the heavier peaches sink. If you want more peaches on top, you can reserve some to add halfway through the baking time.
Can I use other fruits in this recipe?
Absolutely! This versatile cobbler recipe works well with many fruits. Try it with berries, apples, pears, or a combination of fruits. Just make sure they're similar in moisture content to peaches for the best results.
Conclusion
This Improved Lazy Man Peach Cobbler proves that delicious, homemade desserts don't have to be complicated or time-consuming. With its warm, cinnamon-scented peaches nestled under a golden, buttery crust, it delivers all the comfort and satisfaction of a traditional cobbler with minimal effort. It's the perfect solution for busy weeknights, unexpected guests, or anytime you need a simple but impressive dessert. The beauty of this recipe lies not just in its simplicity, but in how it transforms basic ingredients into something truly special. Whether you serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy it on its own, this cobbler is sure to become a regular in your dessert rotation.
Improved Lazy Man Peach Cobbler
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy and quick peach cobbler takes minimal effort with canned peaches and a simple batter that bakes into a warm, delicious dessert.
Ingredients
1 (15 oz) can of peaches, drained and juice reserved
½ cup butter, melted
1 cup self-rising flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a 9x9-inch baking dish, pour the melted butter.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the self-rising flour, sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Pour the batter evenly over the melted butter in the baking dish, but do not stir.
- Spoon the drained peaches evenly over the batter.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Optional: You can use fresh peaches if desired, but ensure they are peeled and sliced.
- For added texture, try sprinkling coarse sugar or chopped nuts on top before baking.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 275 kcal
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
