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Chef John's Peach Cobbler

This recipe crafts a delightful peach cobbler, combining tender, spiced peaches with a hint of lemon zest, all nestled under a golden, cake-like topping. The simple batter bakes into a comforting crust that perfectly complements the sweet, bubbly fruit filling. It's a classic dessert, ideal for showcasing the natural sweetness of summer peaches and best served warm.
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Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 6 people
Calories 3550.7 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 9x13 inch Baking Dish Or similar size, oven-safe dish
  • 1 Medium Saucepan For simmering the peach filling
  • 2 Mixing Bowls One for peaches, one for batter
  • 1 Whisk For preparing the batter
  • 1 Vegetable Peeler or Paring Knife For preparing fresh peaches

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 5 cups fresh peaches - peeled pitted, and sliced
  • 0.125 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 0.5 cup butter melted
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1.5 cups self-rising flour
  • 1.5 cups milk

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Peel, pit, and slice the fresh peaches.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup white sugar, 1 cup water, 0.125 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder, and 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  • Add the sliced peaches to the simmering syrup and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly.
  • Melt 0.5 cup butter and pour it evenly into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup white sugar, 1.5 cups self-rising flour, and 1.5 cups milk until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
  • Carefully pour the batter evenly over the melted butter in the baking dish; do not stir or mix them together.
  • Gently spoon the peach mixture, including the syrup, over the batter in the baking dish. Again, do not stir.
  • Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbly and tender.
  • Remove the cobbler from the oven and let it cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving, allowing the filling to set. Serve warm.

Notes

1. For the best flavor, choose ripe but firm peaches. A quick blanch in boiling water followed by an ice bath will make peeling effortless. If fresh peaches are out of season, high-quality frozen peaches (thawed and drained) or canned peaches (drained) can be used, adjusting sugar to taste. 2. The Chinese five-spice powder offers a subtle warmth; ensure it's fresh for optimal aroma. The lemon zest is crucial for brightening the overall fruit flavor, so do not omit it. 3. Avoid overmixing the cobbler batter; a few small lumps are perfectly acceptable and contribute to a tender texture. Overmixing can lead to a tough topping. 4. Allow the cobbler to rest for at least 15-20 minutes after baking; this allows the fruit filling to set and prevents it from being too runny upon serving. Serve warm with vanilla bean ice cream or freshly whipped cream for an indulgent experience.