Did you know that today (April 13th) is National Peach Cobbler Day? As a lover of all things sweet, I can confidently say that homemade peach cobbler is one of my favorite desserts. The combination of tender, juicy peaches and a buttery, cinnamon-spiced crust is simply irresistible. And while some may argue that fresh peaches are the only way to go, I’m here to tell you that canned peaches can make a delicious cobbler, too.
What is Peach Cobbler?
Peach cobbler is a classic American dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. It is a baked fruit dessert that typically features a layer of sweetened peaches topped with a buttery, crumbly crust. The dish is often served warm and can be enjoyed on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream (which is my preferred way!).
Short History or Peach Cobbler
The origins of peach cobbler are somewhat unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the southern United States in the late 19th century. The dish was likely inspired by British cobblers, which are similar desserts made with a fruit filling and a biscuit-like topping. This dessert was ‘cobbled’ together by the early American settlers using fruit — usually preserved, canned, or dried — and clumps of biscuit dough before baking it over an open fire.
Over time, the recipe evolved to include a variety of fruits and toppings, and today there are countless variations on this classic dessert. Today, peach cobbler is a popular dessert across the United States and is often served at family gatherings, potlucks, and other special occasions. While the dish is traditionally made with fresh peaches, canned peaches (or frozen peaches) can also be used to make a delicious and easy version of this classic dessert.
Peaches originated in China and gradually were spread around the world by traders and settlers. They were brought to the Americas by the Spanish and, it turned out, came to thrive in the heat and mild winters of the American South. Peach cobbler soon became a staple in Southern cooking, and it has remained a beloved dessert ever since.
National Peach Cobbler Day is celebrated on April 13th every year because it is the peak of the peach season in the United States. This day is dedicated to celebrating the delicious and sweet dessert made with fresh peaches and a buttery crust. But, as you can see, you can use also canned peaches for the cobbler!
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, making peach cobbler with canned peaches is a simple and delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth. In this article, I’ll be sharing my favorite recipe for canned peach cobbler, along with tips and variations to help you customize it to your liking. So grab two cans of peaches and let’s get baking!
Recipe: Easy Peach Cobbler with Canned Peaches
When making peach cobbler with canned peaches, it’s important to choose the right type of canned peaches. Look for canned peaches that are packed in light syrup or peach juice, rather than heavy syrup. Heavy syrup will make the cobbler too sweet and overpower the natural flavor of the peaches. The topping for peach cobbler is typically a mixture of flour, granulated sugar, butter, and milk. Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this fabulous peach cobbler:
Ingredients:
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) sliced peaches in light syrup
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C).
- Drain the peach slices, reserving 1/4 cup of the syrup. Spread the peaches evenly in a 9×13-inch ceramic baking dish or glass baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the reserved syrup, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Pour the batter over the peaches and spread it evenly to the edges of the dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45—50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool for 10—15 minutes before serving.
- Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge or the pie pan covered with plastic wrap for up to three days.
As you can see, this recipe is incredibly easy to make and requires only simple ingredients. You can also customize it by adding spices like a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter, or by topping it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Tips
- When using canned peaches for your peach cobbler, it is important to drain them thoroughly before adding them to your dish. This will prevent your cobbler from becoming too watery and will help the crust stay crispy. You can either use a colander or a slotted spoon to remove the excess juice.
- If you prefer a more cake-like texture, try using 1 cup self-rising flour instead of 1 cup all-purpose flour.
- If you want a perfectly crispy crust, consider using a cast-iron skillet to bake your peach cobbler. Cast iron distributes heat evenly and retains it well, which will help your crust bake evenly and become golden brown. Plus, it adds a rustic touch to your presentation. Now that you have some tips for making the perfect peach cobbler, let’s review the recipe.
- If you’re short on time, a peach cobbler dump cake is a great option. Simply dump a can of peaches into a baking dish, top with a box of yellow cake mix, and dot with butter. Bake in the oven until golden brown and bubbly. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a quick and easy dessert.
- To make individual servings, divide the peaches and batter evenly among ramekins and bake for 20—25 minutes.
- Top your peach cobbler with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent treat.
Variations
- For a more decadent version of this recipe, try adding a crumb topping made with brown sugar, oats, and 1/2 stick butter at room temperature (not cold butter!).
- You can also experiment with different fruits, such as apples, berries, or cherries, to create your own unique cobbler recipe.
- For darker color and deeper flavor, use 3/4 cup brown sugar instead of 1 cup white sugar.
- Use frozen peaches instead of canned ones. Remember to thaw and drain your frozen peaches well before using.
- Experiment with different spices like ginger or cardamom.
- For a tangy note, drizzle 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or lime juice on the peach slices before adding the cobbler topping.
- For an adult twist on peach cobbler, add a splash of rum to the filling. This will add a delicious depth of flavor and a subtle kick of alcohol. Be sure to adjust the sugar and lemon juice accordingly, as the rum will add sweetness to the dish. No matter which variation you choose, peach cobbler with canned peaches is a delicious and easy dessert that is sure to please. Experiment with different toppings and flavor combinations to find your perfect peach cobbler recipe.
- For a vegan version of this recipe, substitute the stick of butter with butter-flavored coconut oil and the milk with plant-based milk such as almond milk or coconut milk.
With these tips and variations, you can create a peach cobbler that is uniquely your own. Whether you’re using canned peaches or fresh, this classic dessert is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
And there you have it, a delicious and easy recipe for peach cobbler with canned peaches. This dessert is perfect for any occasion, from a family dinner to a potluck with friends. It is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. So go ahead and give it a try, you won’t be disappointed!