Last spring, a thunderstorm rolled in right as I finished reorganizing the pantry—a project I’d put off for weeks. The rain tapped the windows, my dog curled up by the door, and that sweet, lazy rhythm of a quiet afternoon set in. That’s when I spotted a can of peaches tucked behind the flour, hiding like a forgotten treasure. Something about that moment—gray skies, warm kitchen, the scent of butter already in the air—nudged me toward baking something comforting.

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I didn’t have fresh fruit or fancy pastry dough, but I had the essentials. This peach cobbler came together like a little kitchen miracle: simple ingredients, barely any fuss, and the kind of dessert that tastes like home. I remember peeking through the oven window as the cobbler puffed and browned, the peaches peeking out like golden gems. It filled the house with a buttery, warm scent that felt like a cozy hug.

That day reminded me that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. This peach cobbler became one of those recipes I now turn to again and again—not just for the taste, but for the way it lifts an ordinary afternoon into something golden.

Short Description

This easy Peach Cobbler with canned peaches is buttery, soft, and golden on top, with juicy fruit baked right in. It comes together quickly with pantry staples and delivers the taste of summer in every bite.

Key Ingredients

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup milk
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
2 cups canned peaches, drained

Tools Needed

8×8 or 9×9-inch baking dish (microwave-safe)
Medium mixing bowl
Whisk
Measuring cups & spoons
Spatula or spoon
Oven mitts

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives you time to prep while it warms up.

Step 2: Melt the Butter
Place the stick of unsalted butter directly in your baking dish. Microwave until fully melted (about 40–60 seconds, depending on your microwave). Set the dish aside but don’t stir anything yet.

Step 3: Make the Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, milk, baking powder, and salt until you get a smooth, pourable batter. It should look like pancake batter—no lumps, but not too thin.

Step 4: Pour the Batter Over the Butter
Pour the batter gently over the melted butter in the dish. Do not mix them together. The layers will shift and rise beautifully on their own as it bakes.

Step 5: Add the Peaches
Scatter the drained canned peaches evenly over the batter. Again, do not stir—let them float naturally. The batter will rise up and bake around the peaches.

Step 6: Bake the Cobbler
Carefully place the dish in the center of your oven. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is puffed, golden brown, and the edges are slightly crispy. A toothpick inserted in the cake part should come out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the cobbler rest for at least 10–15 minutes before serving. The filling thickens slightly as it cools, and the flavors settle.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Minimal ingredients – Pantry staples, no fancy equipment

Quick and easy – No need for peeling or slicing fresh fruit

Golden, buttery crust – Bakes into a soft, slightly crisp topping

Juicy fruit center – Sweet peaches in every bite

Versatile and crowd-pleasing – Perfect for family dinners or potlucks

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Stirring the batter after adding butter or peaches
Solution: Don’t touch it! Let the layers remain separated for that classic cobbler texture.

Using cold ingredients
Solution: Ensure milk and butter are at room temperature or melted. This helps with even mixing and rise.

Overbaking
Solution: Keep a close eye around the 35-minute mark. Look for golden brown edges and a firm center.

Not draining peaches properly
Solution: Too much juice can make the batter soggy. Drain canned peaches well before adding.

Using a dish that’s too large
Solution: Stick to an 8×8 or 9×9-inch dish for the perfect batter-to-fruit ratio and ideal thickness.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve the cobbler warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It’s also delicious with a drizzle of cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. Great for potlucks, family-style dinners, or plated individually for dessert.

Pair it with:

– Hot coffee or chai tea

– Iced herbal tea in the summer

– A scoop of cinnamon or butter pecan ice cream for extra indulgence

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freeze: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheat: Warm in the oven at 300°F for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual servings for 30 seconds. Add a splash of milk if it feels dry.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh or frozen peaches instead of canned?
Yes! Just make sure to peel and slice fresh peaches or thaw frozen ones completely before using.

2. Should I use heavy syrup or juice-packed canned peaches?
Either works, but if you prefer a less sweet cobbler, go for juice-packed. Just be sure to drain well.

3. Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely. Use a 9×13-inch dish and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes, checking for doneness.

4. Why didn’t my cobbler rise properly?
It could be due to old baking powder. Make sure yours is fresh, and don’t overmix the batter.

5. Can I add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg?
Yes! Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced twist.

Tips & Tricks

Warm your milk slightly before mixing—it blends more easily and helps with rising.

Use salted butter if that’s all you have—just skip the added salt in the recipe.

Let it rest after baking—the filling thickens and cuts more cleanly.

For crispier edges, bake in a metal pan instead of glass or ceramic.

Want extra peachy flavor? Add 2 tablespoons of peach syrup to the batter (but reduce sugar slightly).

Recipe Variations

1. Cinnamon-Spiced Peach Cobbler
Add ½ tsp ground cinnamon and ¼ tsp ground nutmeg to the batter. The warm spices deepen the flavor and pair well with peaches.

2. Berry-Peach Cobbler
Replace ½ cup of peaches with fresh or frozen blueberries or raspberries. Adds a tart pop of color and flavor. Bake as directed.

3. Gluten-Free Version
Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix. No other changes needed—just check texture before baking.

4. Almond Peach Cobbler
Stir ½ tsp almond extract into the batter and top with sliced almonds before baking for a nutty twist.

5. Caramel Peach Cobbler
Before baking, drizzle 2 tablespoons of caramel sauce over the peaches. The result? A rich, gooey finish.

Final Thoughts

The kind of dessert doesn’t try too hard, but always satisfies. I like how the batter magically rises to cradle the fruit, creating golden edges and tender bites. It doesn’t require planning or perfection—just a can of peaches and a little trust in the process.

I’ve brought this to backyard picnics, served it during cozy nights in, and once even shared it over Zoom with friends baking along from their own kitchens. Each time, someone ends up asking for the recipe. And each time, I smile—because they’re about to discover something sweet, simple, and unforgettable.